How to Create a Free Microsoft Azure Account – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Get $200 Free Credits | Azure Free Tier | Beginner to Professional Guide
Microsoft Azure is one of the top cloud platforms globally, widely used by enterprises for Cloud, DevOps, AI, Virtual Desktop (AVD), and Enterprise workloads.
The best part? Microsoft offers a FREE Azure account with $200 credits, making it ideal for students, freshers, and working professionals.
This guide explains how to create a free Azure account step by step, written by real cloud experts, following EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) standards.
Why Create a Free Azure Account?
A free Azure account helps you to:
- Learn Azure Cloud fundamentals
- Practice Linux & Windows VMs
- Work on Azure DevOps & CI/CD
- Learn Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
- Practice Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
- Build real-time cloud projects
- Prepare for Azure & DevOps interviews
Used by Cloudsoft Solutions students for real-time hands-on labs and placements.
What Do You Get with a Free Azure Account?
Azure Free Account Benefits
Azure Free Account Benefits- $200 free Azure credits (valid for 30 days)
- 12 months of popular free services
- 55+ always-free services
- No charges unless you manually upgrade
Popular Free Azure Services
- Azure Virtual Machines (limited)
- Azure App Services
- Azure Blob Storage
- Azure SQL Database (basic)
- Azure Functions
- Azure Active Directory
Requirements to Create a Free Azure Account
Before you start, make sure you have:
- Microsoft Account (Outlook / Hotmail / Live)
- Debit or Credit Card (Visa / MasterCard)
- Mobile Number (for verification)
- Laptop/Desktop with Internet
Important: Microsoft will not charge you during the free trial unless you manually upgrade.
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Free Azure Account
Step 1: Visit Microsoft Azure Official Website
Open your browser and go to:
Microsoft Azure official site
Click on “Start free” or “Free account”.
Step 2: Sign in with Microsoft Account
- Login using your Microsoft account
- If you don’t have one, click Create one
- Create an Outlook/Hotmail email
Step 3: Start Free Azure Trial
- Click Start free
- Accept Microsoft terms and conditions
Step 4: Enter Personal & Account Details
Fill in:
- Full Name
- Country (India or your country)
- Phone number
- Address details
Step 5: Verify Phone Number
- Enter your mobile number
- Verify using OTP
Step 6: Add Payment Method (Mandatory)
Azure requires a card for identity verification only.
Accepted Cards:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
No money is deducted Sometimes ₹2 / ₹10 temporary authorization may appear and is auto-reversed.
Step 7: Azure Account Activated
Once verification is complete:
- $200 free credits are added
- Free services activated
- Azure Portal access enabled
Step 8: Access Azure Portal
Login to: Azure Portal
From here you can:
- Create Virtual Machines
- Create AKS clusters
- Configure Networking
- Manage Azure Active Directory
- Track billing & usage
How to Check Azure Free Credits & Billing
- Go to Cost Management + Billing
- Select Credits
- View:
- Remaining balance
- Credit expiry
- Service usage
Always set spending alerts
How to Avoid Charges in Free Azure Account (Very Important)
Stop VMs when not in use Delete unused resources Use free tier services Set budget alerts Avoid premium SKUs Delete AKS clusters after practice
Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Azure
Leaving VMs running Creating high-cost VM sizes Not deleting public IPs Ignoring billing alerts Forgetting to stop AKS clusters
Can Students Learn Azure Without Paying?
Yes.
With $200 credits + free services, you can practice:
- Azure Linux & Windows Administration
- Azure DevOps pipelines
- Docker & Kubernetes (AKS)
- Networking & Security
- Azure Virtual Desktop
- Real-time Cloud projects
Is Free Azure Account Enough for Job Preparation?
Absolutely.
At Cloudsoft Solutions, students use free Azure accounts to:
- Perform live demos
- Practice interview labs
- Build cloud & DevOps projects
- Prepare for MNC interviews
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Azure free forever?
Is Azure free forever?Some services are always free, but $200 credits expire in 30 days.
Can I create multiple Azure free accounts?
No. Azure allows one free trial per card/user.
Will Azure auto-charge after free trial?
No. You must manually upgrade to Pay-As-You-Go.
Is debit card accepted?
Yes, most Indian debit cards work.
Why Learn Azure with Cloudsoft Solutions?
Real-time Azure & DevOps training Azure + AWS + GCP (Multi-Cloud) Azure AVD & Enterprise Cloud expertise Interview-focused syllabus Placement support
For Azure, DevOps & Multi-Cloud Training
www.cloudsoftsol.com
Final Words
Creating a free Azure account is the first step toward a high-paying cloud career. Follow these steps carefully, manage your credits wisely, and use Azure for real-time learning and project experience.
