Windows 10 Anniversary Update: 5 Key Business Features

Microsoft's $1 Billion-Plus Acquisitions: 9 Big Bets

Microsoft has confirmed Aug. 2 as the launch date for its Windows 10 Anniversary Update. The free upgrade is one of the biggest to hit the OS since it was released to the general public, at no cost, on July 29, 2015.

Since its release, Redmond reports that more than 350 million devices are running Windows 10, and that users have spent more than 135 billion hours on it. The company plans to have 1 billion devices running Windows 10 by its third anniversary in July 2018, and so far the company is on track to reach that goal.

As part of its Windows-as-a-service strategy, Microsoft has been testing and releasing updates to Windows 10 since its launch. Windows Insiders have most recently been testing the new features included in the Anniversary Update, which will bring several major changes to the OS.

[Read: One forced Windows 10 upgrade has cost Microsoft $10,000.] 

The Anniversary Update was first announced at this year's Microsoft Build developers conference. Execs demoed a range of new features, including the new Windows Ink digital pen hub and Cortana's availability on the lock screen.

The changes arriving in this update target consumers and businesses, but some are more geared towards the enterprise. Let's take a closer look at the updates that business users can be excited about as Aug. 2 approaches:

Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection

Security is core to the Anniversary Update, especially for business users. The increased strength and invasiveness of modern cyber-attacks is costing organizations about $12 million per attack, according to Microsoft.

Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (WDATP) gives businesses more comprehensive threat intelligence to detect, research, and respond to advanced cyber-attacks. WDATP combines the expertise of Microsoft security researchers with the world's largest array of sensors. It covers more than 700,000 endpoints and is currently being tested by more than 300 business across the globe.

Cortana on Lock Screen

Cortana is getting a productivity boost. Now available above the lock screen, Microsoft's personal digital assistant will be able to record reminders without requiring device access.

Other improvements include the ability to save data, like where you parked your car, for instant access. Reminders can also be visual -- if, for instance, you wanted to remember the name of a park or bottle of wine.

As part of this update, Cortana will provide notifications across all devices where it resides. This is especially handy if you frequently bounce between your PC and smartphone, and need to receive messages on the go.

Windows Hello on Apps and Websites

Microsoft Edge will become the first browser with native support for biometrics. The Anniversary Update includes the ability to log into apps and websites using biometric authentication, adding an extra layer of security.

You'll also be able to use Windows Hello to unlock your PC using companion devices. The feature demonstrates another way Microsoft is attempting to eliminate the password.

Inking in Core Windows Apps

Microsoft aims to improve the digital pen experience with Windows Ink, a new hub for using the pen in Windows 10. Most relevant to the enterprise are the ink-specific features in key apps you already use. You'll be able to handwrite notes in Office and make annotations in Microsoft Edge.

The inking capabilities arriving in Windows 10 could become more relevant to businesses as Microsoft continues to push its Surface lineup to enterprise customers. In June, Redmond launched a Surface Membership Plan to help small businesses finance Surface devices and upgrade to new models as they are released.

The Surface Membership plan is exclusive to organizations and limited to the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book. Professionals using devices compatible with digital pens will benefit from the new ink-friendly updates in Windows 10.

Edge Extensions

New extensions arriving in Microsoft Edge can help you stay productive and secure. Additions including Amazon Assistant, LastPass, AdBlock, and Adblock Plus will be available in the Windows Store as part of the Anniversary Update.

While this update will arrive a few days after the official one-year mark, Microsoft still plans to terminate the free upgrade offer on July 29. If you want access to the upcoming features and fixes, be sure to download Windows 10 before then.