I'm just getting started with Azure and trying to understand how virtual machines (VMs) are managed in real-world scenarios. I have a couple of quick questions: If I forget a VM password or lose SSH/RDP access, what are the best methods for recovering it in Azure? Also, do enterprises typically install standard monitoring, security, or backup agents on every VM, or do they prefer a minimal setup? Additionally, when access is broken, do you generally fix the VM or opt to rebuild it? I'm looking to learn practical strategies beyond what tutorials provide. Thanks!
3 Answers
When you create a VM in Azure, it installs some built-in tools to help interact with the OS. If you forget your admin password, you can reset it directly through the Azure Portal. As for installing agents, it varies by company—some might not use backup agents because they rely on Azure's Backup Vaults for complete disk backups, while others may use agents for targeting specific file backups. It's all about what works best for the organization. Regarding broken VMs, the ideal approach is to treat them like cattle—not pets. If a VM has issues, it's often better to rebuild it using automation instead of spending too much time fixing it, unless it runs critical applications that make rebuilding tough.
Managing access should be done through integration with Azure Entra. If you run into major issues, the serial console can be a lifesaver when access gets really messed up.
These questions are pretty basic and are typically answered in the starter documentation on MS Learn. But I gotta say, the post feels a bit like an AI-generated entry.

Could you share the link to that documentation? I've been struggling to find clear info on this.