Introduction
Many users search for “Free Azure RDP”, but is it truly free? While Microsoft Azure offers free-tier services, there are hidden limitations and potential costs that can catch users off guard.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
✔ What’s free in Azure RDP?
✔ What are the hidden costs?
✔ How to stay within free limits?
✔ Alternatives if Azure isn’t free enough
1. What’s Included in Azure’s Free Tier?
Microsoft Azure’s free tier includes:
✅ 750 hours of B1s VM usage per month (for 12 months)
✅ Windows/Linux VM options (but Windows licensing may apply)
✅ 30 GB of managed disk storage (SSD)
✅ 15 GB of bandwidth (outbound data transfer)
🔹 B1s VM Specs (Free Tier Eligible):
- 1 vCPU
- 1 GB RAM
- Burstable performance (good for light tasks)
⚠ Important: The 12-month free trial is only for new Azure accounts.
2. Hidden Costs & How to Avoid Them
Many users get charged because they accidentally exceed free limits. Here’s what to watch out for:
A. VM Shutdown ≠ Deallocation (You Still Get Billed!)
❌ Mistake: Turning off the VM from inside Windows (still incurs compute costs).
✅ Fix: Always “Stop (Deallocate)” the VM in the Azure Portal.
B. Exceeding Free Tier Limits
- If you use a larger VM (not B1s), you’ll be charged.
- If you exceed 750 hours/month, billing starts.
C. Windows Licensing Costs
- Windows Server VMs are not free (only Linux & some Windows 10/11 VMs qualify).
- Always check “I confirm I have an eligible license” when creating a VM.
D. Storage & Bandwidth Overages
- Free tier includes 30 GB SSD – extra storage costs ~$0.10/GB/month.
- Outbound data >15 GB/month is billed (~$0.087/GB).
3. How to Stay 100% Free?
To avoid unexpected charges:
✔ Use only B1s VMs (1 vCPU, 1GB RAM).
✔ Always “Stop (Deallocate)” VMs when not in use.
✔ Monitor usage in Azure Cost Management.
✔ Prefer Linux VMs (no licensing issues).
4. Free Azure Alternatives (If You Run Out of Credits)
If Azure’s free tier isn’t enough, try:
🔹 Google Cloud (GCP) Free Tier – $300 free credits.
🔹 AWS Free Tier – 750 hours of EC2.
🔹 Oracle Cloud Free Tier – Always-free ARM VMs.
Conclusion
Azure RDP is “free” but with strict limits.
✅ Yes, you can get 12 months free (if you follow the rules).
❌ No, it’s not unlimited (watch out for hidden costs).
💡 Pro Tip: Set up billing alerts to avoid surprises!
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📌 Next Topic: Top 5 Ways to Get Free Azure RDP for Developers & Students
(We’ll cover GitHub Student Pack, Azure for Startups, and more!)
Want me to continue? Let me know! 🚀
