Windows 10: Insiders on Windows 7/8 will not require Microsoft account integration to upgrade

With the full version of Microsoft's most expected Windows 10 operating system slated to be released to the public on 29 July, users registered as Microsoft Insiders will not have to integrate their Microsoft account (MSA) to their computers running the older Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 OSes to upgrade to Windows 10.

Making the above announcement, via an official blog post, Microsoft has stated that the above change is only for Insiders and is not applicable to general Windows users.

Microsoft Insiders will be notified when they have to login via their MSAs during the roll-out of the next Windows preview software build. This build will be rolled out first to Insiders, before Microsoft releases the full version of Windows 10.

Microsoft has also stated that Insiders will eventually get preview builds for free, even after Windows 10 is released. Meaning, they would not require to key-in their registered MSAs to receive future pre-release builds.

However, Insiders will be required to enter registered MSAs for performing post OS installation tasks, such as downloading applications from the Windows app repository.

Microsoft Insiders need to note that only those who are using licensed versions of the older Windows 7/Windows 8.1 will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Users of other older Windows OSes like XP or Vista will not receive the upgrade for free.

"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 builds. Once you have successfully installed this build, you will also be able to clean install on that PC from final media if you want to start over fresh. It's important to note that only people running Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 can upgrade to Windows 10 as part of the free upgrade offer," the blog claimed.

Currently, users of older Windows OSes such as the Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 are getting notifications to reserve their copy of the free Windows 10 upgrade. Microsoft will also allow existing Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 users to upgrade to its Windows 10 platform -- via the free upgrade offer -- by performing a clean installation of Windows 10 after its release.