Creating a customized virtual machine (VM) image in Microsoft Azure means that you can standardize configurations and streamline deployment across your organization. Instead of repeatedly installing software and making use of configurations on new VMs, you can seize 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
Before you start, define the purpose of your image. Consider what applications, settings, or configurations have to be included. For example, you might want an image with preinstalled software packages, firm security policies, or particular development tools. Proper planning ensures your image will be reusable and consistent 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.
Choose your subscription, resource group, and enter a VM name.
Select the region, availability options, and an image to start with (equivalent to Windows Server or Ubuntu).
Select the appropriate VM size.
Configure administrator credentials.
Under Networking, set the virtual network, subnet, and public IP as needed.
Overview your settings and click Create to deploy the VM.
This VM will function the base machine the place you put in your customizations.
Step 3: Join and Customise the VM
As soon as the VM is deployed:
For Windows: Use Distant 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 fully put together the environment exactly as you want future VMs to be provisioned.
For example, you may install web servers, application frameworks, monitoring agents, or productivity tools. As soon as all changes are complete, clean up pointless files and temporary data so the image stays efficient.
Step four: Generalize the VM
Earlier than capturing an image, the VM have to be “generalized.” This process removes machine-specific information similar to laptop name, security identifiers (SIDs), and log files, ensuring that each VM created from the image is unique.
Windows VM:
Connect with the VM.
Open a command prompt as Administrator.
Run:
sysprep.exe
In the System Preparation Tool, choose Enter System Out-of-Box Expertise (OOBE) and check Generalize.
Set Shutdown as the action and click OK.
The VM will shut down after Sysprep completes.
Linux VM:
Run the following command:
waagent -deprovision+user
Then shut down the VM.
At this point, the VM should not 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 choose the resource group the place 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 can use to deploy future VMs.
Step 6: Deploy New VMs from the Customized Image
To create a VM from your custom image:
Go to Images in the Azure Portal.
Choose 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 making certain consistency.
Benefits of Custom Images
Standardization: Ensures all VMs meet organizational requirements.
Effectivity: Reduces setup time for new machines.
Scalability: Makes it straightforward to duplicate environments across a number of areas or teams.
Security: Allows embedding compliance and security configurations directly into the bottom image.
By following these steps, you may streamline your Azure environment with reusable, consistent VM images tailored to your needs. Customized images are a robust tool for maintaining efficiency and uniformity throughout development, testing, and production workloads.
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