Microsoft Azure is a leading cloud platform, providing businesses and individuals access to various tools for development, data management, and virtual machine deployment. For those new to cloud computing, Azure offers a free trial that includes $200 worth of credits for the first 30 days. This trial is ideal for experimenting with Azure services without upfront costs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating your free trial account and provide tips for avoiding common issues along the way.
What is the Azure Free Trial?
The Azure Free Trial allows you to access a wide range of Azure services at no cost for a limited period. Here’s what you get:
To be eligible, you must be a new user who has not previously signed up for an Azure account. Microsoft also requires you to have a valid credit card for verification purposes (don’t worry—you won’t be charged unless you upgrade your account).
Step 1: Visit the Azure Portal
To start, go to the Azure Free Account page. On the page, you’ll see a “Start free” button, inviting you to create your account.
Step 2: Click on ‘Start Free’
Once you click on “Start free”, you’ll be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account. If you don’t have one, create a new account, which will be used to manage your Azure subscription.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
This step involves verifying your phone number and adding your credit card information. Microsoft requires this to confirm your identity and prevent fraud. However, no charges will be applied to your card unless you choose to upgrade your account to a pay-as-you-go model.
Step 4: Agree to the Terms
Carefully review and accept the terms and conditions, privacy policy, and service agreements provided by Microsoft. This ensures that you understand the scope of the free trial and its limitations.
Step 5: Access Your Azure Portal
After successfully completing these steps, you will be directed to the Azure portal. This dashboard is your central hub for managing all Azure services. You’ll also see your $200 credits and free services listed here.
Some users encounter issues during the signup process, such as account suspension or failed verifications. Here are tips to avoid these problems:
If you experience any card-related issues, try using a different card. Sometimes a card that’s already been used for another Microsoft account may not work.
During the trial, you’ll have access to a variety of services, including:
While most services are free for 12 months, others are available only during the initial 30 days with your $200 credit. Once you exceed these limits, you’ll need to either upgrade to a pay-as-you-go model or discontinue usage to avoid charges.
To make the most out of your free trial:
Signing up for an Azure free trial is an excellent way to get started with cloud computing without spending any money upfront. By following the steps above and avoiding common issues, you can ensure a smooth account creation process. Take advantage of the $200 credit and explore Azure’s many services.
To learn more about cloud services or get additional support, feel free to visit MedhaCloud for expert guidance.
