Download Free Evaluations of Microsoft Software

Microsoft has a ton of new software it’s releasing in the coming months. Most IT administrators have either a TechNet or MSDN subscription that provides unlimited access to Microsoft software. But the subscriptions cost anywhere from $130 to a hefty $4,250 annually.

If you want to test out new Microsoft software for a limited duration, you don’t need to pay for an account. Several of the new software packages are available for free evaluation.

The TechNet Evaluation Center offers 90-day and pre-release beta testing of new Windows products. All it takes to sign up is a Microsoft account and the only catch is the 90-day lifespan attached with the evaluation key.

I’m currently using the 2013 Preview of Office ProPlus 365 and Visio Professional 2013. If it wasn’t for the evaluation center, I likely wouldn’t have tested out either of them.

Additional free downloads can also be found in the TechNet Downloads section.