Summary
This unofficial FAQ is intended to provide details and clarification about exciting changes coming to Windows in 2016. Windows 10 includes a streamlined user interface that spans Desktop and Mobile devices in addition to the company's popular gaming console, the XBOX One. Microsoft recently released the first build for the next major update to the company’s flagship operating system Windows 10 Anniversary Update, 1607.
Details
What is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is the name for Microsoft’s current client operating system.
What is the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update, version 1607, is the next major revision of Windows 10. Previous versions include Windows 10 November Update, 1511, Windows 10 RTM, 1507. For a list of what's new, scroll down further.
When will Microsoft release the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
August 2nd 2016.
Is the Windows 10 Anniversary Update free?
Yes, it is a free upgrade for computers/devices running a genuine activated copy of Windows 10.
I upgraded to Windows 10 (build 1511 or 1507), then I downgraded to my previous version of Windows 7 or Windows 8. Can I still get the Windows 10 Anniversary Update for free?
You will need to determine if your initial Windows 10 upgrade was activated. If it was, then the machine should have a Digital License. If it does, you can upgrade to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update; it should automatically reactivate.
About Digital License
When you upgraded from a previous version of Windows, what happened is the hardware (your PC) will get a digital license, where a unique signature of the computer will be stored on Microsoft Activation Servers. The Windows 7 or Windows 8 genuine license you were previously running will be exchanged for a diagnostics key.
Anytime you need to reinstall Windows 10 on that machine, just proceed to reinstall Windows 10. It will automatically reactivate.
So, there is no need to know or get a product key, if you need to reinstall Windows 10, you can use your Windows 7 or Windows 8 product key or use the reset function in Windows 10.
Learn more:
Three Ways to Upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update
Which editions will the Windows 10 Anniversary Update be available in?
- Windows 10 Home Anniversary Update
- Windows 10 Pro Anniversary Update
- Windows 10 Pro Education
- Windows 10 Enterprise Anniversary Update
- Windows 10 Education Anniversary Update
- Windows 10 Mobile Anniversary Update
What is the build number of the public release?
Build 14393 (current), previously 10240 (July 2015) and 10586 (November 2015)
What is current build number for Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
Build 14393.10
How do I know if I have build 14393 installed?
Resource: How to know the Edition, Architecture, Channel and build of Windows 10 installed.
How will I know if my computer can run Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
System requirements
If you want to upgrade to Windows 10 on your PC or tablet, here’s what it takes.
Latest OS: Make sure you are running the latest version either Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
For Windows 8.1, see the following article:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/install-latest-update-windows-8-1
For Windows 7, see the following article:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/learn-how-to-install-windows-7-service-pack-1-sp1
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS 20 GB for 64-bit OS
Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display: 1024x600
How much actual free disk space is required by Windows 10 setup?
Windows 10 uses approximately 10 GBs of disk space. The minimum disk space available is to facilitate the installation process. Some install files are compressed and need to be expanded during setup. Some files are temporary and are deleted during or after installation. Also, because you might have data and apps on the hard disk, they will be moved around during migration.
Is build 14393 of Windows 10 made available August 2nd 2016 recommended for everyday use?
The Windows 10 (which was made available to the general public on August 2nd 2016) is a complete copy of the software that is designated as ready and fit for use in production environments. To reach this milestone, a particular build has to go through a series of thorough regression test and optimizations to reach a level of quality satisfactory for production. Unlike pre-release builds of Windows 10 the Windows 10 available today does not expire.
What does RTM mean?
RTM means Release to Manufacturing; which is a milestone in software development. Not specifically relevant to Windows 10, but symbolically in the past, it determined when a build is ready for production environments where it can be deployed and be used for everyday computing and preloaded on new computers.
I have multiple computers, do I have to download Windows 10 on each computer?
You can download a .ISO file then upgrade each computer offline.
How to: upgrade from previous versions of Windows using Windows 10 ISO file
How will I get the final release of Windows 10 1607?
The public release of the next major update will be delivered through Windows Update.
Will the Windows 10 Anniversary Update keep my personal files, applications and settings?
Yes, your personal files, applications and settings will be preserved.
Are there any instructions about how to install the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
- How to Upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 using Windows Update
- How to Upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update version 1607 using ISO File
How can I ensure the Windows 10 Anniversary Update installs without problems?
Can I perform a clean install instead of an upgrade or update?
Yes, you can download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update ISO then perform a clean install. For instructions how to perform a clean install, review:
How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10
I already have USB Windows 10 Recovery Drive (build 10240 or 10586). Will I need to update this thumb drive?
Yes, you will need to create a new USB thumb drive with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update files.
I recently upgraded to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, but I am unable to activate.
Use a Digital License to Manage and Activate Windows 10 Anniversary Update
I want to dual boot instead of replace my current version of Windows.
If you need to install Windows 10 Anniversary Update on a separate hard disk or partition, you will need to purchase a full license.
Retail pricing information:
| Edition | Pricing |
| Windows 10 Home | US $119 |
| Windows 10 Pro | US $199 |
| Windows 10 Pro Pack | US $99 |
Please note the Windows 10 Pro Pack can only be used to upgrade Windows 10 Home.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-10-faq
I don't want to purchase Windows 10 Anniversary Update, I just want to evaluate it.
- You can download the Windows 10 Enterprise 90 day trial.
- You can also setup Windows 10 in a Virtual Machine if your computer is powerful enough.
How to: install the latest Windows 10 Build in Oracle VirtualBox
How to setup a virtual machine using Hyper-V - Resource: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-10-enterprise
- How to: setup a dual boot configuration with Windows 10 and previous versions of Windows
Will there be Anniversary Update revisions of LTSB versions of Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise?
Yes, the Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 release will be available on October 1st 2016; this includes ISO files, product keys and hotfixes.
The Windows 10 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 revision, will require new KMS (CSVLK) and MAK product keys, and for older Windows Server-based KMS machines, hotfixes will need to be installed to support the new product keys.
What is Windows 10 Enterprise E3 and Windows 10 Enterprise E5?
Windows 10 Enterprise E3 and E5 are new subscription based editions of Windows 10 Enterprise for enterprise customers. These versions are delivered as part of a wider suite of services such as Office 365, Dynamics Azure and Enterprise Mobility + Security. An exclusive service available only to Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 called Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection. The service will cost $84 per user, per year and will require an approved Cloud Service Provider.
Learn more: Microsoft Introduces Windows 10 Enterprise Subscriptions
Will other editions of Windows 10 also become subscriptions?
No, other editions such as Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise and Mobile will not become subscriptions and will be updated for free using the same release cadence. Volume License customers with Software Assurance can continue to deploy and use Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise just as they do today.
Microsoft says Windows 10 Pro installations can be upgraded to Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 within 2 minutes. How is this done?
A license is assigned to a user through Azure Active Directory. When the user signs in, the upgrade is performed on the fly. This can also be done presently for standard Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise installations by updating the product key values using a Windows 10 Enterprise Volume License Key. credit to Michael Niehaus (Microsoft) for clarification.
What are the minimum system requirements to run the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
If you want to upgrade to Windows 10 on your PC or tablet, here’s what it takes.
Latest OS: Make sure you are running the latest version either Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
For Windows 8.1, see the following article:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/install-latest-update-windows-8-1
For Windows 7, see the following article:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/learn-how-to-install-windows-7-service-pack-1-sp1
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS 20 GB for 64-bit OS
Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display: 1024x600
I am running Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 10 Education, how will I upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
The ability to upgrade Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 10 will depend on your employer and Network/IT Administrators discretion. This is especially the case if you are connected to a workplace/school/domain.
Volume License clients such as Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise/Education utilizing KMS and MAK licenses should be updated by downloading the installation files for Windows 10 from the volume license servicing center, or TechNet/MSDN if you have a subscription or install based on your employers parameters.
Students running Windows 10 Education not connected to a business network might be able to download updated ISO files from the Download Academics Products website.
Windows 10 Education users can also use Windows Update or the Media Creation Tool to update to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
The upgrade is reporting I do not have enough space.
- If you are running Windows 8 and earlier, see: How to free up disk space in Windows
- If you are running Windows 10 or later, see:
- How to Use the Windows 10 Settings App to Free Up ... - groovyPost
- How to Install Windows 10 on Devices with Limited Space
Which versions of Windows can I upgrade from to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
Windows 10 1507 (build 10240), Windows 10 1511 (10586), Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 and Windows 8.1 with Update 1.
If I buy Windows 10 Home or Pro today, will I get the free upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
Yes, computers running Windows 10 are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
What about computers running Windows earlier versions such as Windows 7 or Windows 8?
Computers running earlier versions of Windows 7 or Windows 8 must upgrade to Windows 10 before July 29th in order to be eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update. If you do not upgrade before then, you will need to purchase Windows 10 license.
My computer is running Windows 7 or Windows 8, but I don't want to upgrade right now. Is there anyway I can still get the free upgrade without missing out?
The Windows 10 Free Upgrade Offer ended on July 29th 2016 officially. It is now August 2016, the official recommendation for users who missed the free upgrade offer, is to purchase a full license.
There might still be a small window of opportunity, its worth a try.
If the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant becomes stuck or unresponsive at various percentages: 0%, 32%, 62%, 87%, 99%, please wait at least 4 to 7 hours. If you are updating through Windows Update, when the download reaches 99% disconnect from the Internet LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi then proceed with the installation.
If setup does not progress, close the wizard then restart your computer. Follow the instructions to upgrade manually using the Media Creation Tool or the Windows 10 ISO file.
Three Ways to Upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update
If setup did not complete on time and you experience problems activating. Contact Chat support after the Windows 10 installation is complete. Click Start > All Apps > Contact Support. Explain your situation to the chat agent.
Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support
How can I identify if I have the Windows 10 Anniversary Update installed?
Press Windows key + R then type: winver hit Enter on your keyboard. Look at the OS version number which is 14393 or later.
What are some of the new features and improvements in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
- Get Started with the New Start Menu in Windows 10 Anniversary Update
- Five Extensions for Microsoft Edge and How to Use Them
- Working in Tablet Mode in Windows 10 Anniversary Update
- Windows 10 Anniversary Update Color Personalization Settings
- Customize Taskbar Settings in Windows 10 Anniversary Update
- Set Up a Mobile Hotspot in Windows 10 Anniversary Update
- New OneDrive Universal App Arrives for Windows 10
- Getting Started with the Windows 10 Inking Feature
- Get Started with Bash in Windows 10 Anniversary Update
- How to Manage Windows Update with Active Hours Feature
- Windows 10 Anniversary Update Tip: Use Inking with Sticky Notes and Cortana
- Customize Taskbar Settings in Windows 10 Anniversary Update
Will my existing apps and hardware drivers work on Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
If they currently work in Windows 10 builds 10240 or 10586, they should work on the Anniversary Update too.
You can also download the Windows 10 Reservation App and use it to check your system readiness.
How to reserve your free upgrade to Windows 10
When does the Windows 10 Anniversary Update Previews expire?
October 1st 2016.
I have updated to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, but I would like to leave the Windows 10 Insider Program.
Click Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Insider Program > Stop Insider Preview Builds. Please note, you must have upgraded from a genuine, activated Windows 7 or Windows 10 license in order to do this or consider purchasing a full license.
I left the Windows 10 Insider Program, but Windows is asking me to activate.
If you leave the Windows 10 Insider Program, you must have a genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8 qualifying license to activate Windows 10.
Windows 8.0, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 came preinstalled on my computer, how do I find the product key?
Press Windows key + X
Click Command Prompt (admin)
Enter the following command:
wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
Hit Enter
The product key will be revealed, copy the product key then enter it
Click Start > Settings > Update & security > Activation > Change the product key then enter the new product key then click Next to Activate
If you are unable to activate Windows 10 after all the above and you are certain you have the correct edition installed, then please attempt phone activation:
Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support
Windows 7 came preinstalled on my computer, how do I find the product key?
The product key is usually located on the COA sticker attached to the bottom of your laptop or in the battery compartment. In some rare cases it can also be found in the memory compartment. For tower systems, look at the top or the side of the system unit. It looks like the following:
If the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker is damaged or letters or not legible, you will have to consider the following options:
- Use a digital camera to capture a picture of the COA then enlarge it on your computer.
- If the COA sticker is damaged, then you would need to use the recovery partition to reinstall Windows 7, this will exempt the need to use the product key to activate your Windows 7 installation.
- If your recovery partition is not available or damaged, you should contact the manufacturer of your computer and request a recovery disc set you can use to reinstall Windows 7. They might charge a small shipping and handling fee. This will exempt the need to use the product key also.
- If none of the above options work or is not available, then its best you purchase a new Windows 10 license:
Learn more: How to Activate and resolve common Product key issues in Windows 10
Can I dual boot the Anniversary Update and previous versions of Windows?
Yes: How to: setup a dual boot configuration with Windows 10 and previous versions of Windows
Suppose I do not like the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, how do I go back to my previous build or previous version of Windows?
How to: Rollback to a previous version of Windows from Windows 10
Or
How can I submit feedback about Windows 10 1607 when I install it?
Click Start then type Feedback then hit Enter.
Is there a forum I post questions and also share feedback about my experiences with Windows 10 Redstone?
Yes, you can use the dedicated Windows 10 Insider Forums.
At the 2016 BUILD Conference in San Francisco, CA, Microsoft announced some exciting improvements coming to the next major revision of Windows.
First, a look at the state of Windows 10 over the past 8 months.
- Windows 10 is now running on 270 million systems world wide, it is the fastest growing version of Windows for consumers and enterprises.
- 1.2 Billion Office users will be able to access applications built on Windows 10
- 60% growth in the last month for Windows Store apps.
- 500 devices have been launched by partners for Windows 10.
- 1,000 changes coming in Visual Studio Update 2 Software Development Kit for Windows 10.
- Designer for Visual Studio with support for Apple iOS
- Facebook delivering universal apps such as Instagram and Messenger for Windows 10.
- New Web Hosted Apps such as BBC iPlayer, TED coming to the Windows Store in 2016.
- WIN32 app converter available today to make it easy to bring universal apps improvements to desktop apps courtesy of Centennial.
What is the Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
- The Windows 10 Anniversary Update is a free upgrade for Windows 10 PC's and devices coming this summer. The original codename for Windows 10 Anniversary Update was 'Redstone' which is still used on developer previews.
What are some of the key new features coming in Windows 10 Anniversary Update?
- Improved Windows Inking Workspace, learn more: Getting Started with the Windows 10 Inking Feature
- Extensions Support in Microsoft Edge, learn more: How to: Install and use Extensions in Microsoft Edge
- Cortana includes support for additional languages and enhancements such as support for Inking. You can easily search and find music.
- Microsoft Edge will be the first web browser to support biometric authentication. You will be able to log into websites and applications using Windows Hello.
- Windows 10 Anniversary Update includes deep inking support with support for simultaneous touch and pen.
- New Ink Workspace available in Windows 10
- Draw enhancements with ink in Office and virtual ruler alignment.
- Windows Ink applied to 3D maps will adjust on screen as you move them around.
- You can transform ink notes in Cortana into actions.
- Cortana Digital Assistant will include voice control for your PC/Device.
- BASH Command Line Tools coming to the Windows Store - will make it easy for developers to build and manage systems on Windows.
- Support for BASH Command Line Tools:
How to: Enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux
Get Started with Bash on Ubuntu on Windows - Basics for the new user.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Microsoft is building an exciting development platform experience for developers going forward.
As new information becomes available, this FAQ will be updated.
Resources:
