August 2, Microsoft started to roll out Windows 10 Anniversary update (1607) to celebrate the first year of Windows 10
In this post (Part 1 of 2) I will highlight some of the most important new features in this update. Windows 10 Anniversary update, is the second big update to Windows 10 after 1511, that was released late in 2015. This new upgrade will be rollout slowly and will not be available for all at the same time. The installation will be just like with the 1511 update, where Windows 10 will be installed from scratch and all data and settings will be transferred to the new installation. The old windows installation will be located in a Windows.old folder giving you the option to rollback if you don’t like the new update. The upgrade process is working that well, that you might even notice that your system has been upgraded. Be aware that this time, you only have 10 days to rollback before the old installation files will be automatically removed to free up disk space on your system drive.
What is new in Anniversary Update
Dark theme
With update 1607 we now have the possibility to change the default white theme to a dark theme for those who don’t want everything to be white and shiny. I know a lot of people don’t want that white look that many apps and OS has forced upon us the last couple of years. With the dark theme all apps and settings will now be on dark background.
Microsoft Edge Browser Extensions
When the new Edge browser was introduced in the first version of Windows 10 there was no support for extensions. With the new update the first extensions are now available. One of my favorite is AdBlock, but also “Pinterest Save” and “Save to Pocket” is available for Microsoft Edge Browser.
Windows Defender Improvement
With the new update Windows Defender has been updated a bit. It is smarter and can now work with other 3rd party antivirus programs. One of the new features is called Limited Periodic Scanning. This feature will scan your system when you don’t use it. This feature is only available when you have other 3rd party antivirus system installed. It is an extra feature you can enable under Settings -> Update & Security if you would like to. It is disabled by default. Another new feature is Windows Defender Offline that will reboot your computer and make an offline scan. It can be useful if you have a virus that can’t be removed when you are online and all services is running.
Windows 10 introduce Linux Bash Shell
Yep, it is true, Windows 10 know makes it possible to install a Linux bash shell to use in top of Windows. You can use many of the command from Linux against the Windows filesystem and use editors line Nano and VI if you prefer that. Linux have some great commands when it comes to searching for files and working with text-files. With bash shell we can now take advantage of that in Windows 10.
Taskbar Date and Watch now gets Calendar integration
One of the first thing I noticed about this update was that clock and Action center has switch location in the notification area. Now the Action center is in the corner and have had a little make over. Also the clock in the notification area has been updated. When clicked on you now get a full calendar and quick access to the calendar app. You can see your upcoming Appointment or add new right from the notification area.
Another nice features for those of you who runs with multiple displays. The clock are now shown on all screens. That is very nice if you often use Remote desktop or all full screen apps on your computer.
Part 2 coming soon..
Early in the process of writing this post, I found that I had to split it into two separate posts. This Anniversary updated is packed with so many new features and improvement and I wanted to include as much as possible, so you will have to wait for the next post to read about the rest of the goodies Microsoft have put into this great update. Hope to see you back soon for Part 2.
I’ll have to keep an eye out for the update Thomas, now if only the update would fix the loss of sound that the Windows 7 to 10 upgrade did originally to my PC … lol
Hi Karen
Have you check for updated drivers to your soundcard/motherboard. I think your issue should be fixable on less your you are running on very old hardware. Not sure the update itself will fix your issue.
Yep done all that Thomas, I have ended up using the jack socket with external speakers instead of the internal ones, very strange!
What computer/motherboard do you have Karen? It really should be fixable, unless your computer is very old.
Hi Thomas,
Actually i have also face a problem once with my wifi connection and usb ports, they were stop working after update. But then i rollback them and they worked fine after that. Overall my experiance with Windows 10 is awesome great!!, now waiting for new update.:)
Hi Tarun
It can always be a good idea to check for and update device drivers after upgrading operating system. Even if everything seems to work you might benefit from updating everything from the vendor of your motherboard. I like Windows 10 a lot too 🙂
Thats cool, i never did that before.I just update and sit. 🙂 Thanks Thomas next time will take care of this
Hey Thomas,
Thanks for consolidating the updates of Windows 10.
I’m eagerly waiting for upgraded version and yes, the theme and extensions features seem great.
Great to know that the security has been enhanced and Linux Bash shell integration is cool.
Sure, I’ll be visiting to read your second part. Keep your good work.
Hi Nirmala
I just posted part 2 today 🙂
Hello Thomas,
your provided update is really informative for me and i read your part 2 also its very nice update about window 10
Thanks for sharing
Really enjoying Windows 10. Thanks for sharing this detailed and informative post!