Create a Windows Azure account and enable preview features

In order to deploy applications to Windows Azure, you need an account. This article describes how to create a free trial account and how to enable Windows Azure preview features, including Web Sites, Virtual Machines, and Media Services, for the account.

Create a Windows Azure account

1. Open a web browser and browse to http://www.windowsazure.com
2. To get started with a free account, click Free trial in the upper right corner and follow the steps. You'll need a credit card number and a mobile phone number for proof of identity, but you will not be billed.
   

Enable Windows Azure preview features

1. Navigate to https://account.windowsazure.com/ and sign in with your Windows Azure account.
2. Click preview features to view the available previews.
   
3. Scroll down to the feature you want to enable and click try it now.
   
4. Select your subscription and click the check.