Azure Windows VM Development and Web Server Setup

Steps to Launch a Windows VM, Connect to the VM, and Deploy a Web Server on Azure

1. Launching a Windows VM on Azure

1. Log in to the Azure Portal: Go to Azure Portal and log in with my account.

2. Create a Resource: Click the “+ Create a resource” button at the top of the screen.

3. Select Virtual Machine: Type “Virtual Machine” in the search bar and select “Virtual Machine.”

4. Enter Basic Settings:

• Subscription: Select my Azure subscription.

• Resource Group: Create a new resource group or select an existing one.

• VM Name: Enter the name of the virtual machine.

• Region: Choose the region where you want to deploy the VM.

• Image: Select “Windows Server” (e.g., Windows Server 2019 Datacenter).

• Size: Choose the VM size, e.g., Standard D2s v3.

• Authentication Type: Select Password and set a username and password.

5. Configure Disks: Use the default settings or adjust as needed.

6. Networking Settings:

• Virtual Network: Select the default virtual network or create a new one.

• Subnet: Use the default subnet.

• Public IP: Assign a public IP address.

• Inbound Port Rules: Allow RDP (port 3389).

7. Review and Create: Review all the settings and click “Review + create,” then click “Create” to deploy the VM.

2. Connecting to the VM Using RDP

1. Check Public IP Address: After the VM is started, check the public IP address from the VM’s overview page in the Azure portal.

2. Download RDP File: Click the “Connect” button on the VM overview page and download the RDP file.

3. Run RDP App: Run the downloaded RDP file to start the RDP application.

4. Log in: When the RDP window appears, enter the username and password you set earlier and click “Connect.”

3. Deploying a Web Server via Server Manager

1. Open Server Manager: Once logged into the VM, Server Manager will open automatically. If not, open it from the Start menu.

2. Add Roles and Features: In Server Manager, click “Manage” and select “Add Roles and Features.”

3. Start the Wizard: On the “Before you begin” page, click “Next.”

4. Installation Type: Select “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click “Next.”

5. Server Selection: Ensure the current server is selected and click “Next.”

6. Select Server Roles: Choose “Web Server (IIS)” and, if prompted, click “Add Features.” Then click “Next.”

7. Features: Leave the default settings and click “Next.”

8. Web Server Role Services: Choose the necessary web server role services. You can leave the default settings and click “Next.”

9. Confirm Installation: Review the installation summary and click “Install.” Wait for the installation to complete.

10. Verify the Web Server: Once installed, click “Tools” in Server Manager and select “Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager” to verify that the web server is running.

4. Testing the Web Server

1. Test Locally: Open a web browser and enter http://localhost to check if the default IIS web page is displayed.

2. Test Remotely: Use the public IP address of the VM by entering http://<Public IP> in the browser to verify that the web page loads correctly.

This completes the process of launching a Windows VM on Azure, connecting to it via RDP, and deploying a web server using Server Manager.