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Appendix: Get Windows 11 for Free via Azure for Students

Objective​

This guide explains how to obtain a FREE Windows 11 Professional license using your student account through Microsoft's Azure for Students program.

Benefits:

  • FREE Windows 11 Pro (value: $259 CAD)
  • Legitimate and activatable license
  • No time limit as long as you are a student
  • Access to other free Microsoft software
  • $100 Azure credit (bonus)

Prerequisites:

  • Be a student enrolled in a recognized institution
  • Have an institutional email address (example: studentnumber@cmaisonneuve.qc.ca)
  • No credit card required

Duration: 15 minutes

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Windows Version Choice​

Version to download (quick summary):

👉 Windows 11 Education, version 25H2 (64-bit) – French

TO AVOID:

  • ❌ "N" Version (lacks multimedia components)
  • ❌ 32-bit version (obsolete)
  • ❌ Windows 11 Home or Pro (less complete than Education)

Complete details in Step 4.2 below.

Step 1: Sign Up for Azure for Students​

Step 1.1: Access the Registration Portal​

Visit the following link:

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/students

"Azure for Students" page appears

Step 1.2: Start the Registration​

  1. Click on the "Start free" button

  2. Sign in with Microsoft account:

    • If you already have a Microsoft account: Sign in
    • If you don't have one: Click "Create one"

  3. Create Microsoft account (if necessary):

    • Email: Use your institutional address
    • Example: 1234567@cmaisonneuve.qc.ca
    • Example: firstname.lastname@college.ca
    • IMPORTANT: Use your STUDENT email (ends with .edu, .ca, .qc.ca, etc.)
    • Password: Create a strong password
    • Confirm your email (code sent by email)

Step 1.3: Verify Student Status​

Microsoft automatically verifies that you are a student:

Automatic method (most common):

  • Microsoft detects your institutional domain (.cmaisonneuve.qc.ca)
  • Instant verification
  • No documents required

If manual verification is required:

  • Upload proof of enrollment (transcript, student card)
  • Wait for approval (usually 24-48h)

Confirmation message:

Congratulations! You're eligible for Azure for Students.

Step 1.4: Accept the Terms​

  1. Read the terms and conditions
  2. Check "I agree to the subscription agreement, offer details, and privacy statement"
  3. Click "Sign up"

Registration completed!

You receive:

  • $100 Azure credit (valid for 12 months)
  • Access to free Azure services
  • Access to free Microsoft development software
  • FREE Windows 11 Pro!

Questions:

  1. Was your institutional email address accepted?
  2. Did you receive the registration confirmation email?

Step 2: Access Your Subscription​

Step 2.1: Azure Portal​

Access the Azure portal:

https://portal.azure.com

Sign in with the Microsoft account you just created

Azure dashboard appears

Step 2.2: Verify Your Subscription​

Navigate to Subscriptions:

Method 1 - Direct link:

https://portal.azure.com/#view/Microsoft_Azure_Billing/SubscriptionsBladeV2

Method 2 - Manual navigation:

  1. In the search bar (at the top), type: Subscriptions
  2. Click on "Subscriptions" (subscription icon)

Subscriptions page appears

Step 2.3: Identify Azure for Students​

You should see:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Subscriptions                           │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Name: Azure for Students                │
│ Subscription ID: xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx    │
│ Status: Active                          │
│ Spending limit: $100 CAD                │
│ Current spend: $0.00                    │
│ Credit remaining: $100.00               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Important information:

  • Name: Azure for Students
  • Status: Active
  • Credit: $100 available
  • Valid: 12 months from registration
  • Renewal: Annual as long as you are a student

Questions: 3. What is your Subscription ID? 4. How much Azure credit do you have available?

Step 3: Access the Education Hub​

Step 3.1: Navigate to Education Hub​

Direct link to the Education Hub:

https://portal.azure.com/#view/Microsoft_Azure_Education/EducationMenuBlade/~/overview

OR manually:

  1. Azure search bar (at the top): Type Education
  2. Click on "Education" (book/graduation icon)

Education Hub page appears:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Education Hub                           │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ > Overview                              │
│ > Software                              │
│ > Learning Resources                    │
│ > Credits                               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Step 3.2: Overview​

Overview section displays:

  • Your remaining credit ($100)
  • Subscription expiration date
  • Included Azure services
  • Learning resources

Take note of:

  • Expiration: Date in 12 months
  • Renewal: Automatic if still a student

Step 3.3: Access the Software Tab​

THIS IS WHERE YOU WILL FIND WINDOWS 11!

  1. In the Education Hub menu, click on "Software"

OR:

Direct link: https://portal.azure.com/#view/Microsoft_Azure_Education/EducationMenuBlade/~/software

Software page appears with a catalog of free software!

Questions: 5. Do you see the Software section in the Education Hub? 6. How many software are available for download?

Step 4: Download Windows 11​

Step 4.1: Search for Windows 11​

On the Software page:

  1. Search bar (at the top of the list): Type Windows 11

OR:

  1. Browse the list (alphabetical order)
  2. Look for: "Windows 11 Education" or "Windows 11 Professional"

You should see:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Windows 11 Education                    │
│ Version: Multiple editions available    │
│ Language: Multiple                      │
│ [View Details] [Download]               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Step 4.2: Select the Version​

Click on "Windows 11 Education" (or "Windows 11 Professional")

Details window opens:

Select:

  1. Edition:
    • Windows 11 Education (Recommended - full version)
    • NOT "Education N" - Avoid this version!
    • OR: Windows 11 Professional (acceptable but Education is better)

Why Education?

  • Full version for educational institutions
  • All features included
  • Ideal for academic environment

Why AVOID "N"?

  • "N" Version = Without multimedia components
  • No Windows Media Player
  • No pre-installed audio/video codecs
  • Complicates labs requiring audio/video
  • Requires additional manual installations
  1. Version Build:
    • Windows 11 Education, version 25H2 (Recommended - latest version)
    • OR: Version 24H2, 23H2 (older versions, acceptable)

Why 25H2?

  • Latest version available
  • Latest security updates
  • New features
  • Extended support
  1. Language:
    • French (France) - Recommended if courses in French
    • OR: French (Canada) if available
    • OR: English (United States) if courses in English

Note: Interface, menus, error messages will be in the chosen language.

  1. Architecture:
    • 64-bit (x64) - Recommended (REQUIRED for this course)
    • 32-bit (x86) - Old, DO NOT USE

Why 64-bit?

  • Modern standard (current processors)
  • Supports more than 4 GB RAM
  • Better performance
  • Compatibility with all course tools
  1. Format:
    • ISO - Disk image format for installation on VM or bootable USB

👉 FINAL RECOMMENDED CHOICE:​

Edition: Windows 11 Education (NOT the N version)
Version: 25H2
Architecture: 64-bit (x64)
Language: French
Format: ISO

Expected full file name:

Windows 11 Education, version 25H2 (64-bit) – French
OR
Win11_Education_25H2_French_x64.iso

Click "Download"

Step 4.3: Obtain the Product Key​

IMPORTANT: Before closing the page!

The product key is displayed:

Product Key: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

CRITICAL ACTIONS:

  1. Copy the product key immediately
  2. Save it in a secure text file
  3. Note it somewhere safe

File to create (example):

File: Windows_11_License.txt
Location: Documents (with backup!)

Content:
========================================
WINDOWS 11 LICENSE - AZURE FOR STUDENTS
========================================

Date obtained: [Current date]
Azure Email: your.email@college.ca

Product: Windows 11 Education (64-bit, French)
Product Key: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

ISO downloaded: Win11_Education_French_x64.iso
Size: ~6 GB
SHA256 Hash: [If available on the page]

IMPORTANT: This key is linked to your student account.
Do not share publicly.
========================================

KEEP THIS KEY SAFE!

Step 4.4: Download the ISO File​

The download starts automatically

Downloaded file:

Name: Win11_Education_French_x64.iso (or similar)
Size: about 5.5 - 6.0 GB
Location: Downloads folder
Duration: 20-60 minutes depending on Internet connection

During the download:

  • Do not close the browser window
  • Do not put the computer to sleep
  • Internet connection must remain active

Verification after download:

File size:

Get-Item "C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\Win11_Education_French_x64.iso" | Select-Object Name, Length

Should be about 5,500,000,000 to 6,000,000,000 bytes (5.5-6 GB)

Questions: 7. Did you copy and save the product key? 8. Is the ISO download complete? 9. What is the exact size of the downloaded file?

Step 5: Verification and Backup​

Step 5.1: Verify File Integrity​

Calculate the SHA256 hash of the downloaded file:

Get-FileHash "C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\Win11_Education_French_x64.iso" -Algorithm SHA256

Result:

Algorithm       Hash                                                                   Path
---------       ----                                                                   ----
SHA256          ABCD1234567890...                                                      C:\Users\...

If Microsoft provided a hash on the download page:

  • Compare it with the calculated one
  • If identical: File intact and not corrupted
  • If different: Redownload

Step 5.2: Backup the ISO File​

IMPORTANT: Create backup copies!

Recommended locations:

  1. External hard drive:

    Copy to: E:\Backups\ISOs\Win11_Education_French_x64.iso

  2. Cloud (OneDrive, Google Drive):

    • Note: 6 GB file, check available space
    • May take several hours to upload

  3. Dedicated folder on your PC:

    Create: C:\ISOs\
    Copy: Win11_Education_French_x64.iso

Why backup:

  • Redownload may be limited
  • File usable for multiple VMs
  • Avoid repeated download (6 GB)

Step 5.3: Document Your License​

Create a complete document:

File: Azure_for_Students_INFO.txt

=========================================
AZURE FOR STUDENTS - INFORMATION
=========================================

REGISTRATION DATE: [Date]
INSTITUTIONAL EMAIL: your.number@college.ca
MICROSOFT ACCOUNT: (same email)

AZURE SUBSCRIPTION:
- Name: Azure for Students
- Subscription ID: xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx
- Credit: $100 USD
- Expiration: [Date in 12 months]
- Renewal: Annual (as long as student)

WINDOWS 11:
- Edition: Windows 11 Education
- Language: French
- Architecture: 64-bit (x64)
- Product Key: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
- ISO: Win11_Education_French_x64.iso
- Size: 5.8 GB
- SHA256: [Calculated hash]
- Download date: [Date]

OTHER AVAILABLE SOFTWARE:
- Visual Studio Enterprise
- Windows Server
- SQL Server
- Microsoft 365 (optional)
- And more...

IMPORTANT LINKS:
- Azure Portal: https://portal.azure.com
- Education Hub: https://portal.azure.com/#view/Microsoft_Azure_Education/EducationMenuBlade/~/overview
- Subscriptions: https://portal.azure.com/#view/Microsoft_Azure_Billing/SubscriptionsBladeV2

NOTES:
- Product key usable for installation
- ISO reusable for multiple VMs
- Renew each year via Azure portal
- Keep this document safe
=========================================

Save this file in a safe place!

Questions: 10. Have you created your documentation file? 11. Where have you saved your ISO and key?

Step 6: Other Free Software Available​

Step 6.1: Full Catalog​

In Education Hub → Software, you have access to:

Operating systems:

  • Windows 11 Education/Professional
  • Windows 10 Education/Professional
  • Windows Server 2022
  • Windows Server 2019

Development tools:

  • Visual Studio Enterprise (value: $5,999 USD!)
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Visual Studio for Mac
  • SQL Server Developer Edition
  • SQL Server Standard

Servers and services:

  • Windows Server (all versions)
  • SQL Server (all versions)
  • SharePoint Server
  • Exchange Server
  • System Center

Others:

  • Visio Professional
  • Project Professional
  • Access
  • And more...

ALL FREE as long as you are a student!

Step 6.2: Download Other Software (Optional)​

To download something else (example: Visual Studio):

  1. Education Hub → Software
  2. Search "Visual Studio Enterprise"
  3. Click "View Details"
  4. Select version, language
  5. Copy the product key
  6. Download the installer

Same process as for Windows!

Step 7: Activate Windows in the VM​

Step 7.1: Installation with Product Key​

During Windows installation (Lab 1.0):

"Activate Windows" screen:

Instead of clicking "I don't have a product key":

  1. Enter your Azure for Students product key:

    XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

  2. Click "Next"

Windows validates the key:

Verifying product key...
Product key validated!

  1. Select the edition:

    • If the key is for Education: "Windows 11 Education"
    • If the key is for Pro: "Windows 11 Pro"

  2. Continue the installation normally

Result: Windows ACTIVATED and LEGITIMATE!

Step 7.2: Activation After Installation​

If you installed without a key, you can activate afterward:

  1. Settings → Update & Security → Activation
  2. Click "Change product key"
  3. Enter your Azure for Students key
  4. Click "Next"

Windows activates:

Windows is activated with a digital license.

Step 7.3: Verify Activation​

PowerShell command:

slmgr /xpr

Popup appears:

Windows is permanently activated.

OR:

slmgr /dli

Detailed information:

Name: Windows 11 Education
Description: Windows Operating System, RETAIL channel
License status: Licensed

OR via interface:

  1. Settings → System → About
  2. Windows Specifications section: 
    Edition: Windows 11 Education
    Activation: Windows is activated

Questions: 12. Is Windows activated with your Azure for Students key? 13. Which edition of Windows do you have (Education or Pro)?

Step 8: Management and Renewal​

Step 8.1: Annual Renewal​

Your Azure for Students subscription:

  • Initial duration: 12 months
  • Credit: $100 (renewed annually)
  • Software: Continuous access

Before expiration (you will receive an email):

  1. Return to https://portal.azure.com
  2. Education Hub → Overview
  3. Click "Renew"
  4. Verify student status: Repeat verification
  5. New 12-month subscription granted!

As long as you are a student: Renewable each year!

Step 8.2: Use of Azure Credit (Bonus)​

Your $100 credit can be used for:

For this course (optional):

  • Create Linux VMs on Azure (for remote labs)
  • Test cloud services
  • Learn Azure infrastructure

ATTENTION: Monitor your consumption!

Check remaining credit:

  1. Azure Portal → Cost Management + Billing
  2. Cost overview
  3. Remaining credit displayed

Set up alerts:

  1. Cost Management → Budgets
  2. Create budget of $90 (alert before depletion)
  3. Email alert if exceeded

NOTE: For this course, local VMs suffice (no need to use the credit).

Step 8.3: Future Downloads​

To download Windows or other software again:

  1. Sign in to https://portal.azure.com
  2. Education Hub → Software
  3. Search for the desired software
  4. Download (unlimited number of downloads!)

Your product keys:

  • Remain accessible in Education Hub
  • Do not change
  • Reusable for new installations

Questions: 14. When does your Azure for Students subscription expire? 15. How to check your remaining Azure credit?

Additional Benefits​

For Your Academic Journey​

With Azure for Students, you get:

Free software:

  • All Windows OS
  • Visual Studio Enterprise
  • Professional development tools

Learning:

  • Microsoft Learn (free courses)
  • Microsoft certifications at a reduced price
  • Access to complete documentation

Cloud experience:

  • Azure credit for experimentation
  • PaaS and IaaS services
  • DevOps and CI/CD

Portfolio:

  • Deploy projects on Azure
  • Showcase cloud skills
  • Public URLs for projects

For Your Career​

Skills developed:

  • Cloud computing (Azure)
  • Infrastructure as Code
  • Containerization
  • Cloud databases
  • CI/CD pipelines

Accessible certifications:

  • Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
  • Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
  • Azure Security (AZ-500)
  • Student discount on exams

Troubleshooting​

Problem: Institutional email not accepted​

Solutions:

  1. Verify that your email ends with an institutional domain (.edu, .ca, .qc.ca)
  2. Contact Azure for Students support: https://aka.ms/azureforeducation
  3. Provide proof of enrollment (transcript, student card)
  4. Wait for manual verification (24-48h)

Problem: No "Software" section in Education Hub​

Solutions:

  1. Wait 24h after registration (account propagation)
  2. Log out and log back in
  3. Clear browser cache
  4. Verify that your subscription is "Active"

Problem: Download interrupted​

Solutions:

  1. Use Download Manager (Internet Download Manager, Free Download Manager)
  2. Stable connection required (Ethernet cable recommended vs WiFi)
  3. Redownload possible (unlimited number)

Problem: Product key does not work​

Solutions:

  1. Verify that you enter the correct key (copy-paste recommended)
  2. Verify the corresponding edition (Education vs Pro)
  3. Return to Education Hub to see the key again
  4. Contact Microsoft support

Complete Checklist​

Before proceeding to Lab 1.0 (VM Installation):

  • Azure for Students registration completed
  • Institutional email verified
  • "Azure for Students" subscription active (visible in Subscriptions)
  • Education Hub accessible
  • Windows 11 ISO downloaded (5.5-6 GB)
  • Product key copied and saved
  • Documentation file created with all info
  • ISO backup done (external drive or cloud)
  • SHA256 hash calculated and noted (optional but recommended)

If everything is checked: Ready for Lab 1.0 (VM Installation)!

Azure Portals​

Main portal:

Subscriptions:

Education Hub:

Software (downloads):

Support and Documentation​

Azure for Students:

Windows Documentation:

Comparison of Options​

Option 1: Azure for Students (FREE - Recommended!)​

Advantages:

  • Completely free
  • Legitimate and activatable license
  • Windows 11 Education (full version)
  • Product key provided
  • Renewable annually
  • Bonus: $100 Azure credit + other software

Disadvantages:

  • Requires student email
  • Verification may take 24-48h
  • 6 GB download required

Option 2: Standard Microsoft Download (Evaluation)​

Advantages:

  • Accessible to everyone
  • Direct download

Disadvantages:

  • Evaluation version (30 days)
  • Requires periodic reactivation
  • No permanent product key

Option 3: Purchase License​

Advantages:

  • Permanent license

Disadvantages:

  • Cost: $259 CAD for Windows 11 Pro
  • Not necessary if you are a student!

Recommendation: Use Azure for Students (Option 1) - It's free and legitimate!

Conclusion​

This guide showed you how to:

  • Sign up for Azure for Students with your institutional email
  • Access your Azure subscription
  • Navigate the Education Hub
  • Download Windows 11 Education for free
  • Obtain and save your product key
  • Document your license

You now have:

  • Windows 11 Education ISO (6 GB)
  • Legitimate product key
  • Access to dozens of other free software
  • $100 Azure credit
  • Microsoft learning resources

Next step:

  • Lab 1.0: Install Windows 11 in VirtualBox
  • Use the ISO and product key you just obtained!

Long-term benefits:

  • Legitimate Windows license for your entire schooling
  • Free professional tools
  • Azure experience for your resume
  • Valuable cloud skills

Keep your Azure account active and renew it each year!

Appendix document - Obtaining Windows via Azure for Students
Prerequisite for Lab 1.0: Installing a Windows VM

IMPORTANT: Complete this step BEFORE starting Lab 1.0. The product key and ISO are essential for installation.