Education is no longer confined to traditional classrooms. With online learning taking center stage, people worldwide now have access to high-quality training and certifications without the hefty price tag. Microsoft, one of the global tech giants, has made significant contributions to this shift by offering free online courses with certification through its various learning platforms.
In today’s digital world, upskilling is crucial. A study by LinkedIn Learning found that 94% of employees would stay longer at a company if it invested in their learning. Additionally, the World Economic Forum predicts that 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025. Microsoft’s free online courses provide an excellent opportunity for students, job seekers, and professionals to gain industry-relevant skills without financial barriers.
Whether you want to dive into cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, or even business applications, Microsoft offers a course tailored to your needs. And the best part? Many of these courses provide certificates of completion, boosting your resume and career prospects.
So, let’s explore the top Microsoft learning platforms and some of the best free courses available today.
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1. Microsoft Learn
Microsoft Learn is the go-to platform for technical learning. It offers self-paced modules across various Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Power BI, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365. Many courses are interactive, featuring hands-on labs and quizzes to reinforce learning.
Popular Free Courses on Microsoft Learn:
- Azure Fundamentals – Covers cloud concepts, Azure services, and pricing.
- AI Fundamentals – Introduces machine learning, AI workloads, and Microsoft AI services.
- Power BI for Beginners – Teaches data visualization and business analytics with Power BI.
2. Microsoft AI School
As AI continues to transform industries, Microsoft AI School offers specialized courses on machine learning, AI ethics, and cognitive services. This platform is ideal for those looking to develop AI-powered applications.
Noteworthy AI Courses:
- Introduction to Machine Learning with Azure – Learn the basics of AI and machine learning on Azure.
- Conversational AI & Chatbots – Develop chatbots using Microsoft Bot Framework.
- AI for Business Leaders – Understand AI applications in different industries.
3. Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Training
With cyber threats increasing every day, security skills are in high demand. Microsoft provides courses focusing on cybersecurity, compliance, and identity management, helping professionals secure their businesses and IT environments.
Top Security Courses:
- Microsoft Security Fundamentals – Basics of security, compliance, and identity.
- Cybersecurity Threat Protection – Covers advanced cybersecurity threats and protection mechanisms.
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint – Learn to protect and detect security threats.
4. Microsoft Power Platform Training
Power Platform (Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate) is a game-changer for businesses looking to automate processes and analyze data efficiently.
Must-Take Power Platform Courses:
- Power BI Data Analysis and Visualization – Learn how to analyze and visualize business data.
- Power Apps for Beginners – Build custom applications without coding.
- Automate Workflows with Power Automate – Automate repetitive tasks using Microsoft’s automation tool.
5. Microsoft Virtual Training Days
For those who prefer instructor-led learning, Microsoft Virtual Training Days provide live online sessions with Microsoft experts. These events cover cloud computing, AI, security, and productivity tools and often include free certification exam vouchers upon completion.
Popular Virtual Training Topics:
- Microsoft Azure Virtual Training Day – Deep dive into Azure services and solutions.
- Microsoft 365 Virtual Training – Covers productivity tools like Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
- Data and AI Training Sessions – Focuses on data engineering, AI applications, and machine learning.
6. LinkedIn Learning with Microsoft
Through its partnership with LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft provides free certification-aligned courses, making it easier for learners to prepare for official Microsoft certification exams.
Recommended Courses:
- Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification Path – Prepares learners for the Azure Administrator exam.
- Microsoft Excel for Data Analysis – A must for business professionals handling large datasets.
- Microsoft Project Management Fundamentals – Learn essential project management skills.
7. GitHub Learning Lab
Developers can access free programming and coding courses on GitHub Learning Lab, which is part of Microsoft’s ecosystem. These courses help coders learn Git, open-source collaboration, and software development best practices.
Coding Courses to Check Out:
- Introduction to GitHub – Learn Git commands and version control.
- Building AI Applications – Use AI models within software projects.
- Open Source Development Fundamentals – Learn how to contribute to open-source projects.
The Future of Learning with Microsoft
Microsoft’s commitment to making education accessible has opened doors for millions of learners worldwide. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or professional, there’s no shortage of opportunities to upskill and stay ahead in the digital age. With the availability of free courses and certifications, Microsoft ensures that tech skills are within everyone’s reach.
If you’re looking to enhance your resume, switch careers, or deepen your expertise, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these resources. So why wait? Start learning today and unlock your next career opportunity!
Which course are you excited to take first? Let us know in the comments!
