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License & Subscription Issues

Why Microsoft 365 Trial Doesn't Include Azure Credits & How to Fix It

Algirdas JasaitisAlgirdas Jasaitis Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users expect to receive Azure credits and virtual machine access with a Microsoft 365 trial, but find these cloud benefits missing from their account.

Why Your Microsoft 365 Trial Doesn't Include Azure Credits
Product
Microsoft 365
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
A user signs up for a Microsoft 365 or Microsoft 365 E5 trial and attempts to access Azure benefits, such as the $200 credit or virtual machine creation.
Observed behavior
The Microsoft 365 trial does not grant an active Azure subscription, preventing the user from accessing Azure credits or deploying cloud resources.
Before you start

Verify which type of Microsoft trial you have currently activated and ensure you have a valid payment method ready for identity verification if you intend to sign up for Azure services separately.

Solution 1Recommended

Register Separately for the Azure Free Trial

Because Microsoft 365 and Azure are distinct services with separate licensing, you must sign up for the Azure Free Trial independently to receive the $200 credit.

Microsoft 365 trials grant access to productivity and security applications, but they do not automatically provision cloud computing resources in Azure. You must explicitly create an Azure subscription.

1
Navigate to the Azure Free Trial page

Open your web browser and go to the official Azure Free Trial registration page at azure.microsoft.com/free/.

2
Start the registration process

Click on the 'Start free' button displayed on the homepage.

3
Sign in to your Microsoft account

Log in using the same Microsoft account credentials you used for your Microsoft 365 trial.

4
Complete verification

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the required identity checks and payment verification.

Register Separately for the Azure Free Trial
Payment Verification Requirement: A credit card is required during sign-up for identity verification purposes. Microsoft will not charge the card unless you manually choose to upgrade to a pay-as-you-go subscription.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Microsoft 365 E5 trial to create Azure virtual machines?

No, a Microsoft 365 E5 trial is designed for software and security evaluations. To deploy Azure resources like virtual machines, you must have an active Azure subscription, which is acquired separately.

Why didn't I get the $200 Azure credit when I signed up for Microsoft 365?

The $200 Azure credit is an exclusive benefit of the Azure Free Trial plan, not Microsoft 365. You need to register specifically at azure.microsoft.com/free/ to claim this introductory credit.

Will I be charged if I link my credit card to get the Azure free trial?

No, Microsoft uses your credit card solely to verify your identity and prevent fraudulent sign-ups. You will not be charged unless you explicitly upgrade your Azure account to a paid pay-as-you-go tier.

What should I do if my student trial doesn't show my Azure subscription?

If you are on an educational or course-specific trial and your subscription is missing, you should first verify that you are logged into the correct tenant directory. If it still does not appear, contact your course administrator for assistance.