Can I Try Business Central for Free?
Can I Try Business Central for Free?
If you are researching ERP solutions and asking, “Can I try Business Central for free?”, you are not alone. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a powerful all-in-one business management solution designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It streamlines finance, sales, supply chain, inventory, and operations — all within a single cloud-based platform.
Before committing to any ERP system, trying the software in a live environment is crucial. A free trial gives you the chance to explore features, evaluate usability, and decide whether the platform suits your specific business needs. Microsoft understands this and offers a free trial of Business Central to help you make an informed choice.
Wolfe Systems, a trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner based in Perth, provides expert support to help Australian businesses get the most out of their Business Central free trial. Whether you want to test how it integrates with Microsoft 365 or need help with setup and training, Wolfe Systems can guide you every step of the way.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about trying Business Central for free — from what’s included in the trial, to how to sign up, and how to maximise the experience.
- What the free trial includes
- How to sign up
- What you can and can’t do
- How to get help from a local expert
- What to do once the trial ends
Does Microsoft Offer a Free Trial of Business Central?
Yes, Microsoft offers a free trial of Dynamics 365 Business Central. It’s available to new users and businesses that want to explore the software before committing to a subscription. The trial runs for 30 days and gives you full access to the cloud-based system, allowing you to experience Business Central as if it were already integrated into your business.
The free trial is hosted in the cloud, so there’s no software to install. You simply sign in with a Microsoft work or school account and begin exploring the platform. Whether you’re looking to evaluate financial management, supply chain operations, customer invoicing, or reporting capabilities, the trial gives you access to nearly all the essential features.
This isn’t a limited demo. The free trial includes a working environment with sample data, so you can simulate real business scenarios and test how Business Central would work across your departments. You’ll also get to see how it integrates with other Microsoft tools you may already use — such as Outlook, Excel, and Microsoft Teams.
Key Details:
- Length: 30 days
- Access: Cloud-based, no installation required
- Features: Financials, inventory, sales, purchasing, reporting, and more
- Setup: Requires a Microsoft 365 work or school account
If you want guided setup, customised walkthroughs, or help tailoring the system to your Australian business environment, you can start your trial through Wolfe Systems. As a Perth-based Microsoft partner, Wolfe Systems can provide onboarding support and help you get meaningful results within your trial period.
What You Can Do with the Free Trial
The Microsoft Business Central free trial isn’t just a static preview. It’s a fully functional environment that lets you explore the same features you would use in a paid subscription. Whether you want to get hands-on with financials, simulate sales workflows, or explore supply chain visibility, the trial offers a well-rounded experience.
Once you sign up, you’ll gain access to a pre-configured demo company. This setup includes sample data, dashboards, transactions, and workflows so you can test business scenarios without needing to enter everything manually. You can also add your own data if you prefer a more tailored experience.
During your trial, you can explore:
- Finance and Accounting
View general ledgers, manage accounts receivable and payable, and run financial reports. - Sales and Invoicing
Create sales quotes and invoices, manage customer information, and track interactions. - Purchasing and Inventory
Handle purchase orders, manage vendors, monitor stock levels, and oversee warehouse activities. - Project Management
Set up jobs, assign tasks, and track time and costs across projects. - Reporting and Dashboards
Access real-time insights with built-in reports and dashboards, and connect with Microsoft Power BI for advanced analytics. - Integration with Microsoft 365
Use Business Central directly within Outlook, export reports to Excel, and collaborate via Teams.
This range of functionality gives business owners and decision-makers a true sense of how Business Central performs in day-to-day operations. The trial environment is cloud-based, responsive, and accessible across devices — so you can evaluate it from the office, home, or on the go.
You’re also able to add multiple users to the trial, allowing different teams in your organisation to test specific areas of the platform, such as finance, operations, or customer service.
Limitations of the Free Trial
While the Business Central free trial is generous in what it offers, there are a few important limitations to be aware of. These restrictions are in place because the trial is designed for evaluation only — not for running your business in a live environment.
Understanding these limitations will help you set clear expectations and avoid potential frustrations during your trial period.
Key limitations to consider:
- 30-Day Time Limit
The trial lasts for 30 days from the time of registration. Extensions are not guaranteed and usually require working with a Microsoft partner. - Demo Environment Only
Although you can enter your own data, the environment is not intended for full production use. Custom integrations and automations may not behave the same way in a live system. - No Long-Term Data Retention
Data entered during the trial may not automatically carry over into a paid subscription unless proper migration steps are taken. - Limited Customisation
Some advanced customisations and third-party apps from Microsoft AppSource may not be available in the trial environment or may require additional configuration. - Minimal Support from Microsoft
While Microsoft provides access to learning resources, direct support for free trial users is limited. That’s where working with a Microsoft partner like Wolfe Systems can be beneficial.
Despite these constraints, the trial is still a powerful way to evaluate whether Business Central fits your business processes. You can work around most limitations by setting up your trial strategically and engaging support early.
Wolfe Systems can help you plan your trial to ensure it reflects your real business workflows.
Start your trial with guidance
How to Sign Up for a Business Central Free Trial
Starting your free trial of Microsoft Business Central is a straightforward process. In just a few steps, you can access the full system online and begin exploring how it works. You don’t need to install any software or enter payment details to begin.
However, to get the most out of your trial, it’s best to approach it with a clear plan and — where possible — expert support. Wolfe Systems can help you get set up properly so that your 30-day trial reflects your business structure and goals.
Step-by-Step: Signing Up for Your Business Central Trial
- Go to Microsoft’s official trial page
Visit the Business Central overview page:
https://dynamics.microsoft.com/en-au/business-central/overview/ - Click ‘Start Free’
This will take you to the sign-in page. - Sign in with a Microsoft 365 work or school account
If you don’t already have one, you’ll be prompted to create a business account. - Enter your organisation’s details
Provide your company name, country (choose Australia), and other required details. - Wait for your trial environment to launch
It usually takes a few minutes to configure. You’ll be redirected to the Business Central homepage once it’s ready. - Start exploring the platform
Use the sample data, dashboards, and navigation to test common workflows.
The trial comes preloaded with a fictitious company, Cronus Australia, so you can explore day-to-day transactions, reporting, and operational processes without needing to input everything manually. You can also create your own company data set if you prefer a clean slate.
If you want to tailor the trial to your industry or connect it with existing systems like Microsoft 365, Wolfe Systems can help you customise your experience from day one.
Why Use Wolfe Systems to Start Your Business Central Trial
While you can start a Business Central trial on your own, getting real value from the experience often depends on how well the environment is set up and whether it aligns with your actual business processes. That’s where Wolfe Systems makes a big difference.
As a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner based in Perth, Wolfe Systems offers tailored support for Australian businesses looking to explore Business Central. From setting up your trial correctly to answering detailed technical or strategic questions, Wolfe Systems helps you make the most of your 30-day trial period.
Benefits of starting your trial with Wolfe Systems:
- Expert setup and configuration
Wolfe Systems will help you configure your trial environment to reflect your actual business workflows, so you’re testing the platform in a meaningful way. - Local experience, Australian context
Get advice and setup aligned with Australian accounting standards, tax codes, and regulatory requirements. - Hands-on training and walkthroughs
Instead of learning through trial and error, you can get live guidance and walkthroughs tailored to your industry and goals. - Licensing and pricing clarity
Wolfe Systems can explain your options when the trial ends, so you know exactly what it will cost to move into production — with no surprises. - Integration support
Want to connect Business Central to your existing Microsoft 365 apps or other third-party platforms? Wolfe can help you evaluate and plan those connections early.
Working with Wolfe Systems means your trial is not just a test — it’s the foundation of a well-informed business transformation.
What Happens After the Trial Ends?
When your 30-day trial of Microsoft Business Central comes to an end, you’ll be given the option to move into a paid subscription. If you’ve found value during the trial and want to continue using the system, transitioning is straightforward — especially if you’ve been working with a partner like Wolfe Systems.
However, what happens next will depend on how you’ve approached the trial and what type of setup you’ve created.
Your post-trial options:
- Subscribe to a full licence
You can choose from Business Central Essentials or Premium, depending on your business needs. These subscriptions are billed monthly per user and include full access to your environment. - Migrate your trial environment to production
If you’ve configured the system and entered useful data during your trial, this setup can often be retained — especially when handled by an experienced implementation partner. - Export your data
If you decide not to continue, you can export any data you entered during the trial. However, once the trial expires, access to the environment will be disabled unless extended or converted. - Discuss flexible licensing options
Wolfe Systems can guide you through Microsoft’s licensing options, including user roles, bundle offers, and integration packages, to make sure you’re only paying for what you actually need.
It’s worth noting that some trial environments are not designed for direct production use and may need to be reconfigured in a licensed version of Business Central. This is another reason why it’s helpful to plan your trial with future deployment in mind.
Tips to Maximise Your Trial Experience
The Business Central trial lasts just 30 days, so making the most of that time is essential. Going in with a clear plan and the right team can turn a simple software demo into a valuable evaluation of how Business Central can support your growth.
Whether you’re exploring finance features, looking to streamline inventory, or testing real-time reporting, having a structured approach will help you get the answers you need before the trial ends.
Practical ways to get the most out of your trial:
- Set clear evaluation goals
Identify the specific challenges you want to solve. This could be reducing manual invoicing, improving stock control, or centralising financial reporting. - Involve the right people
Invite team members from finance, sales, operations, and management to test the system based on how they work each day. This ensures broad feedback. - Test key processes end-to-end
Run sample transactions from sales order to invoice, or from purchase to payment, to understand how the system handles your real workflows. - Take advantage of sample data
Use the demo company provided to test reporting, dashboards, and automated processes without having to input everything manually. - Explore integrations
Test how Business Central connects with Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Excel, and Teams — all part of improving day-to-day efficiency. - Use Microsoft Learn
Microsoft offers structured learning paths, videos, and guides designed specifically for Business Central users.
Start here: Microsoft Learn for Business Central - Get support from Wolfe Systems
Don’t go it alone. Wolfe Systems can help you focus your trial on the areas that matter most and guide your team through setup, navigation, and evaluation.
A successful trial is not just about ticking boxes — it’s about understanding how Business Central could help your business move faster, work smarter, and grow with confidence.
Common Questions About the Business Central Trial
If you’re exploring Business Central for the first time, it’s natural to have a few questions about how the free trial works. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from businesses considering Microsoft’s ERP platform.
Can I extend the free trial beyond 30 days?
Microsoft typically limits free trials to 30 days, but extensions can sometimes be arranged through a certified partner like Wolfe Systems. If you’re actively testing and need more time, speak with Wolfe early to explore your options.
Will I lose my data after the trial ends?
Yes, unless you move to a paid subscription or export your data, access to your trial environment will expire. To retain configurations and inputs, plan your migration strategy ahead of time with professional guidance.
Can I use my own company data in the trial?
Absolutely. While the system comes with a sample company preloaded, you can create your own company environment and upload actual data for a more tailored experience. Just be sure not to rely on the trial environment for production work.
Can I invite others to use the trial with me?
Yes, you can add users to your trial account, allowing different team members to explore features based on their roles. This is especially helpful when testing workflows across departments.
Can I connect the trial to Microsoft Excel or Outlook?
Yes. Business Central integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, even during the trial. You can send invoices from Outlook, analyse data in Excel, and collaborate through Teams — just as you would in a live system.
Is support available during the trial?
While Microsoft offers a range of self-service resources, direct support is limited. Working with a partner like Wolfe Systems gives you access to tailored advice, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting during your trial period.
Have more questions? Wolfe Systems offers free consultations to help you get clear answers.
Ask Wolfe Systems
Try Before You Subscribe
A free trial of Microsoft Business Central gives you the opportunity to see how a modern ERP system can simplify your business operations, increase productivity, and improve financial visibility. Instead of relying on sales brochures or vague promises, you can get hands-on experience with the real system — in real time.
The 30-day trial includes access to essential modules for finance, inventory, sales, purchasing, and reporting, along with built-in integrations with Microsoft 365. You’ll have the freedom to explore, test, and collaborate across teams to determine whether Business Central is the right fit for your organisation.
But making the most of the trial takes more than logging in. It requires a clear focus, an understanding of your business goals, and support when things become complex.
That’s where Wolfe Systems can help.
As a trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner based in Perth, Wolfe Systems works with Australian businesses to streamline the trial experience. Whether you’re looking for help with setup, training, integration, or long-term planning, Wolfe provides the expertise to ensure your trial translates into real business value.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore how Microsoft Business Central could transform your business — with zero risk and expert support along the way.
