All you ever need to know while connecting to Virtual machine on Azure

In Azure, there are several ways to connect to a Virtual Machine (VM) depending on your requirements, security policies, and the operating system (Windows or Linux) of the VM.

Here are the key methods for connecting to a VM.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for Windows VMs

1. For: Windows VMs

2. Description: Connect to a Windows VM using RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol).

3. Requirements: Public IP or VPN/ExpressRoute, NSG rule allowing TCP port 3389, valid credentials.

Secure Shell (SSH) for Linux VMs

1. For: Linux VMs

2. Description: Connect to a Linux VM using SSH (Secure Shell).

3. Requirements: Public IP or VPN/ExpressRoute, NSG rule allowing TCP port 22, SSH key or password-based authentication.

Azure Bastion

1. For: Both Windows and Linux VMs

2. Description: Azure Bastion provides secure RDP or SSH access to VMs without exposing them to the internet.

3. Requirements: Bastion deployed in the same Virtual Network or peered VNet, no public IP needed for the VM.

Cloud Shell

1. For: Both Windows and Linux VMs

2. Description: Azure Cloud Shell provides a browser-based CLI, allowing you to connect to your VMs directly from the Azure Portal.

3. Requirements: Cloud Shell access, SSH or RDP connection commands.

VPN or ExpressRoute (Private Network Access)

1. For: Both Windows and Linux VMs

2. Description: Use a VPN or ExpressRoute connection to securely connect to VMs over a private network.

3. Requirements: VPN Gateway or ExpressRoute connection, private IP of VM.

Azure Serial Console

1. For: Both Windows and Linux VMs

2. Description: Provides low-level access to a VM (even if it's not accessible via RDP or SSH), typically used for troubleshooting and recovery.

3. Requirements: Serial console feature enabled on the VM.

Using Azure CLI or PowerShell (With Managed Identity)

1. For: Both Windows and Linux VMs

2. Description: Use Azure CLI or PowerShell to retrieve credentials or manage the VM using its Managed Identity.

3. Requirements: Managed Identity enabled, Azure CLI or PowerShell installed.

Third-Party Tools (e.g., Remote Desktop Manager, MobaXterm)

1. For: Both Windows and Linux VMs

2. Description: Use third-party tools like Remote Desktop Manager, MobaXterm, or Termius to manage RDP and SSH connections to the VM.

3. Requirements: Tool installed and VM accessible via public/private IP, appropriate credentials.

Summary

So, there are 8 main methods you can use to connect to an Azure Virtual Machine.

1. RDP (Windows)

2. SSH (Linux)

3. Azure Bastion (Windows/Linux)

4. Cloud Shell (Windows/Linux)

5. VPN/ExpressRoute (Private IP Access)

6. Serial Console (Windows/Linux)

7. Azure CLI/PowerShell (With Managed Identity)

8. Third-Party Tools (RDP/SSH)

The choice of method depends on your specific use case, the VM’s OS, security requirements, and whether or not you want to expose the VM to the public internet.