With the release of the new Windows 10 platform drawing closer, Microsoft has clarified the reports that preview build owners of the operating system will get a free consumer copy of the new OS. 

Last week, Microsoft made headlines by announcing that as part of making the Windows 10 platform accessible to all, it will be providing users a free copy of the upcoming OS, particularly those that have received and tested the preview builds. This assessment is in addition to Microsoft providing free digital copies of the upcoming platform for those who wish to upgrade from Windows 7 and 8.1 versions, as long as the owners' previous Windows versions are detected to be genuine copies. 

However, as with the "free upgrade" plan, the free copies for preview build testers also come with a small catch. In order to fully enjoy their Windows 10 full versions, preview build owners must also sign up for future pre-release updates. This means that most probably, preview build users of the upcoming Windows 10 will remain "unofficial" beta testers for other Windows upgrades. 

Part of being a "forever beta tester" for Microsoft is enrolling in the Windows Insider program. For those who already have a Microsoft Account and downloaded the most recent Windows 10 preview build, the final release of the platform on July 29 will automatically install on the device. 

Those who would want to opt out of the Windows Insider program before or after the July 29 launch can still get the Windows 10 consumer version for free, provided that other requirements are met.

"This is not a path to attain a license for Windows XP or Windows Vista systems," said Microsoft's Gabe Aul on the company's official blog. "If your system upgraded from a Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license it will remain activated, but if not, you will be required to roll back to your previous OS version or acquire a new Windows 10 license. If you do not roll back or acquire a new license the build will eventually expire."