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Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Windows Virtual Machine in Azure

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Windows Virtual Machine in Azure

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Olumide Olumayegun
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4 min read

Table of contents

Azure is a powerful cloud platform that allows you to create virtual machines (VMs) to suit a variety of needs. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of creating a Windows Virtual Machine on Azure, step by step.

Step 1: Log In to Azure Portal

  1. Go to the Azure Portal.

  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account. If you don’t have an account, sign up for a free Azure trial.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

  1. From the Azure Portal dashboard, click "Create a resource" in the left-hand menu.

  2. In the search bar, type "Virtual Machine" and select "Virtual Machine" from the list of resources.

  3. Click "Create" to start configuring your Windows VM.

Step 3: Configure the Basics

In the Basics tab, you’ll define essential settings for your VM.

  1. Subscription: Select your Azure subscription.

  2. Resource Group: Choose an exist[ing resource group or create a new one by clicking "Create new" and entering a name.

  3. Virtual Machine Name: Provide a unique name for your VM (e.g., Win10DevVM).

  4. Region: Select a region close to you for better performance and lower latency. Select Availability options and Availability zone. You can select multiple zones if you wish.

  5. Image: Choose Windows 10 Pro, version 22H2 - x64 Gen 2 from the dropdown menu.

  6. Size: Select the VM size. Click "See all sizes" to explore options.

  7. Administrator Account:

    • Enter a username

    • Set a strong password and confirm it.

  8. Inbound Port Rules: Ensure RDP (3389) is set to allow Remote Desktop access.

Click Next: Disks after confirming you have an eligible Windows license.

Step 4: Configure the Disk

  1. OS Disk Type: Choose the type of disk for the operating system. Options include:

    • Premium SSD (high performance)

    • Standard SSD (cost-effective performance)

    • Standard HDD (lowest cost, lower performance)

  2. Data Disks (Optional): Add additional data disks if needed for storage.

Click Next: Networking.

Step 5: Configure Networking

  1. Virtual Network (VNet): Use the default VNet or create a new one for your VM.

  2. Subnet: Select a subnet default is fine.

  3. Public IP: Enable a public IP address for remote connectivity.

  4. NIC Network Security Group: Select Basic and ensure RDP (3389) is allowed.

Click Next: Management.

Step 6: Configure Management Settings

  1. Auto-Shutdown: Enable auto-shutdown if you want to save costs by turning off the VM during off-hours.

  2. Backup: Set up Azure Backup for added data+ protection if needed.

Click Next: Monitoring.

Step 7: Monitoring (Optional)

Decide whether to enable monitoring features like Boot diagnostics and guest OS diagnostics. These can help troubleshoot any issues with your VM.

Click Next: Advanced.

Step 8: Advanced Options (Optional)

  1. Configure extensions, scripts, or cloud-init settings if required.

  2. Leave the default options if you don’t have specific advanced configurations.

Click Next: Tags.

Step 9: Add Tags

Tags help you organise and manage resources. Add key-value pairs such as:

  • Key: Environment, Value: Development

  • Key: Department, Value: IT

Click Next: Review + Create.

Step 10: Review and Create

  1. Review all your configuration details.

  2. Ensure the settings meet your requirements.

  3. Click "Create" to start the VM deployment.

Deployment may take a few minutes.

Step 11: Connect to Your Windows 10 VM

Once your VM is deployed:

  1. Select “Go to resources” to go to your newly created VM.

  2. Click on ”Connect” .

  3. Download the RDP file and open it in your Remote Desktop client.

  4. Double click on the downloaded file. Enter the username and password you set during the configuration.

Click OK to log in.

Step 12: Start Using Your Windows 10 VM

You now have a fully operational Windows 10 Virtual Machine on Azure! Use it to run applications, perform tests, or explore development tasks in a scalable cloud environment.

Additional Tips for Managing Your Windows 10 VM

  1. Security:

    • Regularly update the operating system and applications.

    • Use Azure Firewall or Network Security Groups (NSGs) to restrict inbound and outbound traffic.

  2. Cost Management:

    • Stop your VM when it’s not in use to save costs.

    • Monitor usage with Azure Cost Management tools.

  3. Scaling:

    • Resize the VM if you need more performance or storage.

By following this guide, you’ve successfully set up a Windows 10 Virtual Machine in Azure. Let me know in the comments how you plan to use your VM or if you face any challenges!

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