Microsoft has opened registration for free versions of Windows 10, its next PC operating system releasing this summer. Microsoft has confirmed that free copies of the OS will be provided to those who currently own Windows 7 or Windows 8. Registration notifications began appearing on PC taskbars yesterday and while Seeking Alpha revealed Windows 10 is expected to launch July 2015, the exact date for the software's release has not officially been announced.

How do you access your free version?

Those currently using Windows 7 or 8 should see an icon shaped like the Windows logo on the bottom right corner of their computer's task bar. Click the icon to bring up a new window, where you can breeze through the very easy registration (simply enter your email) for a copy of Windows 10 when it launches. Microsoft has posted a Q&A on its site to explain the sign up process, who qualifies for the offer, and more.

What's special about the Windows 10 software?

This new software will be something of a fresh start for Microsoft's platform, which is sorely needed after the negative branding of (and reaction to) Windows 8. Consumers rejected Windows 8, with its confusing attempt to include touch devices (via the Metro launch screen) and the removal of Windows staples, such as the Start button. Longtime users we frustrated.

What happened to Windows 9?

Microsoft is skipping Windows 9 altogether, jumping instead to the generational-sounding Windows 10 name. The upgrade will attempt to combine the best newer features of Windows with the more traditional layout of the OS, relegating the (not so popular) live tiles to the Start Menu, where they can be customized. An explanation of Windows 10's features and general design philosophy can found on Microsoft's site.

Sign up for your free version now if you qualify--there's no telling how long Microsoft will run this deal to promote migration to its new platform, and getting it for free may prove impossible in the future.

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Windows 10, News, Microsoft, Release