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Azure

Azure VM Image Builder

Simplify your virtual machine (VM) image building process with an easy-to-use tool.
Get started with Azure Build your first custom Image
OVERVIEW

Create custom images in just a few steps

Avoid the hassles of figuring out tooling, processes, and extraneous manual steps. With Azure VM Image Builder, create custom images using fast, simple steps. Integrate the image building process with your existing DevOps pipeline and manage the images by connecting to Shared Image Gallery.
  • Use Azure VM Image Builder to help ensure the security—including patching and updating—and full control of your custom images. Connect your existing virtual networks to access routable resources, servers, and services, including configuration servers like Chef, Puppet, and Desired State Configuration (DSC). Integrate with Shared Image Gallery to easily manage images and replicate them globally.
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  • Build images to meet the configuration, compliance, and regulatory needs of your organization. Use your existing configurations with just one service to start building custom Linux, Windows, and Windows Virtual Desktop images in minutes.
  • Use a single command or advanced configurations as code to create your build resources on demand in Azure. Connect VM Image Builder with your DevOps pipeline using Azure DevOps or other tools. Automate all tasks including patching and updating.
  • Stop worrying about maintenance, resources like VMs and other services, and support. Use tools you like, including Azure PowerShell, the Azure portal, Azure CLI, and Azure Resource Manager templates to automate your image creation.
FEATURES

Build and manage VM images consistently in Azure

Custom images

Create custom Linux and Windows images at scale using existing or new configurations for Azure and Azure Stack

Pipeline integration

Integrate with Azure DevOps and Shared Image Gallery to create an image build pipeline and global management system

Network access

Connect VM Image Builder to your existing virtual networks to use your configuration servers and resources

Seamless migration

Migrate an image customization pipeline to Azure and use your existing scripts, commands, and processes
Security

Embedded security and compliance

34,000
Full-time equivalent engineers dedicated to security initiatives at Microsoft.
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15,000
Partners with specialized security expertise.
 
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>100
Compliance certifications, including over 50 specific to global regions and countries.
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Learn more about security on Azure
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Pricing

Azure VM Image Builder is free

Azure Image Builder is a free image building service that streamlines the creation, update, patch, management, and operation of Linux and Windows images. Azure Image Builder deploys resources into your subscription when you use the service. Pay only for the virtual machines and associated storage and networking resources consumed when running your image building pipeline.
Resources

Resources and documentation

  1.
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Build your first Linux custom image

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Build your first Windows custom image

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Create an Azure VM Image Builder template

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Create a Linux image and distribute it to a shared image gallery

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Frequently asked questions

  • Azure VM Image Builder is a free service. You only pay for underlying compute, storage, and networking resources that you use with the service.
  • It typically takes up to two d1_v2 VMs with storage and networking.
  • Use VM Image Builder via the Azure portal, Azure CLI, PowerShell, and Azure DevOps.
  • Follow steps in our detailed documentation for Linux and Windows image creation.
  • Azure VM Image Builder is free, with an SLA of 99-percent availability for service requests and billing and subscription management support. VM Image Builder is covered by the Azure Virtual Machines SLA.
  • All image building resources deployed are in your subscription.
  • Image builder allows multiple configuration options, resources are charged at different rates. For example, an image build requires VM, the more time it takes for the configuration means the increased time VM running time.
  • Azure Image Builder is a free service, but customers will pay for the underlying compute, storage, and networking resources.
  • Up to 2 VMs - standard_d1_v2 always, and Standard A1_v2 if using an existing VNET.
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