Microsoft is officially launching the Anniversary Update for Windows 10 on August 2, 2016. The new version of the operating system will be available simultaneously for laptops, tablets, phones, desktop PCs, and even the Xbox One as a free update. In addition, Microsoft is planning to bring the Anniversary Update to HoloLens and other devices running Windows 10 soon after the PC/phone/Xbox launch.
The Anniversary Update is the biggest update yet to Windows 10, and it includes a lot of new features and changes thanks to feedback from users and participants in the Windows Insider Program. Some of the new changes include the addition of Windows Ink for pen-enabled devices, updates to the Start menu and Action Center, improvements to the Settings app and extension support for Microsoft Edge.
Is your device getting the update on August 2nd?
Indeed this is a big release, but even though the Windows 10 Anniversary Update will be available worldwide, one important question remains: Will you be getting the update on August 2nd?
The short answer is probably, as there are various factors to consider. Although the Anniversary Update for Windows 10 is available on August 2nd, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will get the update the same day.
It's a slow roll out
Microsoft is planning to roll out the new update gradually to everyone, meaning that it will take time for the update to reach everyone. Usually, it can take a couple of days, and even a few weeks, for devices to download and install a significant update like this one.
It's designed that way, mainly because of possible issues during the rollout. While the Windows 10 Anniversary Update can be considered one of the most stable versions of the operating system, there is always a chance of something breaking or new bugs during the release.
Delivering the update slowly can help the company to minimize the number of affected devices, and pull out the update as necessary.
Only select devices will get the update first
Getting the update will also depend on various factors, such as the kind of device you're using, how you installed the operating system, and your geographical location, as Microsoft will be delivering the update on stages.
Initially, the Windows 10 Anniversary Update will arrive for Surface devices, then to devices that originally came with Windows 10, and then the update will reach everyone else.
Windows Update server overload
Then there is the problem of server overload and bandwidth. While Microsoft will be provisioning a lot of servers and enough bandwidth for the rollout, during the first few days, thousands of devices will be trying to contact the Windows Update servers to download the update. Depending on resources available, your device may get queued up delaying the download.
Alternative ways to get the Anniversary Update on August 2nd
If your device doesn't seem to be getting the update on launch day, and you can't wait a little longer, there are alternative methods to skip the queue and get the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
You can either join the Windows Insider Program now and install the latest preview build (currently the final version that Microsoft is rolling out to everyone), and then leave the Insider Program after August 2nd to get back onto the public release schedule.
Alternatively, you can use the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade, which is exactly the same process as using Windows Update — you'll just be downloading and triggering the update with a different tool. The only caveat is that Microsoft is known to delay the availability of new versions through alternative methods to test the reliability of Windows Update. This means that it could take a little bit of time until you can use the Media Creation Tool to update your device.
Both of these alternative methods are explained in our step-by-step guide detailing how to get the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
Wrapping things up
Although the development of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update is finally complete, the biggest test for Microsoft begins on August 2nd when they push that red button to unleash the update.
Without a doubt, many users will be eager to download the new update. If you're one of them, be patient. If your device doesn't see the update, don't worry — it's totally normal behavior on a slow roll out.
How important is for you to get the Windows 10 Anniversary Update on August 2nd? Let us know in the comments below.
More Windows 10 resources
For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
- Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
- Windows 10 forums on Windows Central
