Nested virtualization in Azure is a powerful feature that enables running a Hyper-V hypervisor within an Azure virtual machine (VM). This capability is invaluable for developers, machine learning engineers, and data scientists who require flexible and scalable environments for testing, development, or containerized applications. This post provides a step-by-step guide to setting up nested virtualization, ensuring you can leverage its full potential.
Prerequisites and Supported VM Sizes
Before diving into the setup, ensure you choose an Azure VM that supports nested virtualization. Compatible VM sizes include:
- Dv3, Dsv3
- Dv4, Dsv4
- Ddv4, Ddsv4
- Ev3, Esv3
- Ev4, Esv4
- F2s_v2 to F72s_v2
- FX4 to FX48
- M series
For most use cases, the Dv3 and Ev3 series are excellent choices. Make sure the VM size meets the system requirements for your intended workloads, such as Docker Desktop.
Step 1: Deploying an Azure VM
- Create the VM:
- Log in to the Azure Portal.
- Select a Windows Server image and choose a compatible VM size.
- Configure Networking:
- Set up the required inbound and outbound port rules.
- Deploy:
- Review your configuration and deploy the VM.
Continue reading “Unlocking Nested Virtualization in Azure: A Step-by-Step Guide”
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