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Want a free copy of Windows 10? Be a tester and get a Microsoft account


As Microsoft ramps up preparations to release its flagship operating system Windows 10 by end-July, it has asked testers in its Windows Insider program to get a Microsoft account.
 
In a blog post, Microsoft's Gabe Aul said the Microsoft account will now be a requirement for those in the Insider program if they want to get the next build.
 
"If you don’t have your Microsoft Account (MSA) connected to your PC, starting in the next build you’ll start seeing notifications asking you to do so. You’ll need to connect the MSA that you registered for the Windows Insider Program with (and accepted the 'Microsoft Windows Insider Program Agreement') in order to continue receiving new Windows 10 Insider Preview builds (both Fast and Slow rings) from Windows Update," he said.
 
Testers who already have their MSA connected to their accounts on their PCs are all set, he said.
 
Aul said Microsoft will be introducing new infrastructure in Windows Update "to help us deliver new builds more effectively to Windows Insiders, and ensure that we’re flighting builds to people who have registered and opted in to the program."
 
Besides, he said a connected MSA allows seamless access to Windows Insider-only functionality in the Windows Feedback app and Insider Hub.
 
Windows Insiders running the Windows 10 Insider Preview (Home and Pro editions) with their registered MSAs will receive the final release build of Windows 10 starting on July 29, he said.
 
"As long as you are running an Insider Preview build and connected with the MSA you used to register, you will receive the Windows 10 final release build and remain activated. Once you have successfully installed this build and activated, you will also be able to clean install on that PC from final media if you want to start over fresh," he added.
 
Final product
 
However, Aul said those who want to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8.1 once Windows 10 is rolled out will not need a Microsoft account.
 
Still, he said a Microsoft account will be needed for some features in Windows 10 such as accessing apps from the Windows Store.
 
"You will not be required to use an MSA on new PCs that come with Windows 10 preinstalled or clean installed from media. Some features in Windows 10 do require an MSA to use, such as downloading apps in the Windows Store," he said.
 
Enterprise edition
 
Meanwhile, Aul said those running the Enterprise edition of the Windows 10 Insider Preview will need to download and activate from Volume Licensing Service Center, to upgrade to the final release of Windows 10 Enterprise.
 
"As a reminder, the Enterprise edition of the Windows 10 Insider Preview is not eligible for the free upgrade offer and can be upgraded to the final release of Windows 10 through an active Software Assurance agreement," he said.
 
Windows Insider to continue
 
Aul also said the Windows Insider Program will continue even after Microsoft releases Windows 10 on July 29.
 
"Windows Insiders will continue to receive future flights as we begin to work on the next release immediately after Windows 10 ships. You’ll get to see the latest Windows fixes, features, and updates and give us feedback. So stay with us!" he said.
 
Microsoft Edge
 
Aul also said the next build will see the official change of name of the new browser from Project Spartan to Microsoft Edge.
 
"One result of this naming means that the Microsoft Edge app has a new app ID. This will cause any favorites, cookies, history and Reading list items that you had saved in the Project Spartan app to be lost after upgrading from a previous Windows 10 Insider Preview build," he said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News