Azure Machine Configuration

What Azure Machine Configuration is

Azure Machine Configuration is a cloud service for defining machine settings through policy as code and checking whether systems continue to match them. It can detect configuration drift and provide compliance reporting. The service uses an agent-based model and is accessed on the web; patch management is not included. Supported platforms include AlmaLinux 9, Amazon Linux 2, Ubuntu Server 16.04–24.x, Debian 10.x–13.x, and CBL-Mar. Pricing depends on the resource type. Azure resources can use Machine Configuration for free. Arc resources cost $6 a month, with billing prorated hourly; charges are based on servers with one or more guest configurations assigned. This distinction matters when estimating costs for Arc-managed servers: an assigned guest configuration determines whether a server is billed. The service is listed as freemium, with a free plan and paid use from 6.0 per month. Its focus is machine configuration policy and compliance rather than patch management.

Who it suits

It suits teams that need to express machine settings as policy and monitor drift or compliance across supported platforms. Those seeking patch management should note that it is not included.

Limits

Azure resources use Machine Configuration for free. Arc resources cost $6 a month, billed hourly on a prorated basis for servers with one or more guest configurations assigned.

Getting started

1. Open the Microsoft Learn Machine Configuration documentation.
2. Use the web service in its cloud deployment model.
3. Determine whether the target is an Azure resource or an Arc resource.
4. Use the agent-based model on a supported platform.
5. For Arc resources, account for servers with one or more guest configurations assigned.

Verdict

Azure Machine Configuration centers on policy-based settings, drift detection, and compliance reporting. Check resource type and guest configuration assignments when estimating Arc costs.