To create a Windows Azure account, you'll need to sign up on the official Microsoft Azure website. Go to azure.microsoft.com and click on the "Free Trial" or "Sign Up" button to get started.
The first step is to provide your email address and choose a password. Make sure to use a strong password that meets the required complexity standards.
You'll also need to provide some basic information, such as your name, company name, and address. This is required to verify your identity and create a valid account.
After submitting your information, you'll receive an email from Microsoft to confirm your account. Click on the verification link in the email to activate your account and start exploring Windows Azure.
If this caught your attention, see: Add Windows
Creating an Account
You can create a free Azure account if you're a new customer. This account comes with a range of benefits, including free monthly amounts of 20+ popular services for 12 months.
To create a free Azure account, you'll need to sign up with a credit or debit card, as this is the preferred payment method. Some debit cards may not be supported, so it's a good idea to check with your bank first.
Introduction
Creating an account on Azure is the first step to creating a Virtual Machine. Azure Virtual Machines are on-demand, scalable computing resources that offer flexibility and control.
You can choose a VM when you need more control over the computing environment, which is ideal for development and test, applications in the cloud, or an extended data center.
Azure VMs offer a quick and easy way to create a computer with specific configurations required to code and test an application.
Some examples of how Azure virtual machines can be used include:
- Development and test
- Applications in the cloud
- Extended data center
It's a good idea to stop the Virtual Machine if you are not using the machine.
Intriguing read: How to Create Virtual Machine in Azure
Account
You can create a free Azure account with a debit card, but be aware that some debit cards may not be supported by Azure, so it's a good idea to check with your bank first.
If you're a new Azure customer, you can take advantage of the free account offer, which includes free monthly amounts of 20+ popular services for 12 months.
You'll also get access to 65+ always-free services, as well as the full catalog of services up to the free amounts, and a $200 credit to boot.
One of the best things about the free account is that you won't be charged if you go over the free amounts, thanks to the spending protection feature.
You can cancel your free account at any time, and move to pay-as-you-go pricing if you need to continue using Azure services beyond the 12-month free period.
Here are the key benefits of the free Azure account:
- Free monthly amounts of 20+ popular services for 12 months
- Free monthly amounts of 65+ always-free services
- Access to full catalog of services up to free amounts and $200 credit
- No upfront commitment
- Spending protection
- Cancel anytime
Is for Students?
Creating an account on Azure is a great idea, especially if you're a student. You can get a free account with a valid student ID from your university or college.
The process is quite straightforward. If your email ID is accepted by Microsoft, you won't need a credit or debit card to get started.
Account Options
You can sign up for a free Azure account that's perfect for new customers. This offer includes access to 20+ popular services for 12 months, and 65+ always-free services.
Additional reading: Azure Storage Services
You can also take advantage of the Limited Time Free Azure Account, which lets you try paid Azure services without paying for 12 months. This offer includes 40+ Azure services, and a $200 credit on your first invoice.
To give you a better idea of your options, here are the details of the free Azure account:
- Available only to new Azure customers
- Free monthly amounts of 20+ popular services for 12 months
- Free monthly amounts of 65+ always-free services
- Access to full catalog of services up to free amounts and $200 credit
- Spending protection—credit card won’t be charged
- No upfront commitment—cancel anytime
- Move to pay-as-you-go pricing to continue beyond 30 days or after credit is used up
Choose What's Right for You
Choosing the right Azure account option can be a bit overwhelming, but let's break it down. With an Azure free account, you can get started with 20+ popular services for 12 months, perfect for testing the waters.
You can use these services in any combination you want, as long as you stay within the allowed limits. For example, you can create 5 B1S Windows virtual machines and use them for 150 hours each. This means you can experiment with different scenarios without breaking the bank.
One of the best things about the Azure free account is that it comes with spending protection. Your credit card won't be charged, so you can try out services without worrying about unexpected fees.
If you need more services or flexibility, you can always move to pay-as-you-go pricing. This way, you can continue using Azure services beyond the 30-day free trial or when your credit is used up.
Here's a quick rundown of the main differences between the Azure free account and pay-as-you-go pricing:
Ultimately, the choice between an Azure free account and pay-as-you-go pricing depends on your specific needs and goals. Take some time to explore the options and see what works best for you.
Steps to Get a Subscription
To get a subscription to Azure, you'll need to sign up for an account. You can do this by visiting the Azure Sign-up page and entering your Region, Name, Phone number, and Email address. Make sure to use the same email address for Azure sign-up and for your Microsoft account.
You'll then need to verify your phone number by clicking "Text Me" or "Call Me" and entering the verification code received. This is a straightforward process that will get you up and running with your Azure account.
Once you've created your account, you'll be redirected to the Azure portal, where you can access a lumpsum balance of $200. This credit can be used to try out various Azure services and features without incurring additional charges.
If you've exhausted your free credit, you'll need to move to the Pay as you go subscription policy. Be aware that you can't create multiple Microsoft Azure free accounts or use a single credit card to create a new account after one expires.
Here's a quick summary of the steps to get a subscription:
- Sign up for an Azure account on the Azure Sign-up page.
- Enter your Region, Name, Phone number, and Email address.
- Verify your phone number by clicking "Text Me" or "Call Me" and entering the verification code received.
- Access the Azure portal and use the lumpsum balance of $200.
- Move to the Pay as you go subscription policy if you've exhausted your free credit.
Keep in mind that you can't create multiple free accounts, and you'll need to use a credit card to create a new account after one expires. If you're a student, you can register using your student ID, and you won't need a credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Microsoft Azure account free?
Yes, a Microsoft Azure account is free to start with, with no charges unless you upgrade to pay-as-you-go pricing. You can sign up for a free account and use Azure services without cost, until you exceed your monthly free limits.
Sources
- https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/purchase-options/azure-account
- https://k21academy.com/microsoft-azure/how-to-create-and-connect-windows-virtual-machine-in-azure/
- https://k21academy.com/microsoft-azure/create-free-microsoft-azure-trial-account/
- https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/students
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cost-management-billing/manage/create-free-services
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