This guide will help you get started with Microsoft Azure for free. It explains three easy ways: using a
- Free Azure Account
- Signing up for Azure for Students (no credit card needed),
- Microsoft Learn's sandbox for hands-on practice.
Follow the steps, set spending alerts, and explore real Azure tools without any cost.
1: Free Azure Account (For Everyone)
Step 1: Go to the Azure Home Page.
Step 2: Click on Try Azure for free.
Step 3: Sign-in/Sign-up for a Microsoft account using an email address and password.
Step 4: Enter the verification code received on the email address and click next.
Step 5: You’ll be redirected to the Azure Sign-up page. Enter your Name, Phone number, Email address.
Note: You should use the same email address for Azure sign-up and for the Microsoft account.
Step 6: Verify your phone number by clicking Text Me or Call Me and enter the verification code received.
Step 7: Enter the payment details. Use a credit/debit card for identity verification (₹2 is refunded automatically).
Note: Don’t click "Upgrade" after your credits expire. Azure will pause services when your free credit ends no auto charging
Step 8: Check the Terms and Conditions and click Sign-up. You have successfully created a Microsoft Azure free account.
Note: If you exceed the usage or time limit, you will receive the message: Your subscription is disabled and cannot perform operations until it is re-enabled.
You can set Spending Alerts
Step 1: Go to Cost Management + Billing > Cost Management > Budgets
Step 2: Click + Add, set budget amount (e.g., ₹16000), and add your email Step 3: You’ll get alerts when spending crosses the limit
2: Azure for Students (No Credit Card Needed)
- If you're a verified student, this is one of the best Azure deals available.
- You don’t need a credit card to sign up, and you’ll receive $100 in free Azure credits along with access to essential services like Azure App Service, Azure Functions, and various AI tools all at no cost.
- To qualify, you must register using your official school or college email address (such as one ending in .edu or .ac.in).
3: Microsoft Learn with Azure Sandbox (No Subscription Needed)
- Microsoft Learn provides interactive, hands-on training for Azure that is completely free and safe for learners.
- There is no need for a credit card or subscription to get started.
- Each session includes access to a temporary sandbox environment, valid for 2 to 3 hours, allowing you to experiment with real Azure services like Virtual Machines, Storage, Web Apps, and more.
- All resources are automatically deleted after the session, ensuring a clean and secure learning experience.
How to Use the Sandbox
To use the Microsoft Learn sandbox, start by visiting a supported learning module, such as Azure Fundamentals.
Step 1: Sign in using your free Microsoft account, then click “Activate Sandbox” to enable the temporary Azure environment.
Step 2: Once activated, you can complete hands-on tasks using either the Cloud Shell or the embedded Azure portal provided within the module.
Note: The Microsoft Learn sandbox comes with a few important rules.
You’ll need a Microsoft account to access it, and portal access is limited strictly to the scope of the training module you’re working on.
While each sandbox session is temporary, you can reactivate it multiple times as needed to continue your hands-on learning.
Conclusion
Azure gives you different ways to learn and use its services for free. You can sign up for a Free Azure Account, use Azure for Students if you're in school, or try the Microsoft Learn sandbox with no credit card or subscription. These options help you explore Azure, practice with real tools, and build your skills safely. It's a great way to get started with cloud computing.
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