Generation 2 VMs for DevTest Labs

Author: anishtrakru

articles/devtest-labs/devtest-lab-gen2-vm.md

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+---
+title: Generation 2 VMs in Azure DevTest Labs
+description: Learn how to use Generation 2 virtual machines (VMs) in Azure DevTest Labs.
+ms.topic: how-to
+ms.author: anishtrakru
+author: RoseHJM
+ms.date: 01/20/2025
+ms.custom: UpdateFrequency2
+---
+
+# Generation 2 VMs in Azure DevTest Labs
+
+Azure DevTest Labs allows you to choose between Generation 1 and Generation 2 version of the same marketplace image while creating a VM using Azure DevTest Labs portal. Generation 2 Virtual Machines (VMs) support key capabilities that are not supported in Generation 1 VMs such as increased memory, Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX), and virtualized persistent memory (vPMEM). Generation 2 VMs might have improved boot and installation times.
+
+For a VM instance to be a Generation 2 VM, it must use the specific Generation 2 base image and its VM size must support generation 2. To learn more about Generation 2 VMs on Azure, the series of VMs that support Generation 2 images, and other limitations, please visit [Support for Generation 2 VMs on Azure](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/virtual-machines/generation-2)
+
+This article explains how to use Generation 2 images in Azure DevTest Labs.
+
+## Create lab virtual machines with a Generation 2 base image
+
+### Prerequisite
+
+You need at least [user](devtest-lab-add-devtest-user.md#devtest-labs-user) access to a lab in DevTest Labs. For more information about creating labs, see [Create a lab in the Azure portal](devtest-lab-create-lab.md).
+
+### Create a VM using Generation 2 base image
+
+1. In the [Azure portal](https://portal.azure.com), go to the **Overview** page for the lab.
+
+1. On the lab **Overview** page, select **Add**.
+
+   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-add-vm/portal-lab-add-vm.png" alt-text="Lab overview page showing add button.":::
+
+1. On the **Choose a base** page, select a Generation 2 image for the VM. The **Generation** column in the list of images displays whether it is a Generation 1 or Generation 2 image.
+
+    :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-gen2-vm/devtest-lab-gen2-images.png" alt-text="List of available base images.":::
+
+1. On the **Basics Settings** tab of the **Create lab resource** screen, provide the following information:
+
+   - **Virtual machine name**: Keep the autogenerated name, or enter another unique VM name.
+   - **User name**: Keep the user name, or enter another user name to grant administrator privileges on the VM.
+   - **Use a saved secret**: Select this checkbox to use a secret from Azure Key Vault instead of a password to access the VM. If you select this option, under **Secret**, select the secret to use from the dropdown list. For more information, see [Store secrets in a key vault](devtest-lab-store-secrets-in-key-vault.md). 
+   - **Password**: If you don't choose to use a secret, enter a VM password between 8 and 123 characters long.
+   - **Save as default password**: Select this checkbox to save the password in the Key Vault associated with the lab.
+   - **Virtual machine size**: Keep the default value for the base, or select **Change Size** to select different sizes.
+   - **Hibernation**: Select **Enabled** to enable hibernation for this virtual machine, or select **Disabled** to disable hibernation for this virtual machine. If you enable Hibernation, you also must select **Public IP** in the Advanced settings as Private and Shared IP are currently not supported if Hibernation is enabled.
+   - **OS disk type**: Keep the default value for the base, or select a different option from the dropdown list.
+   - **Artifacts**: This field shows the number of artifacts already configured for this VM base. Optionally, select **Add or Remove Artifacts** to select and configure artifacts to add to the VM.
+
+   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-add-vm/portal-lab-vm-basic-settings.png" alt-text="Virtual machine basic settings page.":::
+
+1. After you configure all settings, on the **Basic Settings** tab of the **Create lab resource** screen, select **Create** to deploy the VM.
+
+During VM deployment, you can select the **Notifications** icon at the top of the screen to see progress. Creating a VM takes a while.
+
+When the deployment is complete, if you kept yourself as VM owner, the VM appears under **My virtual machines** on the lab **Overview** page. To connect to the VM, select it from the list, and then select **Connect** on the VM's **Overview** page. If the VM is stopped, select **Start** first to start the VM.