Hands-On LabBeginner

Creating Your First Virtual Machine in Azure Cloud

Create a Windows Server virtual machine in the Azure Portal, connect to it using RDP, and verify it is working with PowerShell.

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30 minEstimated time
2Guided steps
AutoVerification
IsolatedSandbox
Creating Your First Virtual Machine in Azure Cloud

Lab overview

Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) are on-demand, scalable computing resources that run in Microsoft's datacenters. A VM gives you full control over the operating system, installed software, and configuration, just like a physical server, without the need to buy or maintain hardware. VMs are a common choice for hosting applications, running legacy workloads, and building development and test environments in the cloud.

When you create a VM, you choose an operating system image, a size that sets the CPU and memory, a disk type for storage, and the network settings that control how you connect to it. Creating and managing VMs is also a core skill for the AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator exam.

In this lab, you will create a Windows Server virtual machine in the Azure Portal, connect to it using Remote Desktop (RDP), and confirm that it is working.

Who is this lab for?

This lab is for beginners who are new to Azure and want to learn how to create a virtual machine. If you are preparing for the AZ-104 exam, this lab will help you understand the concepts and prepare for the exam.

Objectives

By completing this beginner lab, you will be able to:

  • Create a Windows virtual machine using the Azure Portal
  • Configure the image, size, disk type, and administrator account for a VM
  • Connect to a Windows VM using Remote Desktop (RDP)
  • Verify that a VM is working by running PowerShell commands

Verified against your live environment

An automated validation engine inspects your actual resources and configurations as you work. Completion means the task was performed, not multiple choice, real-world proficiency.

[CHECK] validation_activelive
Inspecting deployed resources...
Verifying configuration state...
✓ Step requirements satisfied

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Related reading

Mastering Azure Virtual Machines: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025Master Azure Virtual Machines with practical deployment strategies, security best practices, and cost optimization techniques for cloud success.Master Azure Virtual Networks: A Hands-on Guide to Building Secure Cloud InfrastructureMaster Azure Virtual Networks with secure design patterns, subnet strategies, and advanced networking techniques for enterprise cloud architecture.The Ultimate Hands-On Guide to Mastering Azure Virtual DesktopTransform your desktop delivery with Azure Virtual Desktop - learn setup, management, and optimization in this practical, hands-on guide.
PremiumIncluded in Premium
Duration
30 min
Steps
2

Environment

Live Cloud Environment

Every lab includes

  • Real environment, pre-credentialed
  • Automated checks on every step
  • Isolated sandbox, auto cleanup
  • AI-recommended next steps

Lab curriculum

  1. 01

    Logging into Azure Account using Azure Portal

  2. 02

    Creating a Windows Virtual Machine using Azure Portal

    1 automated check

Skills validated

Azure Virtual Machines

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