Free Microsoft Software Products for Personal Devices

General Information

Question:

• I am a Metropolitan State University faculty, employee or student. Can I get Microsoft software products for my personal computer or laptop for free?

Answers:

• For Microsoft 365 Software please see article: M365: Free for Personally Owned Devices
• View instructions in this article below for other Microsoft software such as, Visio, Project, Windows 10, SQL Server, Visual Studio, and many more available through Microsoft Azure Dev Tools for Teaching.
• Note: Microsoft does not have a Visio or Project app for iOS and Mac computers, however these applications can be used by accessing the Virtual Computer Lab.

Microsoft software products

Microsoft Azure Dev Tools for Teaching Offers Visio, Project, Windows 10, SQL Server, Visual Studio and more.

Tips: It will be helpful to have a good high-speed Internet connection for download of software. It may take some time to complete download of software files. Some of the download files may be large, so ensure your computer has enough space.

• Step 1) Go to https://azureforeducation.microsoft.com/devtools
• Step 2) Click the Sign in button. You will be prompted to agree to the terms by selecting the corresponding checkbox. If you do not wish to receive additional information, tips, and offers uncheck the corresponding box. Log in using your MinnState login credentials:

Username:
     Students: StarID@go.minnstate.edu
     Employees: StarID@minnstate.edu
Password:
     StarID password

• Step 3) Under Education Get Started, click on Software and search for your preferred application.

• Step 4) From the search result list, click on the application you would like to download and click the  Download button located at the bottom of the pane.
• Step 5) Once the download is complete, open the software application. You will be prompted for a Product Key. Click on the View Key button, then copy and paste the Product Key to activate your software license. Make sure to save the Product Key during the activation process.

Additional Information:

Another option to simply access and use software is to use Virtual Computer Lab.

• Windows Client Installation for Virtual Computer Lab
• Access the Virtual Computer Lab via Web Browser (for MAC, Chromebook or Tablet).