We’re making an important update to how customers provision SQL Server on Linux virtual machines (VMs) in Azure.
What’s Changing?
Starting soon, Linux-based SQL Server Virtual Machine (VM) images published by Microsoft will be removed from the Azure Marketplace.
As a result, these SQL Server on Linux images will no longer be visible in the Azure SQL hub during VM provisioning, nor accessible via CLI, Azure Portal, or PowerShell scripts.
This change is part of our broader effort to simplify and modernise the provisioning experience for SQL Server Linux on Azure.
Why Are We Making This Change?
We’re transitioning away from image-based provisioning to a script-based model that offers greater flexibility, automation, and control. This fresh approach will allow customers to:
- Choose their preferred supported Linux distribution (RHEL, SLES or Ubuntu (Pro))
- Select SQL Server version and edition
- Configure licensing options
- Customise deployment parameters through scripts and ability to add VM extensions.
This shift ensures a more consistent and extensible experience across all supported platforms.
When Will This Happen?
The deprecation of Linux VM images will begin shortly and will be completed over the next couple of months.
During this transition, customers may notice the SQL Server on Linux based Azure marketplace image listings may not be available.
What Should You Do?
For the Azure Virtual Machines deployed using the SQL on Linux Azure marketplace images in the past they'd continue to work, but if you’re planning to deploy new SQL Server on Linux based Azure Virtual Machines, please follow the below steps:
Manual installation is recommended during this transition period.
Start by creating a Linux Virtual Machine using the Azure Portal, CLI, or PowerShell. Once the VM is provisioned, follow the official SQL Server installation documentation to complete the setup.
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- VM Creation Guidance:
You can refer to this guide for step-by-step instructions on creating an Azure Linux-based virtual machine: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/linux/quick-create-portal - Choosing a Linux Distribution:
Feel free to select the distribution that best fits your requirements. For a list of endorsed Linux distributions on Azure, see: Linux distributions endorsed on Azure - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn
- VM Creation Guidance:
Please note, SQL Server is officially supported only on the following Linux distributions. Based on the distribution you choose, refer to the corresponding documentation for SQL Server installation guidance:
- For more details on supported distributions refer to:
A new script-based provisioning experience is coming soon - stay tuned for announcements.
We’ll continue to share updates through the Azure portal, documentation, and this blog.
Microsoft