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.

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Coursera Project Network
Getting Started with Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Microsoft Office, Data Entry, Microsoft 365
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
13K reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Getting Started with Microsoft Word
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Word, Computer Literacy, Microsoft 365, Productivity Software, Writing, Business Writing, Document Management, Editing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
645 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Microsoft Office, Data Mining
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.3K reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
How To Visualize Your Data Using Microsoft Powerpoint
Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Microsoft PowerPoint, Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Video Editing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
246 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Using Basic Formulas and Functions in Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, Data Analysis, Business Mathematics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Create Charts and Dashboards Using Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office, Spreadsheet Software, Data Visualization, Trend Analysis, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
975 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

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Coursera Project Network
Create a Project Management Tracker using Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Project Management Software, Collaborative Software, Spreadsheet Software, Project Management, Productivity Software, Project Planning, Data Validation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
869 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Office
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
255 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Create a Financial Statement using Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Balance Sheet, Ledgers (Accounting), Financial Data, Bookkeeping, Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
769 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Creating a Budget with Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Budgeting, Microsoft Excel, Budget Management, Operating Budget, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Financial Data, Microsoft Office
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
598 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
How to Use Lookup Reference Math and Text Functions in Excel
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Microsoft 365, Data Validation
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
490 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Getting Started with Microsoft OneDrive
Skills you'll gain: File Management, Microsoft Office, Version Control, Document Management, Data Sharing, Cloud Storage, Data Storage, Data Loss Prevention
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular microsoft courses

Getting Started with Microsoft Excel: Coursera Project Network
Getting Started with Microsoft Word: Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel: Coursera Project Network
How To Visualize Your Data Using Microsoft Powerpoint: Coursera Project Network
Using Basic Formulas and Functions in Microsoft Excel: Coursera Project Network
Create Charts and Dashboards Using Microsoft Excel: Coursera Project Network
Create a Project Management Tracker using Microsoft Excel: Coursera Project Network
Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint: Coursera Project Network
Create a Financial Statement using Microsoft Excel: Coursera Project Network
Creating a Budget with Microsoft Excel: Coursera Project Network

Microsoft Online Courses