What MSDN subscriptions are and who they're for

MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) subscriptions are paid memberships that give developers access to Microsoft software, cloud credits, technical support, and training resources. Microsoft retired the MSDN brand in 2019 and replaced it with Visual Studio subscriptions, which work the same way but under a new name. If you hear "MSDN subscription" today, it usually refers to what Microsoft now calls a Visual Studio subscription.

These subscriptions are designed for people who build software professionally or seriously — software developers, architects, testers, and DevOps engineers. They're not free; you pay a monthly or annual fee. In return, you get a license to use Visual Studio (Microsoft's code editor and development environment), access to Azure cloud credits, and a library of training courses.

The subscription is tied to your individual Microsoft account. When you sign up, Microsoft issues you a license key that you enter into Visual Studio to unlock the full version. If your employer buys the subscription for you, they manage the license through their Microsoft account, and you use it at work.

Key Takeaways

  • Visual Studio subscriptions (formerly MSDN) come in three paid tiers — Professional, Test Professional, and Enterprise — plus a free Community edition that has no subscription required.
  • Each tier includes a license to Visual Studio, monthly Azure cloud credits, and access to training content, but the dollar amounts and software included vary by tier.
  • Your subscription is personal to your Microsoft account; you sign in to Visual Studio with the same email and password you use to manage your subscription.
  • Employers often buy subscriptions in bulk through Microsoft's volume licensing program, which costs less per seat than buying individually.
  • You can cancel a monthly subscription at any time, but annual subscriptions typically require you to wait until the renewal date to stop paying.

The three paid subscription tiers and what each includes

Microsoft offers three levels of paid Visual Studio subscriptions, each with a different price and a different set of included software and services. The exact monthly cost varies depending on whether you buy directly from Microsoft or through a reseller, and it changes over time, so you should check the Visual Studio pricing page for current rates.

Visual Studio Professional is the entry-level paid subscription. It includes a license to Visual Studio Professional (the full code editor, not the free Community version), 50 dollars per month in Azure credits, access to Microsoft's training platform, and technical support through email and forums. It's aimed at individual developers and small teams.

Visual Studio Test Professional is a specialized tier for people whose job is testing software rather than writing it. It includes Visual Studio Test Professional (a lighter version focused on testing tools), the same Azure credits and training access as Professional, and support. If you're a QA engineer or test automation specialist, this tier is built for your workflow.

Visual Studio Enterprise is the top tier. It includes Visual Studio Enterprise (the most feature-rich version), 150 dollars per month in Azure credits, the full training library, priority technical support (faster response times), and additional tools like advanced debugging and performance profiling software. It's designed for large teams and organizations with complex development needs.

Azure credits and how they work

Every paid Visual Studio subscription includes a monthly allowance of Azure credits — the cloud computing platform where you can run servers, databases, and other services. Professional subscribers get 50 dollars per month; Enterprise subscribers get 150 dollars per month. These credits reset on the same day each month and do not roll over if you don't use them.

You use the credits to pay for Azure services like virtual machines, storage, databases, and app hosting. If you exceed your monthly credit limit, you pay the overage out of pocket unless you set spending limits in your Azure account. The credits are real money toward Azure bills — they're not a discount code or a trial.

If your subscription lapses or you cancel, you lose access to any unused credits. Some organizations use the monthly credits as a way to let developers experiment with cloud services without requesting a separate budget.

How to set up and set up a subscription

If you buy a subscription directly from Microsoft, you'll receive a product key by email. Go to the Visual Studio subscription sign-in page, enter your Microsoft account email and password, and then enter the product key to set up the subscription. Your account is now linked to that subscription tier.

Open Visual Studio on your computer and sign in with the same Microsoft account. Visual Studio will recognize your subscription and unlock the features that come with your tier. If you're using Visual Studio Community (the free version), signing in with a subscription account will upgrade it to the paid tier you own.

If your employer provides the subscription, they'll send you a link to claim it through their organization's account. You'll sign in with your work email, and the subscription will be assigned to you. You then sign into Visual Studio with that same work email to set up the license.

Subscription costs and payment options

Visual Studio subscriptions are sold on a monthly or annual basis. Monthly subscriptions cost less per month but add up to more per year; annual subscriptions have a lower total cost but require you to commit upfront. Exact pricing changes and varies by region, so check the Visual Studio pricing page for your location.

You can pay with a credit card or debit card. If you buy through a reseller or your employer buys through volume licensing, payment terms may differ — some organizations pay by invoice monthly or quarterly instead.

If you buy a monthly subscription, you can cancel it at any time, and your access ends at the end of that billing cycle. If you buy an annual subscription, you're locked in for the year; most annual plans do not allow mid-year cancellation, though you should check the terms when you purchase.

The free Visual Studio Community edition and when to use it

Visual Studio Community is a free version of Visual Studio that requires no subscription. It includes most of the same code-editing and debugging features as the Professional tier, but it's licensed for use by individuals, open-source projects, and small teams (under five people). If you're learning to code or building a personal project, Community is a legitimate choice.

The main limits are legal, not technical. If you work for a company with more than 250 employees, or if your organization's annual revenue exceeds a certain threshold, you're not allowed to use Community — you must buy a paid subscription. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, Microsoft's licensing terms spell out the rules.

Community does not include Azure credits or the training platform, so if you need cloud resources or structured learning, a paid subscription adds value. But for local development and testing, Community is fully functional.

Volume licensing for teams and organizations

If your employer wants to buy Visual Studio subscriptions for multiple developers, Microsoft offers volume licensing, which costs less per subscription than buying individually. The exact discount depends on how many subscriptions you buy and the terms of your agreement.

With volume licensing, your organization signs a contract with Microsoft (usually through a reseller), and Microsoft assigns subscriptions to individual employees. Your IT department manages who gets which tier and handles renewals. You sign in to Visual Studio with your work email, and your subscription is automatically recognized.

Volume licensing is common in larger organizations because it simplifies management and reduces cost. If you work at a company with a Microsoft agreement, ask your IT or procurement team whether Visual Studio subscriptions are already part of your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Visual Studio subscription on more than one computer?

Yes. You sign in to Visual Studio with your Microsoft account on any computer, and your subscription follows you. You can use it on your work machine, your personal laptop, and a home desktop at the same time. The license is tied to your account, not to a specific device.

What happens to my Azure credits if I cancel my subscription?

Any unused Azure credits are lost when your subscription ends. Credits do not roll over month to month and cannot be transferred. If you know you're canceling, use your remaining credits before the subscription lapses.

Do I need a Visual Studio subscription to use Azure?

No. You can create an Azure account and pay for services separately without a Visual Studio subscription. The subscription is valuable because it includes monthly credits, but the credits are optional — they're a benefit, not a requirement.

Can my employer change my subscription tier without asking me?

Yes, if your employer bought the subscription. They own the license and can reassign it, downgrade it, or remove it. If you're concerned about losing access to features, talk to your IT department about what tier your organization plans to maintain.

Is there a student discount for Visual Studio subscriptions?

Microsoft offers free Visual Studio subscriptions to students and educators through its academic programs. If you're enrolled in school, check the Visual Studio Education page to see whether you may have access to. The free tier is usually Enterprise-level, which is a significant benefit.