You can download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update now, here’s how to get it

Here's how to download and install the Windows 10 Anniversary Update on your PC, laptop, tablet, or phone before it's officially released.

Download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update

Microsoft is officially rolling out the Windows 10 Anniversary Update on August 2nd. However, if you can’t wait until the official release, you can easily get it now before it’s available to the masses.

By now we already know that Microsoft will be deploying Windows 10 build 14393.x as the final version. This means that technically Windows Insider members are already running the Anniversary Update.

Previously, perhaps it wasn’t recommended to install a preview release, because of bugs and possible issues with some features. However, by now all the big problems had been worked out. In fact, we’re not expecting Microsoft to roll out any new test preview of the operating system, moving forward we’ll only see cumulative updates like on any other version of Windows.

Additionally, starting with Windows 10 build 14393, you can now unenroll your device (e.g., PC and Mobile) from the Windows Insider Program without having to wipe out and reinstall Windows 10.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to get the Windows 10 Anniversary Update before anyone else.

How to download and install the Windows 10 Anniversary Update

Important: Before moving forward make sure to make a full backup of your computer in case things goes wrong.
  1. Use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app.

  2. Click Update & security.

  3. Click Advanced options.

  4. Under Get Insider Preview builds, click the Get started button, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the enrollment.

    get-insider-builds-windows-10

  5. Go back to Windows Update and click Check for updates. After enrolling your device to the Insider program, it can take a while before you see the new update. Typically, it can take a day or two.

  6. Once the Windows 10 Anniversary Update download, click the Restart button to complete the process.

  7. After the installation completes, use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut to the Settings app.

  8. Click Update & security.

  9. Click Windows Insider Program.

  10. Hit the Stop Insider Preview builds button.

    stop-insider-preview-builds-windows-10

  11. Click the Need to stop getting Insider builds completely?

    need-stop-getting-builds-completely-windows-10

  12. Click Confirm.

    confirm-unenroll-windows-10

  13. Click Restart Now.

    restart-pc-optout-windows-insider

After the computer reboots, you’ll be completely out of the Windows Insider Program, but with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update installed on your computer. Also note that the same exactly instructions will work with Windows 10 Mobile.

The only caveat with this process is that after opting out, your computer won’t receive any more updates until the Anniversary Update becomes publicly available. This means that it’s recommended not to opt out of the program until August 2nd to stay up to date. Then updates will resume normally.

It’s important to note that there might still be a few remaining unknown bugs, as such if you’re not ready to deal with any issues, it’s recommended that you wait until the update arrives automatically to your computer after August 2nd. 

You can try using the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open Run command, type winver, and you can then confirm that you’re running the latest version of the operating system without expiration or anything.

Are you waiting or installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update now? Tell us in the comments below.

Update, August 2, 2016: The Windows 10 Anniversary Update will be available from 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST through Windows Update.

Update 2, August 2, 2016: The Anniversary Update is now available, here’s how to download it on your PC.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.