Get Started with Your Azure Free Account

Welcome to Azure! The Azure Free Account gives you access to a range of popular Azure services, free for 12 months. Plus, you get $200 credit to spend within the first 30 days to try any combination of Azure services. Explore, build, and innovate with the power of the cloud.

What You Get

How to Get Started

1. Sign Up: Visit the Azure Free Account page and sign in with your Microsoft account. You'll need a phone number for verification and a credit card for identity verification (no charges will be made unless you upgrade).
2. Explore Your Dashboard: Once signed up, you'll be taken to the Azure portal. Here you can browse services, create resources, and monitor your usage.
3. Try a Quickstart Guide: We recommend starting with a simple guide to deploy your first resource.
   • Deploy a Linux Virtual Machine
   • Create a Web App
   • Set up an Azure SQL Database
4. Monitor Your Usage: Keep an eye on your credit and free service usage in the Azure portal to avoid unexpected charges.

Key Services Included

Your Azure Free Account provides access to a wide array of services, including but not limited to:

• Compute: Virtual Machines, App Services, Azure Functions
• Storage: Blob Storage, File Storage, Queue Storage
• Databases: Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB (tiered), MySQL
• Networking: Virtual Network, Load Balancer, VPN Gateway (limited)
• AI + Machine Learning: Cognitive Services (limited), Azure Machine Learning

Important Considerations

• Understand Limits: Each free service has specific monthly limits. Exceeding these limits may incur charges.
• Credit Expiration: Your $200 credit is valid for 30 days. After that, any unused credit is forfeited.
• Upgrading Your Account: If you need more resources or extended access, you can upgrade to a pay-as-you-go subscription at any time. You'll be notified before any charges apply.
• Documentation: The Azure Documentation is your comprehensive resource for learning about services, best practices, and troubleshooting.