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Azure Student Account: Missing Free-Tier VM Sizes and Unexpected Charges on B1s VM and Error on Cost Analysis

Mandala Surendra reddy 20 Reputation points
2025-11-26T05:47:11.62+00:00

I am using an Azure Student account.

I want to create the cheapest VM (B1s). I created one and started using it, but I noticed that it consumed $1 in 24 hours. My credits dropped from $50 to $49 even though the B1s VM is supposed to be free, based on my research.

These are the resources I used:

B1s VM (which should be free)

Windows Server 2019 Datacenter as the operating system (I am not sure if this is causing charges)

Basic Public IP

64 GB HDD disk

These are the main settings I check when creating a VM. The screenshots below are my proof that these services should be free.

User's image

User's image I have a question regarding the free VMs. According to the documentation, Azure provides B1s, B2pts (ARM-based), and B2ats VMs as free options, but I am unable to find the B2pts or B2ats VM sizes anywhere. I searched across multiple regions, but they never appear in the list. Can someone tell me where these VM types are available?

Also, the free-tier list does not mention anything about Public IPs or OS licensing. Because of this, I assumed the VM would be free. However, my credit dropped by $1 within 24 hours. I checked Cost Analysis to see what caused the charge, but it showed an error.

My main doubt is this: Since I am using an Azure Student account with free credits, do I also get the 1-year free-tier benefits or not? I am not sure how these two work together.

Does Azure really provide a fully free VM, or are there hidden charges that silently consume credits? I can’t find any clear information about which resource actually caused the cost. Is there a proper way to see exactly which resources are being billed so I can understand what is consuming my credits?User's image

Cost Management
Cost Management

A Microsoft offering that enables tracking of cloud usage and expenditures for Azure and other cloud providers.

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Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous
2025-11-28T03:30:00.7066667+00:00

Hi Mandala Surendra reddy,

Thanks for posting your question in Microsoft Q&A forum

The B2pts and B2ats VM sizes are specialized VM types that may not be available in all Azure regions. These VM sizes are ARM-based and generally found in selected regions, but they do not appear universally across all regions.

To find these VM sizes, you need to check the availability by region since Microsoft offers different VM SKUs depending on the region. The official Azure document listing all regions and what services are available indicates variability in VM availability between regions, so if you have not found B2pts or B2ats VMs, it is likely they are not offered in your chosen regions.

Refer document: https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/virtual-machines/regions

To learn about Azure service availability by region, see Products available by region

B1s VM Charges: While the B1s VM is part of the free tier, there are certain factors that can lead to charges:

  • Operating System License: The Windows Server 2019 Datacenter you're using likely incurs charges, as it may not fall under the free tier depending on its configuration. Azure typically charges for the OS licensing unless you have specific credits or agreements in place.
  • Public IP and Storage: If you're using a Basic Public IP or have a disk size larger than what is covered under the free tier (like a disk larger than 64 GB), that can also contribute to costs. User's image
  • Refer document: https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/virtual-machines/overview

The free tier benefits, including the 750 hours/month for certain VM sizes, often apply to certain subscription types such as new Azure accounts or specific offers like Azure for Students. However, Azure Student credits do not automatically guarantee you receive all of the 1-year free tier services; they are separate benefits & with limitations. Familiarize with what's included in the free tier and ensure you're not exceeding any specific limits. The student credits are monetary credits, while the free tier is usage-based and tied to specific resource limits.

refer document: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cost-management-billing/manage/create-free-services

Steps to View Costs per Resource in Azure Cost Management

  1. Sign in to the Azure portal at portal.azure.com.
  2. Search for and select Cost Management + Billing.
  3. In the left menu, under Cost Management, select Cost Analysis. Ensure your scope is set to the relevant subscription or resource group.​
  4. In Cost Analysis, select the Cost by resource view (a customizable or smart view option). Switch to Table view for detailed listings.​
  5. Use filters for Resource type or Resource name and group by Resource to isolate specific items like VMs, IPs, or disks. Expand rows or drill down for meter-level details (e.g., compute, storage).​
  6. Adjust the time range (e.g. last 24 hours) and granularity (eg, daily) to match your $1 charge period. Download data or pin the view for ongoing monitoring.

Refer below documents for more details

I hope the provided answer is helpful, do let me know if you have any further questions on this Please accept as Yes if the answer is helpful so that it can help others in the community.

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