Windows 10 Anniversary Update Slated For Aug. 2

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Mark your calendars, Windows users. Microsoft has confirmed the Windows 10 Anniversary Update is slated for a public rollout on Aug. 2.

Windows 10 was officially released on July 29, 2015. Almost one year later, Microsoft reports over 350 million devices running Windows 10 -- an increase of 50 million since the last device count in May 2016.

Customer engagement is also high, with users spending more than 135 billion hours on the OS.

To celebrate the one-year mark, Redmond is releasing one of the biggest updates to arrive on Windows 10 since its public rollout. The Anniversary Update includes new features for businesses and consumers.

[More on Windows 10: Microsoft paid out $10,000 for a forced OS upgrade.]

Security is a priority in the coming update. Two major security features arriving on Aug. 2 are Windows Defender and Windows Hello for apps and websites in Microsoft's efforts to eliminate the password.

Biometric authentication system Windows Hello can be used to log in to apps and websites within Microsoft Edge. As part of the Anniversary Update, Windows users can also use Windows Hello to unlock their PCs using companion devices.

For individual users, improvements to Windows Defender will include an option to automatically schedule quick, regular PC scans and receive alerts and summaries if threats are detected.

Enterprise customers will receive Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, which is designed to detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats. Businesses will be protected from accidental data leaks with Windows Information Protection, which lets corporations separate personal and business information to better protect sensitive data.

Cortana, which first arrived on the desktop in Windows 10, will now be available above the lock screen so you can set reminders or play music without unlocking it. Cortana will also save and recall important information like frequent flier numbers, and give notifications across all devices where it is present.

Windows Hello isn't the only improvement arriving in Microsoft Edge. The browser will come with power-saving upgrades like using less memory and fewer CPU cycles, and lessening the affects of background activity. Microsoft has already touted the lasting power of Edge, and this indicates it's doing more to preserve users' battery life.

Edge will also be updated with extensions including the Pinterest "Pin It" Button, Amazon Assistant, LastPass, AdBlock, and AdBlock Plus in the Windows Store. It'll also have a new accessibility architecture to support modern web standards like HTML5, CSS3, and ARIA.

Microsoft is also working to improve digital pen capabilities with Windows Ink, a central hub for using the pen in Windows 10. You'll be able to use Windows Ink to take notes, draw, or sketch on screenshots. Smart Sticky Notes help you remember tasks and suggest directions.

Some of the core apps in Windows 10 have been updated to include features to support inking. You can handwrite notes in Office or Edge, or draw custom routes on the Maps app.

Windows 10 has been available as a free upgrade since it launched last summer, but the clock is ticking for anyone still running older versions of Windows.

The Anniversary Update will be released a few days after Microsoft stops offering Windows 10 for free to current users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1. If you want the upcoming features at no cost, be sure to upgrade to Windows 10 before July 29.