A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer. It runs an operating system and applications just like a physical computer, but it operates within a window on your current operating system. Here are some key points about virtual machines:

• Isolation: VMs are isolated from the host system, meaning the software inside a VM can’t interfere with the host’s primary operating system1.
• Flexibility: You can run multiple VMs on a single physical machine, each with its own operating system. This allows you to run different OSes simultaneously2.
• Use Cases: VMs are used for various purposes, such as testing new software, running applications that require different OSes, and creating development environments12.
• Cost Efficiency: They help save costs by reducing the need for physical hardware and allowing better resource utilization2.

This is a step by step procedure on how to create a windows 11 virtual machine.

Step 1: Create a windows 11 virtual machine.

1. Configure the virtual machine.

• In the portal, search for virtual machines.

• Select + create.

.

1. Go to the Basics tab.

• On the project details
  • Create new resource group and give it a unique name.

.

• On the Instance details
  • On the virtual machine name, give your virtual machine a unique name. Just like other computers, virtaul machines have names
  • Set the region as appropriate.
  • Set the Availabilty zone to Zone 1. This will back-up the virtual machine in 3 data centers. You can pick more Zones to create the VM in more data centers

.

• on drop down menu for image select Windows 11 Pro, version 22H2 - x64 Gen2.

  • On the Administrator account.
  • Set the Username to your name.
  • Set password and confirm password.

.

• Set the inbound port rules.
  • Select the Allow selected ports for the public inbound ports. This will ensure the VM can be accessed via public internet.
  • On the drop-down menu for Select inbound portst, select RDP 3389

1. Go to the Monitoring tab.

• Check Disable for boot diagnostic. This will ensure azure does not have access to the activities of the virtual machine.

  • Select Review and create

.

• Wait for it to validate
• select create

.

• Wait for it to complete deployment.

• When deployment is complete. Select go to resource.

.

1. Configuring the Virtual machine.

• Click the Public IP address

• Drag the Idle timeout (minutes) to 30. This will ensure the VM doesnt time out to often while in use.
• Save.

Step 2: Starting up the Virtual machine.

• Select Connect

• Wait for the VM to get configured.
• Click on Download RDP file.

• Open the downloaded file. Enter password that was previously set. Click OK.

• The VM is launched

The VM can now be used as your regular computer.

I hope this is helpful, please drop questions/comments/observations in comment section.