Azure virtual machines to get Arm support, promising better value than x86 VMs

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Arm support for Azure virtual machines promises better price-performance and efficiency.

Microsoft Azure Hero 4
Microsoft Azure Hero 4 (Image credit: Microsoft)

What you need to know

  • Azure Virtual Machines now have preview support for Ampere Altra Arm-based processors.
  • Microsoft stated that Azure VMs using Arm deliver "up to 50 percent better price-performance than comparable x86-based VMs."
  • Preview support is currently available for VMs running Canonical Ubuntu Linux, CentOS, and Windows 11 Professional and Enterprise Edition on Arm.

Microsoft recently added preview support for Azure virtual machines using Arm-based processors. The new virtual machines use Altra Arm-based processors and should deliver better value than existing VMs on the market. Microsoft explained in its post announcing preview support that Arm-based VMs should get up to 50% better price-performance than x86-based virtual machines. Ampere also shared a blog post on the news.

"We see companies using Arm based architectures as a way of reducing both cost and energy consumption," said Canonical Vice President of Public Cloud Alexander Gallagher. "It's a huge step forward for those looking to develop with Linux on Azure and we are pleased to partner with Microsoft to offer Ubuntu images."

The director of PM for Azure Host OS and the Windows OS platform, Hari Pulapaka, took to Twitter to discuss the news.

At the moment, preview support is available for virtual machines running Canonical Ubuntu Linux, CentOS, and Windows 11 Professional and Enterprise Edition on Arm. Other operating systems, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Debian, AlmaLinux, and Flatcar, will work with the VMs in the future.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.