Microsoft edges ever closer to shipping Windows 10 Anniversary Update code with new build

18.07.2016
Every build of Windows 10 that Microsoft releases is like another turn of the crank on a jack-in-the-box: At some point, the code will actually be the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, and Microsoft’s going to pop up and yell, “It’s shipping!”

Build 14393 for PC and Mobile is the latest release on the Fast Ring of Windows 10. As before, the new update primarily offers bug fixes, rather than new features. And Microsoft’s being somewhat obtuse about what’s new, if anything:

Microsoft has said publicly that the company will roll out the Windows 10 Anniversary Update on August 2, complete with enhancements to Cortana, Windows Ink, and more. Before it can, however, the company is busy seeding final builds to its Insider beta testers, asking them to find and help fix last-minute bugs.

Those bugs appear to be few, though somewhat significant: A camera driver issue may cause BSODs (Blue Screens of Death) on affected Surface Books and Surface Pro 4 tablets, though a driver update may fix this. Wi-Fi is still apparently flaky on certain devices on Windows 10 Mobile, and turning off Bluetooth may cause those devices to crash or reset. And those using the Wallet app may have to enter their PIN twice.

Why this matters: Each of these smaller builds doesn’t have that much impact, except on your data cap. Otherwise, one of these builds will be the “final” Anniversary Update build—and if you’re up to date, you’ll have it before the rest of the world.

(www.pcworld.com)

Mark Hachman