How to Get Your Free Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta Copy

As announced earlier this month, Mojang will soon launch the beta for a "whole new version" of Minecraft, the Windows 10 Edition. Anyone who's purchased the PC/Mac version version previously, which some 20-plus million people already have, can get this new version for free.

Mojang today detailed the process of obtaining the Windows 10 Edition beta, and it's quite simple. Once it's released, all you'll need to do is log into your account on Mojang's website, click the Redeem button, sign into your Microsoft account, and claim your free copy.

The Windows 10 Edition beta is set to launch tomorrow, July 29, the same day Windows 10 itself launches. The new operating system--which Windows 7 and 8 users can upgrade to for free--is required for playing this version of the game. Those who don't own Minecraft on PC or Mac can buy the Windows 10 Edition at the discounted price of $10 during the beta. As with the original beta of the existing PC/Mac version, buying in during beta entitles you to all future updates.

There's no word yet on how long this beta will last. Sometime "soon" after its launch this week, an update will add support for multiplayer between the Windows 10 Edition and Pocket Edition. The Windows 10 Edition also offers numerous control types and has a built-in feedback system, but in terms of actual gameplay, it sounds as if it won't differ from what you already know.