Anniversary Update is the official name Microsoft is giving to the next major update of Windows 10. The company made the announcement during its annual Build developer conference. The Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) — formerly known as “Redstone 1” was officially released on August 2, 2016, as a free update for customers.

The new update brings a number of improvements and feature based on feedback provided by the users in the Windows Insider Program. Some of these changes includes, extensions and biometric authentication for Microsoft Edge, improvements on Cortana and Action Center, Windows Hello, an improved Start menu; Microsoft will also introduce Windows Ink, which is a new pen experience on Windows 10, and various UI tweaks.

The Anniversary Update improves OneCore, which is the heart of Windows that is shared across devices, and it will make it easier for developers to build Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps.

Among other changes, we’ll see more on Project Centennial that allows desktop applications to appear in the Store, and Project Islandwood to let developers brings Apple iOS apps into Windows. Microsoft will also push big on universal AAA video game titles coming to PC and Xbox.

Windows 10 Redstone will release in three waves: Redstone 1 (Anniversary Update) arrived in August 2016, Redstone 2 (Cretors Update) will release in spring 2017, Redstone 3 (RS3) is expected to release in summer 2017.

Windows 10 Anniversary Update is available for PC, tablet, phone, IoT, HoloLens, and Xbox One.

Windows 10 release date and technical details

  • OS: Windows 10
  • Official name: Anniversary Update
  • Version: 1607
  • Build: 14393
  • Codename: Redstone 1
  • Release date: August 2, 2016
  • Start of service: August 2, 2016
  • End of service: April 10, 2018
  • Delayed: No
  • Price: Free (on PCs already running the OS)

Useful resources