Microsoft's research division: published papers, open datasets and tools, plus its internship and residency programs.
In plain terms: Explore research at Microsoft, a site featuring the impact of research along with publications, products, downloads, and research careers.
Visit Microsoft ResearchThe publications are free to read and the programs page lists real entry routes into research work. Both are more useful than the marketing pages.
Program details are still being written up. In the meantime, the site itself is the best starting point.
Microsoft's open-source web framework for building web apps and services in C# that run on Windows, Linux and macOS. Free to download and use; the page is Microsoft's own product page.
Microsoft's corporate sustainability hub, covering its carbon-negative, water-positive and zero-waste commitments, annual environmental sustainability reports, and progress data — relevant context for the footprint of AI data centers.
Microsoft Research blog post on running the heavy AI thinking for robots on remote computers instead of on the robot itself, and what that means for speed, cost and reliability in real-world robotics.
Why I recommend it: Free to read. Written by Microsoft researchers, so it presents their own approach favorably — Microsoft also sells the cloud computing this kind of setup relies on.
Microsoft's community skilling programme that partners with local community colleges and vocational schools to train people for entry-level datacenter and digital-infrastructure jobs. The five parts are aligned curriculum, a hands-on datacenter lab, mentoring from Microsoft datacenter staff, work experience at a Microsoft datacenter, and scholarships or financial grants. It runs in cohorts through named partner schools rather than as an online course you sign up for.
Why I recommend it: The honest version: this page is the program overview, not an application. The training is delivered by a local partner school, so start at the locations list and go to the school nearest you for dates, entry requirements and what the school itself charges — Microsoft's scholarships cover tuition, fees and certification exams only for students who qualify, so ask the school in writing what you would owe if you don't get one. Microsoft says more than 12,500 people have enrolled since 2018 across at least 14 countries; treat any jobs or salary figures the program quotes as its own marketing, not a promise of a Microsoft job.
Microsoft's own announcements and positions on AI, work and policy.
Why I recommend it: This is the company speaking for itself, which makes it a primary source and an advertisement at the same time. Useful for knowing what it is committing to publicly.
Microsoft's AI assistant, built into Windows, Word, Excel and Outlook. Free to use in the browser and on Windows; the Office integration needs a paid plan.
From the site: Microsoft Copilot is your companion to inform, entertain and inspire. Get advice, feedback and straightforward answers. Try Copilot now.
Why I recommend it: If your employer runs on Microsoft 365, this is the assistant you will actually be allowed to use at work.
A free live conversation about the IBM Z USA Apprenticeship Program — learn how the program works, who it's for, and how to apply.
Free learning paths for Microsoft 365, Azure, Power Platform, and Copilot, with certification prep.
Why I recommend it: If your target roles run on Microsoft tools, this is the official free path and it lines up with the paid exams.
Free learning paths on Copilot and Microsoft AI services, with certificates you can share.
Why I recommend it: Worth doing if you are targeting corporate or enterprise roles — Copilot is what those teams actually use.
Microsoft's paid search advertising platform, running ads across Bing, Yahoo, and partner networks.
Microsoft documentation on integrating third-party apps and services with the Microsoft 365 Copilot ecosystem.
Microsoft's workflow-automation tool for connecting Microsoft 365 apps and other business software.
Free heatmap and session-recording analytics tool from Microsoft for seeing how visitors use a site.
Why I recommend it: A completely free way to watch exactly how visitors use your website.
A 16-week immersive program mixing classroom learning with hands-on work on real Microsoft products, across Software Engineering, Technical Program Management, Support Engineering, and Data Analysis. Recruits heavily from bootcamps and non-traditional paths.
In plain terms: This 16-week program helps people with basic technical training and non-traditional backgrounds break into the technology industry. You can apply to combine classroom learning with hands-on experience working on real Microsoft products.
Why I recommend it: One of the most respected career-changer programs in tech. Read the application-process page closely; it tells you exactly what they score.
Hand-picked from the hub based on what Microsoft Research covers.
Entry-level IT certificate covering troubleshooting, networking, operating systems, security, and customer support.
Why this: Covers research and apprenticeship too
Tuition-free, 18-week instructor-led virtual training that builds core IT networking skills and industry certifications, with optional specializations in data analytics, Python automation, penetration testing security, or healthcare IT. Graduates move into help desk, desktop support, systems administration, and cloud administration roles at employers including Citi, Deloitte, and Bank of America.
Why this: Covers apprenticeship and it support too
Hands-on introduction to Python, working with data, and calling APIs, with no prior programming required.
Why this: Covers ai and ai tools too
Anthropic's free learning hub for Claude: structured courses with video lessons and quizzes covering Claude.ai, Claude Code, Cowork, the API, and MCP, with completion badges.
Why this: Covers ai and certification too
