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Deploying a SQL Server on Windows VM in Azure

One great advantage of the cloud is the ability to quickly spin up resources with minimum effort. The same holds true with database resources in Azure. In this hands-on lab scenario, you are the DBA for Awesome Company. An application has been fast-tracked for development, and you are required to provide a SQL Server backend today by close of business. This application will require instance-level features and have other software installed alongside it, so a full VM is needed. You will rise to the challenge by utilizing an image from the Azure Marketplace. This lab will help you become familiar with how to quickly provision SQL Server VMs running on Windows within Azure.

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 30m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 24, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Log in to the Azure Portal

    Log in to the Azure Portal using the provided credentials.

  2. Challenge

    Create a SQL Server on Windows VM from the Azure Marketplace

    1. In the search box at the top of the page, search for "Azure SQL", and click on Azure SQL under Services.
    2. Click Create Azure SQL resource.
    3. Under SQL virtual machines, select the image Free SQL Server License: SQL 2019 Developer on Windows Server 2019.
    4. Click Create.
    5. Select the resource group created by the lab.
    6. Provide a virtual machine name.
    7. Set the region as (US) West US.
    8. Click Select size.
    9. Select B2s, and click Select.
    10. Provide a username and password.
    11. For Public inbound ports, select None.
    12. Click Review + create.
    13. Verify all is well, and click Create.
    14. Once the deployment is complete, click Go to resource.

    Congratulations! You now have a fully functional SQL Server with minimal effort. You could RDP to the machine to interact with it via tools on the local server, or configure it to accept connections from remote clients.

Pluralsight Skills - Labs - Pluralsight
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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
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