Merge pull request #16994 from alkohli/23h2arcvm

23h2 ref from manage arcvm - changes from 16817

Author: denrea

azure-local/deploy/azure-verification.md

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ ms.topic: overview
 ms.custom:
   - devx-track-azurepowershell
 ms.reviewer: jlei
-ms.date: 10/22/2024
+ms.date: 02/03/2025
 ms.lastreviewed: 03/05/2024
 ms.service: azure-local
 ---
@@ -18,9 +18,9 @@ ms.service: azure-local
 
 Microsoft Azure offers a range of differentiated workloads and capabilities that are designed to run only on Azure. Azure Local extends many of the same benefits you get from Azure, while running on the same familiar and high-performance on-premises or edge environments.
 
-*Azure verification for VMs* makes it possible for supported Azure-exclusive workloads to work outside of the cloud. This feature, modeled after the [IMDS attestation](/azure/virtual-machines/windows/instance-metadata-service?tabs=windows#attested-data) service in Azure, is a built-in platform attestation service that is enabled by default on Azure Local, version 23H2 or later. It helps to provide guarantees for these VMs to operate in other Azure environments.
+*Azure verification for VMs* makes it possible for supported Azure-exclusive workloads to work outside of the cloud. This feature, modeled after the [IMDS attestation](/azure/virtual-machines/windows/instance-metadata-service?tabs=windows#attested-data) service in Azure, is a built-in platform attestation service that is enabled by default on Azure Local. It helps to provide guarantees for these VMs to operate in other Azure environments.
 
-For more information about the previous version of this feature on Azure Local, version 22H2 or earlier, see [Azure Benefits on Azure Local](../manage/azure-benefits.md).
+For more information about the previous version of this feature, version 22H2 or earlier, see [Azure Benefits on Azure Local](../manage/azure-benefits.md).
 
 ## Benefits available on Azure Local
 
@@ -39,14 +39,14 @@ Azure verification for VM enables you to use these benefits available only on Az
 
 ## Manage Azure VM verification
 
-Azure VM verification is automatically enabled by default in Azure Local, version 23H2 or later. The following instructions outline the prerequisites for using this feature and steps for managing benefits (optional).
+Azure VM verification is automatically enabled by default in Azure Local. The following instructions outline the prerequisites for using this feature and steps for managing benefits (optional).
 
 > [!NOTE]
 > To enable Extended Security Updates (ESUs), you must do additional setup and turn on [legacy OS support](#legacy-os-support).
 
 ### Host prerequisites
 
-- Make sure that you have access to Azure Local, version 23H2. All machines must be online, registered, and the system deployed. For more information, see [Register your machines with Arc](./deployment-arc-register-server-permissions.md) and see [Deploy via Azure portal](deploy-via-portal.md).
+- Make sure that you have access to Azure Local. All machines must be online, registered, and the system deployed. For more information, see [Register your machines with Arc](./deployment-arc-register-server-permissions.md) and see [Deploy via Azure portal](deploy-via-portal.md).
 - [Install Hyper-V and RSAT-Hyper-V-Tools](/windows-server/virtualization/hyper-v/get-started/install-the-hyper-v-role-on-windows-server).
 - (Optional) If you're using Windows Admin Center, you must install Cluster Manager extension (version 2.319.0) or later.
 
@@ -341,9 +341,9 @@ No. Turning on Azure VM verification incurs no extra fees.
 
 No. Azure VM verification is a feature built into Azure Local, and can only be used on Azure Local.
 
-### If I just upgraded to version 23H2 from 22H2, and I previously turned on the Azure Benefits feature, do I need to do anything new?
+### If I just upgraded from 22H2, and I previously turned on the Azure Benefits feature, do I need to do anything new?
 
-If you upgraded a system that previously had [Azure Benefits on Azure Local](../manage/azure-benefits.md) set up for your workloads, you don't need to do anything when you upgrade to Azure Local, version 23H2. When you upgrade, the feature remains enabled, and legacy OS support is turned on as well. However, if you want to use an improved way of doing VM-to-host communication through VM Bus in version 23H2, make sure that you have the required [host prerequisites](#host-prerequisites) and the [VM prerequisites](#vm-prerequisites).
+If you upgraded a system that previously had [Azure Benefits on Azure Local](../manage/azure-benefits.md) set up for your workloads, you don't need to do anything when you upgrade to Azure Local. When you upgrade, the feature remains enabled, and legacy OS support is turned on as well. However, if you want to use an improved way of doing VM-to-host communication through VM Bus, make sure that you have the required [host prerequisites](#host-prerequisites) and the [VM prerequisites](#vm-prerequisites).
 
 ### I just set up Azure VM verification on my system. How do I ensure that Azure VM verification stays active?
 

azure-local/manage/azure-arc-vm-management-prerequisites.md

@@ -5,7 +5,8 @@ author: alkohli
 ms.author: alkohli
 ms.topic: how-to
 ms.service: azure-local
-ms.date: 01/08/2025
+ms.date: 02/03/2025
+
 ---
 
 # Azure Arc VM management prerequisites
@@ -43,7 +44,7 @@ For Arc VM images to be used on Azure Local, make sure to satisfy the following
 
 ## Firewall requirements
 
-Make sure the requirements as listed in [Required firewall URLs for Azure Local, version 23H2 deployments](../concepts/firewall-requirements.md#required-firewall-urls-for-azure-local-version-23h2-deployments) are satisfied to allow communication between the Arc VMs running on Azure Local and Azure Arc.
+Make sure the requirements as listed in [Required firewall URLs for Azure Local deployments](../concepts/firewall-requirements.md#required-firewall-urls-for-azure-local-version-23h2-deployments) are satisfied to allow communication between the Arc VMs running on Azure Local and Azure Arc.
 
 ## Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) requirements
 

azure-local/manage/azure-arc-vms-faq.yml

@@ -1,39 +1,28 @@
 ### YamlMime:FAQ
 metadata:
   title: Azure Arc VM management FAQ 
-  description: The Azure Arc VM management FAQ provides information on questions related to Azure Local, versions 23H2 and 22H2 (preview), and for customers looking to move to version 23H2.
+  description: The Azure Arc VM management FAQ provides information on questions related to Azure Local.
   ms.topic: faq
   author: alkohli
   ms.author: alkohli
   ms.service: azure-local
-  ms.date: 01/15/2025
+  ms.date: 02/10/2025
 title: Azure Arc VM management FAQ
 summary:
-  Frequently asked questions about Azure Arc VMs for Azure Local, version 23H2.
+  Frequently asked questions about Azure Arc VMs for Azure Local for 2311.2 and later.
 
 sections:
   - name: ignored
     questions:
     - question: |
-        What is changing in Azure Arc Virtual Machine (VM) management on Azure Local, version 22H2?
+        What major improvements and features can I expect for Arc VMs in Azure Local?
       answer: |
-        On 15 February 2024, the preview of Arc VM management on Azure Local, version 22H2 will encounter a breaking change.
-        With the upcoming release of Azure Local version 23H2, we're supporting Arc VM management exclusively on 23H2. The support for Arc VM management preview on Azure Local on version 22H2 will end on 15 February 2024.
-
-    - question: |
-        What does this breaking change on Azure Local, version 22H2 mean for me and my workloads? 
-      answer: |
-        The existing Arc VMs created on version 22H2 on your system will continue to be accessible through the Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) until 15 February 2024. However, you can't manage or provision new Arc VMs on Azure portal if you are on version 22H2 from November 2023. To continue the Arc VM preview experience and try out the new features, we strongly recommend that you transition to Azure Local, version 23H2. Keep in mind that there's no automated migration support for Arc VMs running on Azure Local, version 22H2. 
-
-    - question: |
-        What major improvements and features can I expect for Arc VMs in the upcoming Azure Local, version 23H2?
-      answer: |
-        The upcoming Arc VM Management on Azure Local, version 23H2 has several enhancements and new features. Improvements include a simpler setup for the Arc Resource Bridge, support for static IPs, more flexible storage placement for VMs and VM images, more VM Extensions, improvements to Azure CLI, and more.
+        Arc VM management on Azure Local has several enhancements and new features. Improvements include a simpler setup for the Arc Resource Bridge, support for static IPs, more flexible storage placement for VMs and VM images, more VM Extensions, improvements to Azure CLI, and more.
 
     - question: |
         How do I upgrade my Azure Arc VM management infrastructure components?
       answer: |
-        Updates for Arc VM management infrastructure components like MOC, Arc Resource Bridge, and Kubernetes extensions on Azure Local, version 23H2 are handled automatically. For more information, see [Update overview for Azure Local, version 23H2](../update/about-updates-23h2.md).
+        Updates for Arc VM management infrastructure components like MOC, Arc Resource Bridge, and Kubernetes extensions on Azure Local 2311.2 or later are handled automatically. For more information, see [Update overview for Azure Local](../update/about-updates-23h2.md).
 
     - question: | 
         Will I be charged when updating my Arc VM using the Azure Update Manager service?
@@ -42,12 +31,12 @@ sections:
         /azure/update-manager/update-manager-faq#pricing).
         
     - question: |
-        Why do I need to move to Azure Local, version 23H2?
+        Why do I need to move to Azure Local?
       answer: |
-        Moving to Azure Local, version 23H2 is essential to continue using Azure Arc VM management since version 22H2 will no longer be supported after 15 February 2024. Version 23H2 has several new and enhanced features that ensure that you have access to a more stable, efficient, and feature-rich platform.
+        Moving to Azure Local is essential to continue using Azure Arc VM management since version 22H2 will no longer be supported after 15 February 2024. Azure Local has several new and enhanced features that ensure that you have access to a more stable, efficient, and feature-rich platform.
 
     - question: |
-        How can I seek assistance during the transition from Azure Local, version 22H2 to Azure Local, version 23H2?
+        How can I seek assistance during the transition to Azure Local?
       answer: |
         The Microsoft Support team is available to help you through the transition and can answer any questions you might have. Feel free to reach out for assistance via the Azure portal.
 
@@ -59,7 +48,7 @@ sections:
     - question: |
         I used to be able to create virtual networks for my Arc VMs in past releases. Starting 2310 (November 2023), I can only create logical networks. What changed?
       answer: |
-        Starting with the 2310 release of Azure Local, version 23H2, logical networks have replaced virtual networks. Logical networks are the Azure resources that represent your physical network. To connect virtual machines to your network, you need to create logical networks on which you can place your VM network interfaces. Virtual networks created on the version 22H2 platform cannot be used with the 2310 release and beyond, and need to be manually deleted.
+        Starting with the 2311.2 release Azure Local, logical networks have replaced virtual networks. Logical networks are the Azure resources that represent your physical network. To connect virtual machines to your network, you need to create logical networks on which you can place your VM network interfaces. Virtual networks created on earlier versions cannot be used with the Azure Local 2311.2 release and later, and need to be manually deleted.
 
     - question: |
         Can I use SDN for Azure Local VMs created from the Azure portal?
@@ -69,7 +58,7 @@ sections:
     - question: |
         How can I perform live migration of Arc-enabled virtual machines?
       answer: |
-        Live migration of Arc VMs across Azure Local nodes is supported via on-premises tools like [Failover Cluster Manager](/windows-server/manage/windows-admin-center/use/manage-failover-clusters#adding-a-failover-cluster-to-windows-admin-center) or [Windows Admin Center](/windows-server/manage/windows-admin-center/use/manage-virtual-machines#live-migrate-a-virtual-machine-to-another-cluster-node). Live migration of VM storage is not supported.
+        Live migration of Arc VMs across Azure Local machines is supported via on-premises tools like [Failover Cluster Manager](/windows-server/manage/windows-admin-center/use/manage-failover-clusters#adding-a-failover-cluster-to-windows-admin-center) or [Windows Admin Center](/windows-server/manage/windows-admin-center/use/manage-virtual-machines#live-migrate-a-virtual-machine-to-another-cluster-node). Live migration of VM storage is not supported.
 
     - question: |
         Is there a fee to use Arc management for VMs on Azure Local?

azure-local/manage/manage-arc-virtual-machines.md

@@ -1,18 +1,18 @@
 ---
-title: Manage Arc VMs on Azure Local
-description: Learn how to manage Arc VMs, including operations such as start, stop, restart, and view properties of Azure Arc VMs running on Azure Local, version 23H2.
+title: Manage including restart, start, stop or delete Arc VMs on Azure Local 
+description: Learn how to manage Arc VMs. This includes operations such as start, stop, restart, view properties of Arc VMs running on Azure Local.
 author: alkohli
 ms.author: alkohli
 ms.topic: how-to
 ms.service: azure-local
-ms.date: 01/15/2025
+ms.date: 02/03/2025
 ---
 
 # Manage Arc VMs on Azure Local
 
 [!INCLUDE [hci-applies-to-23h2](../includes/hci-applies-to-23h2.md)]
 
-This article describes how to manage Azure Arc virtual machines (VMs) running on Azure Local, version 23H2. It covers the procedures to enable guest management and to start, stop, restart, pause, save, and delete an Azure Arc VM.
+This article describes how to manage Arc virtual machines (VMs) running on Azure Local. The procedures to enable guest management, start, stop, restart, pause, save, or delete an Arc VM, are detailed.
 
 ## Prerequisites
 

azure-local/manage/vm-activate.md

@@ -4,13 +4,13 @@ description: This article explains the benefits of using Automatic Virtual Machi
 author: alkohli
 ms.author: alkohli
 ms.topic: how-to
-ms.date: 01/21/2025
+ms.date: 02/10/2025
 ms.service: azure-local
 ---
 
 # Activate Windows Server VMs on Azure Local
 
-> Applies to: Azure Local 2311.2 and later
+> Applies to: Azure Local 2311.1 and later; Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019 Datacenter Edition and later
 
 Windows Server virtual machines (VMs) must be activated before you can use them on Azure Local. You can use any existing Windows Server licenses and activation methods that you already have. Optionally, Azure Local offers licensing models and tools to help simplify this process. This article describes general licensing concepts and the new options that are available on Azure Local.