Create & Restore Azure VM Using the Capture Feature

 

In this document we are going to Create a replication of a Virtual Machine in Azure to create and share a pre-configured image for reuse—both for personal deployments and distribution to others.

Things Should Be Known Before Starting.......

What is Capture feature in Azure VM ?

• The Capture feature in Azure is used to create a generalized image of a virtual machine (VM), which can then be used to create new VMs with the same configuration. This is especially useful when you want to replicate a VM setup across multiple instances or environments.

✅ Why Use Capture Feature?

• Create reusable Virtual Machine templates
• Share images across teams
• Supports versioning and lifecycle management

❌ Why Not Use Capture Feature ?

• This is Not a backup solution for Production environment
• VM is stopped and can't be restarted automatically
• Not suitable for restoring data or state

IMP !  This document highlights only key subpoints to serve as a quick reference for the main steps. You may jump on the official document for each subpoints in detail.

Create & Restore Azure VM Using the Capture Feature:-

Step 1: Use the Capture Feature

• Stop the VM before capturing.
• Go to the VM in Azure Portal and click Capture.

Step 2: Choose Your Image Usage Option

• Option A: Share the VM Image
• Option B: Keep the Image for Personal Use

Step 3: Configure Image Versioning

• Assign a version number (e.g., v1, v2, etc.).
• Optionally set an End of Life (EOL) date for lifecycle management.

Step 4: Create a VM from the Captured Image

• Click Create VM from the image resource.