How do I choose the right Microsoft course for my goals?

Start by identifying the Microsoft product or skill you want to build— Excel for data , Power BI for analytics , Word and PowerPoint for communication , or Azure for cloud computing . For data analysis and dashboards, try the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate . Want to build everyday productivity skills? Explore the Master Microsoft Office 365 and Power Platform Specialization . Interested in cloud technologies? Consider Introduction to Microsoft Azure Cloud Services for a beginner-friendly cloud overview.

Which Microsoft course should I start with as a beginner?

These beginner-friendly courses offer step-by-step guidance using Microsoft tools for work or personal use: Work Smarter with Microsoft Excel – Learn essential Excel formulas, formatting, and data entry. Microsoft Power BI for Beginners – Guided Project to help you create interactive dashboards. Microsoft PowerPoint for Beginners – Build confidence in document creation and visual communication.

What’s the difference between a Microsoft course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

A course teaches one tool or task—such as creating spreadsheets, visualizing data, or managing cloud infrastructure, such as Data Visualization . A Specialization combines multiple courses for structured learning—like Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Specialization , which covers Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. A Professional Certificate prepares you for a job role with end-to-end, career-aligned training—such as the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate , which aligns with Microsoft’s PL-300 exam.

Can I take free Microsoft courses on Coursera?

While Microsoft does not offer its full Professional Certificates, Specializations, or courses for free, there are two ways to ensure you have selected the best topic and program to meet your goal. Preview the first module of many Microsoft courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate from Microsoft, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

Top Microsoft Courses - Learn Microsoft Online

Explore the Microsoft Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet Software, Collaborative Software, Excel Formulas, Data Visualization, Productivity Software, Data Import/Export, Data Analysis Software, Document Management, Microsoft Windows, Public Speaking, Data Management, Data Sharing, File Management, End User Training and Support, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Organizational Skills, Content Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Datamaps, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Platform, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Collection, Business Intelligence, Data Integration, Data Pipelines, Application Deployment, Database Design, Data Manipulation, Data Security, Microsoft 365, Timelines, Business Modeling, Data Mapping, Business Analytics, SQL
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.9K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft IT Support Specialist
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Generative AI, Network Troubleshooting, Data Storage Technologies, Hardware Troubleshooting, Cybersecurity, Productivity Software, Technical Support, Computer Systems, Microsoft Teams, Security Strategy, Collaborative Software, Network Security, Network Protocols, Cloud Security, Microsoft Power Automate/Flow, Application Security, Data Storage, Computer Hardware, Cloud Computing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Full-Stack Developer
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Microsoft Copilot, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), CI/CD, Application Deployment, SQL, GitHub, Azure DevOps, C# (Programming Language), Authentications, ASP.NET, Git (Version Control System), Full-Stack Web Development, Scalability, Database Management, Data Security, Web Development, Web Design and Development, .NET Framework, Algorithms
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
203 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Data Visualization Software, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Presentation, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Excel, Dashboard, Microsoft Copilot, Statistical Methods, Data Cleansing, Statistical Analysis, Spreadsheet Software, Data Storytelling, Prompt Engineering, Data Transformation, Data Visualization, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Visual Basic (Programming Language)
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
166 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft AI Product Manager
Skills you'll gain: Product Roadmaps, Competitive Analysis, Product Management, Product Planning, Market Research, Product Lifecycle Management, User Interface (UI), Product Development, Product Strategy, Market Analysis, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Story, Value Propositions, Usability, Microsoft Project, Market Opportunities, New Product Development, Business Research, User Interface (UI) Design, Data Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
141 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Python Development
Skills you'll gain: Flask (Web Framework), Git (Version Control System), Web Scraping, Front-End Web Development, Restful API, Test Driven Development (TDD), Object-Relational Mapping, Web Development, Integration Testing, Scripting, Version Control, Matplotlib, Debugging, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, DevOps, Data Structures, CI/CD, Automation, Cloud Computing
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
369 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft Business Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Management, Microsoft Power Platform, Stakeholder Engagement, Gap Analysis, User Story, Business Process Improvement, Requirements Analysis, Process Improvement, Software Development Life Cycle, Requirements Elicitation, Microsoft Excel, Business Requirements, Microsoft Visio, Data Modeling, Agile Methodology, Scrum (Software Development), Excel Formulas, Business Analysis, Power BI, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Azure Active Directory, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Management, Network Security, Threat Management, Authentications, Cyber Security Strategy, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Security Management, Generative AI, Records Management, Compliance Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cloud Security, Active Directory, Computer Security Incident Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Back-End Developer
Skills you'll gain: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), CI/CD, Application Deployment, SQL, Azure DevOps, C# (Programming Language), Authentications, Microsoft Copilot, ASP.NET, Scalability, Database Management, Data Security, Relational Databases, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Services, .NET Framework, Performance Tuning, Algorithms, Data Structures, Back-End Web Development
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
145 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Program Management
Skills you'll gain: Earned Value Management, Cost Management, Stakeholder Management, Project Management Life Cycle, Stakeholder Communications, Project Management, Program Management, Team Building, Conflict Management, Project Management Office (PMO), Project Performance, Agile Project Management, Team Management, Project Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Agile Methodology, Generative AI, Strategic Leadership, Communication, Risk Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
107 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft Project Management
Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Management, Cost Management, Team Management, Team Leadership, Project Management, Communication Planning, Teamwork, Project Management Life Cycle, Conflict Management, Project Coordination, Project Schedules, Financial Analysis, Procurement, Strategic Communication, Cost Estimation, Planning, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Communication, Risk Management, Budgeting
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
527 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months