Making a custom virtual machine (VM) image in Microsoft Azure allows you to standardize configurations and streamline deployment across your organization. Instead of repeatedly installing software and applying configurations on new VMs, you’ll be able to capture a base image once and use it as a template. This step-by-step guide walks through the process of building and capturing a custom Azure VM image.
Step 1: Plan the Custom Image
Earlier than you begin, define the purpose of your image. Consider what applications, settings, or configurations have to be included. For instance, you might want an image with preinstalled software packages, company security policies, or specific development tools. Proper planning ensures your image will be reusable and constant across deployments.
Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine in Azure
Sign in to the Azure Portal.
Navigate to Virtual Machines and click + Create > Azure virtual machine.
Select your subscription, resource group, and enter a VM name.
Select the region, availability options, and an image to start with (similar to Windows Server or Ubuntu).
Choose the appropriate VM size.
Configure administrator credentials.
Under Networking, set the virtual network, subnet, and public IP as needed.
Assessment your settings and click Create to deploy the VM.
This VM will function the base machine the place you install your customizations.
Step three: Connect and Customize the VM
Once the VM is deployed:
For Windows: Use Remote Desktop (RDP) to connect.
For Linux: Use SSH.
Inside the VM, set up all required software, apply system updates, configure firewalls, and set policies or scripts. The goal is to totally prepare the environment exactly as you want future VMs to be provisioned.
For instance, you could set up web servers, application frameworks, monitoring agents, or productivity tools. As soon as all modifications are complete, clean up pointless files and temporary data so the image stays efficient.
Step 4: Generalize the VM
Earlier than capturing an image, the VM must be “generalized.” This process removes machine-specific information resembling pc name, security identifiers (SIDs), and log files, guaranteeing that every VM created from the image is unique.
Windows VM:
Connect with the VM.
Open a command prompt as Administrator.
Run:
sysprep.exe
Within the System Preparation Tool, choose Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) and check Generalize.
Set Shutdown as the motion and click OK.
The VM will shut down after Sysprep completes.
Linux VM:
Run the following command:
waagent -deprovision+consumer
Then shut down the VM.
At this point, the VM shouldn’t be restarted. Restarting it will break the generalization.
Step 5: Capture the VM as an Image
Within the Azure Portal, go to the VM you prepared.
Make sure the VM is in a Stopped (deallocated) state.
Choose Seize from the toolbar.
Provide a name for the new image and select the resource group where it will be saved.
Optionally, check Automatically delete this virtual machine after creating the image to keep away from pointless costs.
Click Evaluate + Create.
Azure will create a new image resource that you need to use to deploy future VMs.
Step 6: Deploy New VMs from the Customized Image
To create a VM out of your custom image:
Go to Images within the Azure Portal.
Select your image.
Click + Create VM.
Configure the new VM settings as usual.
The VM will be deployed with all your preinstalled software and configurations, saving time and ensuring consistency.
Benefits of Custom Images
Standardization: Ensures all VMs meet organizational requirements.
Effectivity: Reduces setup time for new machines.
Scalability: Makes it easy to copy environments across a number of areas or teams.
Security: Permits embedding compliance and security configurations directly into the bottom image.
By following these steps, you can streamline your Azure environment with reusable, consistent VM images tailored to your needs. Custom images are a robust tool for sustaining efficiency and uniformity across development, testing, and production workloads.
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