Creating a virtual machine (VM) on Azure might sound like a complex task, but it’s much easier than you think! In this guide, we’ll walk you through deploying a Windows 11 Virtual Machine (VM) on Azure with the ARM64 architecture, using the affordable Standard_B1s size. If you’re new to cloud computing, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with clear steps and screenshots (attached below). Let’s dive in!
What’s a Virtual Machine (VM)?
Think of a VM as a computer inside a computer. It allows you to run an operating system (like Windows 11) without needing a separate physical device. Instead, Azure, a cloud platform by Microsoft, provides the computing power, storage, and network resources you need to run your VM.
Why Deploy a Windows 11 VM on Azure?
Flexibility: Access your VM from anywhere using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
Affordability: The Standard_B1s size costs approximately $11.53/month (or even free for eligible users).
Learning: Perfect for testing applications or learning new skills in a sandbox environment.
Pre-Requisites
Before we start, ensure you have:
Azure Account: Sign up at Azure (new users get free credits).
Basic familiarity with Azure Portal.
Step 1: Login to Azure Portal
Go to the Azure Portal and sign in with your credentials.
On the dashboard, click "Create a resource" in the left-hand menu.
Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine (VM)
Search for "Virtual Machine" in the search bar. Select Virtual Machines from the results.
Click "Create", then choose "Azure Virtual Machine".
Step 3: Configure Basic Settings
Fill in the required details as shown below:
Subscription: Select your subscription.
Resource Group: Create a new resource group and name it
JosephCloudEngineer.Virtual Machine Name: Enter
JoeDevops.Region: Select UK South (Europe).
Availability Options: Choose No infrastructure redundancy required.
Step 4: Choose Your Image
- Under the Image field, select Windows 11 Enterprise N, version 22H2 - x64 Gen2.
Note: This image is eligible for free services if you qualify.
Step 5: Select the VM Size
For the Size, select Standard_B1s:
- 1 vCPU, 1 GiB RAM
Step 6: Configure the Administrator Account
Username: Enter
joedevops.Password: Create a strong password (you’ll use this to access the VM).
Step 7: Allow Public Inbound Ports
Under Public inbound ports, select Allow selected ports.
Select Inbound Ports: Check the box for RDP (3389). This will enable Remote Desktop access to your VM.
Step 8: Review and Create
Once you’ve configured all the settings, click "Review + create".
Azure will validate your configuration. If everything is correct, click "Create".
Congratulations! Your VM is being deployed!
Step 9: Download the RDP File
After your VM is deployed, it’s time to connect to it from your local computer.
Go to the Azure Portal and navigate to Virtual Machines.
Click on your VM (
JoeDevops) to view its details.In the top menu, select Connect > RDP.
Azure will generate a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) file. Click Download RDP File.
Step 10: Connect to Your VM
Once deployment is complete, follow these steps:
Go to the Virtual Machines section on the Azure Portal.
Select your VM (
JoeDevops).Click Connect and choose RDP.
Download the RDP file and open it.
Enter your username (
joedevops) and password to log in.
Step 11: Open and Host the RDP File as an Administrator
Locate the downloaded RDP file (usually in your Downloads folder).
Right-click on the file and select Open as Administrator.
A Remote Desktop Connection window will appear.
Step 12: Enter Login Credentials
In the Remote Desktop Connection window:
For the username, enter
joedevops.For the password, enter the one you set during the VM setup.
Click OK.
A security prompt may appear; select Yes to proceed.
You are now connected to your Windows 11 VM!
Step 13: Connect to the Internet on Your VM
Once inside your VM, the first step is to connect to the internet:
Open the Start Menu and go to Settings > Network & Internet.
Under Wi-Fi or Ethernet, ensure the connection is active.
Open a browser (e.g., Edge) and test your internet by navigating to any website.
Tips for Beginners
During the setup, you made some critical choices—let’s revisit them for clarity:
Region: We selected UK South (Europe). This defines where your VM's physical server is hosted. Choosing a region close to you reduces latency and improves performance.
Availability Zone: You chose No infrastructure redundancy required, which means your VM is hosted on a single server. For critical applications, consider using Availability Zones for high availability.
Security Choice:
Standard Security Type: This provides basic protection for your VM. You can upgrade later to Trusted Launch Security Type for additional safeguards.
RDP Port (3389): Allowing inbound RDP traffic makes it easy to access your VM remotely, but ensure your VM password is strong to prevent unauthorised access.
Keep track of costs: Use the Azure Cost Management tool to monitor your spending.
Practice security: Change your VM password regularly and enable additional security features when needed.
Experiment and learn: Use your VM to try new applications or learn system administration.
Final Thoughts
Deploying a Windows 11 VM on Azure is an excellent way to explore the power of cloud computing. With this step-by-step guide, you’ve learned how to set up a cost-effective VM and connect to it via RDP. Whether you’re testing applications, practicing for IT certifications, or simply curious about Azure, this setup is a fantastic starting point.
Got questions or need more tutorials? Let us know in the comments!