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How do I get started with Microsoft Azure?

Posted on by Imran Rashid
Reading Time: 6 minutes


I often receive messages from people asking, “How do I get started with Microsoft Azure?”, especially those who are completely new to cloud computing or considering a career involving Microsoft technologies. I thought it would be helpful to create a post for anyone looking to take their first steps into Microsoft Azure, with no prior cloud experience assumed.

There is a wealth of information available online about learning Azure, which can make it overwhelming to know where to begin. The abundance of resources can sometimes lead to confusion rather than clarity.

In this post, I’ll recommend a few beginner‑friendly learning resources that I believe are great starting points for understanding Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.

1. Free Azure Fundamentals Learning Path

If you’re new to Azure, I always recommend starting with the Azure Fundamentals learning path on Microsoft Learn.

It’s a free, beginner‑friendly learning path that teaches core cloud concepts and introduces key Azure services. It’s designed to be self‑paced, your progress is saved, so you can learn in short sessions and come back anytime.

For most beginners, this is the best place to start.

2. Full Azure Fundamentals Course on YouTube


YouTube >> Azure Fundamentals Course
Duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes

This AZ‑900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals YouTube playlist provides a clear, beginner‑friendly overview of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure.

It follows the official AZ‑900 objectives and covers core cloud concepts, Azure services, security, governance, and pricing in a structured, easy‑to‑follow way. The videos are delivered by Microsoft trainers and align closely with the free Microsoft Learn learning paths.

This is a great option if you prefer learning through video, want a structured walkthrough of Azure fundamentals, or are preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals exam.


3. AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals Study Cram YouTube


YouTube >> AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals Study Cram
Estimated time to complete: 3.5 hours

John Savill’s AZ‑900 Azure Fundamentals Study Cram is a popular YouTube video that clearly explains Azure fundamentals using a visual, whiteboard‑style approach.

The video covers the same core concepts as the Microsoft Learn Azure Fundamentals content, but presents them in a different way, making it ideal for reinforcing your understanding or revising key topics before taking the certification.

Use this study cram video to solidify your knowledge and see the concepts explained from another perspective.


4. Azure Fundamentals Free Practice test questions

If you’re planning to take the AZ‑900 Azure Fundamentals exam, Microsoft provides a free, official practice assessment to help you test your knowledge and build confidence before sitting the exam.

These practice assessments are hosted on Microsoft Learn, aligned with the latest exam objectives, and can be taken as many times as you like.

To access them:

Az 900



5. Reinforce Your Learning with Hands‑On Azure Labs

While Azure Fundamentals focuses mainly on understanding core concepts, hands‑on practice is one of the best ways to cement your learning.

Microsoft provides a set of official AZ‑900 lab exercises, available on GitHub, which allow you to practice key tasks such as creating resources, exploring core Azure services, understanding pricing, and applying basic governance concepts. These labs are the same exercises used in Microsoft instructor‑led training and are ideal for building confidence navigating the Azure portal and seeing how services work together in real scenarios. You can access them here: Azure Fundamentals Labs


Azure Free Trial
If you don’t currently have an Azure subscription to practice in, Microsoft offers free options. You can sign up for the Azure Free Trial, which includes free credits and access to popular services for learning and experimentation:

🔹Azure Free Trial – Create a Free Azure Account
🔹Azure for Students – Free Azure Credit (No Credit Card Required)

6. Optional: Attend a Free Microsoft Virtual Training Day and receive a 50% discount

As an optional next step, Microsoft regularly runs free Virtual Training Days that are open to everyone and delivered by Microsoft experts. These sessions are designed to help learners build foundational knowledge across Microsoft technologies, including Azure.

If you’re interested in Azure, search for Microsoft Azure Virtual Training Day: Fundamentals, which covers core cloud concepts and Azure services at a beginner level. You can browse and register for upcoming sessions here: Microsoft Virtual Training Days

A key benefit of attending these events is that after completing the training, you become eligible to take the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ‑900) certification exam at 50% off the exam price, making this a great option if you’re planning to sit the exam. To ensure the discount is applied correctly, Microsoft recommends registering for the event using the same email address associated with your Microsoft Learn account.

It’s also worth exploring the other Virtual Training Days available, as many of them offer a 50% exam discount for different Microsoft certifications.

  1. Visit Microsoft Virtual Training Days
  2. Click Find a MVTD event
Mvtd1


3. Search for fundamentals

4. Click Registration Details under Microsoft Azure Virtual Training Day: Fundamentals

Mvtd2


5. Read the registration details for any exam offers, as shown in the image below.

Mvtd3

I hope you find the resources above useful, and I wish you every success on your Azure learning journey. Questions are a natural part of learning, so if you have any, please start by checking the FAQ section below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to post a question in the comments section.

FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions, feel free to check out the FAQ section below. If your question isn’t covered, please leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help.