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Labs

Use Azure CLI to Create a Virtual Machine

In this lab we walk through how to use the Azure CLI (`az cli`) to create a Virtual Machine within a Virtual Network in Azure. This beginner level hands-on lab covers several concepts, including: * Azure CLI syntax * Azure CLI help * Azure CLI default and assumed parameters This hands-on lab uses the Azure Cloud Shell, so you don't have to install any software and can follow along from work or at home using the web browser.

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 2h 0m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 29, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Create a Virtual Network

    Create a Virtual Network using Azure CLI and the following settings:

    • Virtual Network
      Resource Group: Existing resource group
      Name: test1vnet
      Address prefix: 10.0.0.0/16
      Subnet name: subnet1 Subnet prefix: 10.0.1.0/24

    Use the below instructions as a guide (refer to the video for complete steps):

    Note: The resource group has already been created for you.

    1. Login to the Azure Portal using the credentials provided
    2. Navigate to the Cloud Shell, using the >_ icon in the toolbar
    3. Ensure you are using Bash for the Azure CLI
    4. Identify the existing Resource Group: az group list
    5. Create the Virtual Network: az network vnet create
    6. Create a Subnet: az network vnet subnet create

    Note: az login is not required when using Cloud Shell within the Azure Portal, as the session authenticates as the user you are logged in as. You will need to use this command if connecting to Azure using Azure CLI on your own machine.

  2. Challenge

    Create a Virtual Machine

    Create a Virtual Machine using Azure CLI and the following settings:

    • Virtual Machine
      Resource Group: Existing resource group
      Name: test1vm
      Image: Debian11
      Size: Standard_B2ms
      Admin Username: azureuser
      Admin Password: You may use your own password Network Security Group (NSG): Use the existing NSG

    Use the below instructions as a guide (refer to the video for complete steps):

    Note: The resource group has already been created for you.

    1. Login to the Azure Portal using the credentials provided
    2. Navigate to the Cloud Shell, using the >_ icon in the toolbar
    3. Ensure you are using Bash for the Azure CLI
    4. Identify the existing Resource Group: az group list
    5. Create the Virtual Machine: az vm create

    Note: when you complete this command using the multi-line backslash (\), be sure to press enter on your keyboard after you type \ so this does actually span multiple lines.

    Note: az login is not required when using Cloud Shell within the Azure Portal, as the session authenticates as the user you are logged in as. You will need to use this command if connecting to Azure using Azure CLI on your own machine.

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!

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