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

Coursera Project Network

Create a Project Management Tracker using Microsoft Excel

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Project Coordination, Project Management, Spreadsheet Software, Project Schedules, Data Entry, Cost Management, Project Planning, Data Validation

Coursera Project Network

Using Basic Formulas and Functions in Microsoft Excel

Skills you'll gain: Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft 365, Data Analysis, Business Mathematics, Analysis

Coursera Project Network

Creating a Budget with Microsoft Excel

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Budgeting, Microsoft 365, Productivity Software, Excel Formulas

Coursera Project Network

Introduction to Microsoft Office

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Outlook, File Management

Coursera Project Network

Create a Financial Statement using Microsoft Excel

Skills you'll gain: Balance Sheet, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Excel, Data Entry, Financial Accounting, Financial Statements, Income Statement, Financial Statement Analysis, Ledgers (Accounting), Reconciliation, Financial Reporting, Bookkeeping, General Ledger, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Accounting and Finance Software

Coursera Project Network

Get Started with Microsoft Teams

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Teams, Document Management, File Management, Collaborative Software, People Management, Microsoft Excel, Project Management

Microsoft Online Courses

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Explore the Microsoft Course Catalog

Getting Started with Microsoft Excel

Getting Started with Microsoft Word

How To Visualize Your Data Using Microsoft Powerpoint

Introduction to Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel

Create Charts and Dashboards Using Microsoft Excel

Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint

What brings you to Coursera today?

Create a Project Management Tracker using Microsoft Excel