Top 10 Free Microsoft Azure Courses for Beginners and Pros (2025)
Are you looking to break into cloud computing, data analytics, or AI without spending a dime? Microsoft has you covered. From Azure fundamentals to advanced AI solutions, these free courses are packed with video lectures, hands-on tutorials, and concise notes.
Why Learn Microsoft Azure for Free?
- Cost-Effective Skill Building: No tuition, certificates, or hidden fees—just high-quality, self-paced learning.
- Industry Credibility: Microsoft Azure certifications and knowledge are recognized globally, making your resume stand out.
- Flexible Formats: Video lectures, downloadable notes, interactive labs—you choose how you learn best.
- Career Growth: Whether you’re aiming for cloud engineering, data science, or AI development, Azure skills are in high demand.
1. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900T00)
Duration: 24 Hours
Course Link: AZ-900T00
Overview:
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is designed for beginners who want to understand core Azure services—computing, storage, networking, and security. This 24-hour course covers:
- Cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Core Azure services (VMs, App Services, Storage)
- Security, privacy, compliance, and trust
- Pricing and support plans
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- No Prerequisites: Perfect for absolute beginners.
- Quick Win: In a single day, grasp core cloud concepts.
- Certification Prep: Lays the groundwork for AZ-900 certification, boosting your credibility.
2. Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure (AZ-204T00)
Duration: 120 Hours
Course Link: AZ-204T00
Overview:
AZ-204 dives into building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications on Azure. Over 120 hours, you’ll explore:
- Developing Azure compute solutions (Functions, App Service)
- Implementing Azure storage (Blobs, Cosmos DB)
- Integrating Azure security (Managed Identities, Key Vault)
- Monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing Azure solutions
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- Hands-On Labs: Practice in sandboxed environments.
- Developer-Focused: Ideal if you already know basic coding (C#, Java, Python).
- Job-Ready Skills: Learn to create scalable, reliable, and secure cloud apps.
3. Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104T00)
Duration: 96 Hours
Course Link: AZ-104T00
Overview:
AZ-104 prepares you to manage Azure identities, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks. Key topics include:
- Managing Azure subscriptions and resources
- Implementing and managing storage solutions
- Deploying and managing virtual machines (VMs)
- Configuring virtual networking, connectivity, and identity
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- Administrator Track: Geared toward aspiring Cloud Administrators.
- Real-World Scenarios: Set up resource groups, VNets, and access controls.
- Certification Prep: Positions you for the AZ-104 exam, a highly recognized credential.
4. Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AZ-140T00)
Duration: 96 Hours
Course Link: AZ-140T00
Overview:
If remote work has heightened your interest in VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), AZ-140 shows you how to deploy, configure, and manage Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). Course highlights:
- Setting up AVD environments (host pools, workspaces)
- Managing user access and security for desktops and applications
- Monitoring and optimizing performance
- Automating deployments with PowerShell and ARM templates
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- Remote Work Expertise: Learn one of the most in-demand cloud skills post-2020.
- Hands-On Practice: Use real Azure subscriptions to configure AVD.
- Competitive Edge: Stand out as a specialist in VDI solutions.
5. Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions (AZ-305T00)
Duration: 96 Hours
Course Link: AZ-305T00
Overview:
For those eyeing architect roles, AZ-305 teaches design patterns for Azure infrastructure. You’ll tackle:
- Designing identity, governance, and monitoring solutions
- Designing data storage solutions (SQL, Cosmos DB, Blob Storage)
- Designing business continuity strategies (disaster recovery, backup)
- Designing infrastructure for compute, networking, and applications
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- Architect Track: Essential for Azure Solutions Architect certification.
- Blueprint-Level Thinking: Learn to align business requirements with Azure capabilities.
- Project-Based Learning: Work on real-world design scenarios and case studies.
6. Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900T00)
Duration: 24 Hours
Course Link: DP-900T00
Overview:
DP-900 is your gateway to cloud data services. In 24 hours, you’ll learn:
- Core data concepts (relational, non-relational, big data)
- Relational data workloads on Azure (Azure SQL, Managed Instances)
- Non-relational data workloads (Cosmos DB, Azure Table Storage)
- Analytics workloads (Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Databricks)
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- Data-Driven Roles: Ideal if you want to pivot to data engineering or analytics.
- Fast Track: Gain foundational knowledge in a single day.
- In-Demand Skills: Cloud data architects and analysts are highly sought after.
7. Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900T00)
Duration: 24 Hours
Course Link: AI-900T00
Overview:
AI-900 focuses on AI and machine learning concepts in Azure. Topics include:
- AI workloads and considerations (ML vs. AI vs. DL)
- Fundamental principles of machine learning on Azure
- Computer vision workloads (Face API, Custom Vision)
- Natural language processing (NLP) using Azure Cognitive Services
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- Beginner-Friendly: No coding required—conceptual overview only.
- AI Essentials: Understand AI services without getting into heavy development.
- Career Pivot: Perfect for marketers, project managers, or anyone curious about Azure AI.
8. Designing and Implementing a Microsoft Azure AI Solution (AI-102T00)
Duration: 96 Hours
Course Link: AI-102T00
Overview:
AI-102 bridges the gap between fundamentals and hands-on AI development. You’ll explore:
- Creating responsible AI solutions (fairness, explainability)
- Processing and analyzing images and text data
- Implementing speech conversations (Speech SDK, Bot Framework)
- Integrating Azure AI services (Cognitive Search, Custom Vision)
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- Developer-Oriented: Build real AI workloads with Azure SDKs and APIs.
- Ethics + Compliance: Learn Microsoft’s best practices for responsible AI.
- Certification Prep: Prepares you for AI-102 certification, highly respected in AI roles.
9. Develop Generative AI Solutions with Azure OpenAI Service (AI-050T00)
Duration: 24 Hours
Course Link: Browse AI-050T00
Overview:
AI-050 teaches you how to harness Azure OpenAI Service to build next-gen, generative AI apps. You’ll cover:
- Setting up Azure OpenAI Service and managing API keys
- Fine-tuning GPT models for domain-specific tasks
- Integrating generative AI into web/mobile apps
- Responsible usage guidelines (safety, bias mitigation)
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- Cutting-Edge Skills: Generative AI is transforming industries—get in early.
- Hands-On Demos: Build chatbots, content generators, and more.
- Boosted Employability: Job postings for “Azure OpenAI” roles are on the rise.
10. Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900T00)
Duration: 24 Hours
Course Link: SC-900T00
Note: The link provided references SC-200T00. As of June 4, 2025, SC-900T00 details are here:
SC-900T00
Overview:
SC-900 covers the basics of security, compliance, and identity in Microsoft cloud services. In 24 hours, you’ll learn:
- Cloud security and zero-trust fundamentals
- Core Azure identity services (Azure AD, Conditional Access)
- Security and compliance solutions (Microsoft Defender, Sentinel)
- Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) on Microsoft cloud
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
- Security Primer: A foundational course for any IT or cloud role.
- Compliance Know-How: Critical for industries like healthcare, finance, and government.
- Preparation for SC-900: Jumpstart your journey toward the SC-900 certification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are these truly 100% free?
Yes. All courses listed on Microsoft Learn offer free access to video lectures, tutorials, and downloadable notes. You’ll only pay if you choose to take a proctored certification exam or opt for instructor-led training.
Q2: Do I need an Azure subscription?
Not to start. Microsoft Learn provides sandbox environments for many labs. However, if you want deeper hands-on practice, you can create a free Azure account (includes $200 credit for 30 days and free tier services).
Q3: How long does it take to complete all 10 courses?
If you follow the combined durations, it totals approximately 600 hours. Plan realistically: for example, 10–12 hours per week over 6 months can allow you to finish while balancing work or school.
Q4: Which course should I start with?
Begin with Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900T00) to build a solid foundation. From there, choose based on your interests—development (AZ-204), administration (AZ-104), or AI (AI-900).
Conclusion & Next Steps
By enrolling in these free Microsoft Azure courses, you’re investing in a skill set that is increasingly coveted by employers worldwide. Whether you’re new to cloud computing or seeking an upskill in AI, there’s something here for everyone:
- Pick Your Path: Start with AZ-900, then branch into data (DP-900), AI (AI-900), or administration (AZ-104).
- Schedule Study Time: Block out consistent hours each week, mixing theory with hands-on labs.
- Build a Portfolio: Document every lab project on GitHub, add it to your résumé, and share updates on LinkedIn.
- Join the Community: Leverage Microsoft Learn forums, Azure meetups, and online study groups for peer support.
Ready to upskill for free? Dive into the first course below and unlock your cloud career:
➡️ Begin Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900T00)
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