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Cover image for Deploying and Connecting to a Windows Virtual Machine in Azure.
Otitoju Mercy
Otitoju Mercy

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Deploying and Connecting to a Windows Virtual Machine in Azure.

What is a Virtual Machine?

A Virtual Machine (VM) is like a computer in the cloud. It has an operating system (like Windows 11), storage, and networking capabilities, but you don’t need physical hardware to use it. Azure provides the infrastructure, and you manage the VM as if it were your own computer.


Step 1: Sign in to Azure Portal.

  1. Go to the Azure Portal and sign in with your credentials.
  2. Once logged in, you’ll see the dashboard. This is where you’ll create and manage your resources.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine.

  1. Click on “Create a Resource”: On the left-hand menu, click on “Create a resource” to start creating a new VM.

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2. Search for “Virtual Machine”: In the search bar, type “Virtual Machine” and select it from the list. Click on create.

Step 3: Configure Your VM.

Basics Tab.

  1. Subscription: Choose your subscription (if you’re using the free trial, it will be selected automatically).
  2. Resource Group: Create a new resource group (e.g., Windows11-VM) or select an existing one. A resource group is like a folder that organizes your Azure resources.
  3. Virtual Machine Name: Give your VM a name (e.g., MyWindows11VM).
  4. Region: Select the region closest to you for better performance.
  5. Image: Choose “Windows 11 Pro, Version 22H2 - Gen2” from the list of available images.

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6. Size: Select a VM size based on your needs. For beginners, the Standard_DS1_v2 size is a good starting point.
7. Authentication Type: Choose “Password” for simplicity. Enter a username and password that you’ll use to log in to the VM later.

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Review + Create

  • Configure monitoring, identity, and backup options. Default settings are typically sufficient for a basic VM.
  • Review all the settings you’ve configured. Once you’re satisfied, click “Create” to start deploying your VM.

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Step 4: Wait for Deployment

Azure will take a few minutes to create your VM. You’ll see a progress bar indicating the deployment status. Once it’s complete, you’ll see a notification saying, “Your deployment is complete.”

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Step 5: Connect to Your Windows 11 VM

  1. Go to Your VM: From the Azure Portal, navigate to “Virtual Machines” in the left-hand menu and select your newly created VM.
  2. Connect via Remote Desktop:
    • Click the “Connect” button at the top of the page and select “RDP” (Remote Desktop Protocol).

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  • Download the RDP file and open it using the Remote Desktop Connection app on your computer.

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  • Enter the username and password you set during VM creation when prompted.

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Once connected, you’ll see the Windows 11 desktop, and you can start using your VM just like a regular computer!

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Step 6: Manage and Delete Your VM

When you’re done using your VM, it’s important to manage it properly to avoid unnecessary costs.

  1. Stop the VM: To save costs, stop the VM when you’re not using it. You can do this from the Azure Portal by clicking “Stop” on the VM overview page.
  2. Delete the VM: If you no longer need the VM, delete it to stop incurring charges. Make sure to also delete associated resources like disks and network interfaces.

Conclusion.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created and deployed a Windows 11 Virtual Machine on Microsoft Azure. This is just the beginning—Azure offers many other services and features to explore as you grow more comfortable with the platform.

Whether you’re using your VM for testing, development, or learning, Azure provides a flexible and powerful environment to meet your needs. Keep experimenting, and soon you’ll be confident in managing cloud resources!


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