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How to Create a Free Account on Microsoft Azure

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Microsoft Azure is one of the leading cloud computing platforms, offering a wide range of services for developers, businesses, and individuals. If you want to explore Azure without spending money, Microsoft provides a free account with a $200 credit and access to popular services for 12 months. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a free Azure account.

Step 1: Visit the Azure Website

To get started, visit the official Microsoft Azure website: https://azure.microsoft.com. Click on the Start Free button to begin the registration process.

Step 2: Sign in with a Microsoft Account

You need a Microsoft account to sign up. If you already have one (such as an Outlook or Hotmail account), sign in. If you don’t have a Microsoft account, click Create one! and follow the instructions to set up a new account.

Step 3: Provide Personal and Contact Information

After signing in, you’ll need to enter your details, including:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Country/Region
  • Organization (optional)

Microsoft will send a verification code to your phone number to confirm your identity.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity with a Credit/Debit Card

To prevent fraud, Microsoft requires a credit or debit card for identity verification. You won’t be charged unless you manually upgrade to a paid plan. Enter your card details, and Microsoft will process a small, refundable transaction to verify the card.

Step 5: Agree to Terms and Complete Registration

Review the terms and conditions, agree to them, and complete the registration process. Once confirmed, you will have access to your Azure free account.

What Do You Get with an Azure Free Account?

  • $200 free credit (valid for 30 days)
  • 12 months of free popular services, including:
    • Virtual Machines (750 hours of Linux/Windows VM)
    • Blob Storage (5 GB)
    • SQL Database (250 GB)
    • AI and Machine Learning services
  • 25+ always free services like Azure Functions, App Services, and more.

Next Steps: Start Exploring Azure

Now that your Azure free account is ready, you can start exploring:

  • Deploy virtual machines
  • Build web applications
  • Experiment with AI and machine learning
  • Store and manage data

You can monitor your usage to ensure you stay within the free tier limits. If you decide to continue using Azure beyond the free tier, you can upgrade to a pay-as-you-go plan.