How to Use Microsoft Copilot for Azure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Azure has been a leading cloud platform for businesses, but the introduction of Microsoft Copilot for Azure adds a whole new level of automation and intelligence. This AI-powered assistant promises to simplify cloud management, provide deep insights, and help with troubleshooting.

In this post, we’ll go through a hands-on tutorial of how to use Microsoft Copilot for Azure, showing the features you can explore along with step-by-step actions for better productivity. Follow the guide and take screenshots of each major step.

Step 1: Accessing Copilot for Azure

Once you are logged in to the Azure portal, you will see a Copilot icon in the top bar. This sidebar will be present as you navigate Azure, offering contextual assistance.

Step 2: Viewing Your Resources

Start by asking Copilot basic questions about your environment. Let’s find out how many resources are currently running in your subscription.

• Action: Ask Copilot, "How many resources are running?"

Copilot will show the listing of the number of resources.

Step 3: Managing Idle Resources

One useful query is finding which VMs (Virtual Machines) are not running. This helps in identifying and managing idle resources, ensuring you're not wasting capacity.

• Action: Ask, "List all VMs that are not running."

• You will get the list of idle VMs from Copilot.

Step 4: Tracking Recent Resource Creation

You can also track any new resources added recently to your Azure environment. This is helpful for reviewing deployments.

• Action: Ask, "Is there any resource created in the last 24 hours?

• Checkout the recent resources created on the portal.

Step 5: Creating a Low-Cost Virtual Machine (VM)

One of the most powerful features of Copilot is its ability to execute tasks. Let’s ask Copilot to guide us through creating a low-cost VM.

• Action: Ask Copilot to "Create a low-cost VM."

• Document each step as Copilot walks you through the process, showing the options it provides.

It will ask you to select the size according to your preference. Choose a preferred size:

Once the size is selected, you will be directed to create a VM with the size. Select “Go to create VM.”

• Now, add the basic details like, subscriptions, resource group, name, region, etc.

• Once done, hit the “review + create” button to finish the process.

Step 6: Running Security Checks

For security purposes, you can ask Copilot to run checks on your resources. Here, we will run a security check on a storage account.

• Action: Ask Copilot, "Run security checks on my storage account."

• You will be asked to select a storage account from the left menu.

• It will display the list of security weaknesses detected and provide you recommendations to enhance the security.

Quick Tips for Maximizing Microsoft Copilot for Azure

1. Explore Commands: Stay updated on new Copilot features to expand your capabilities.

2. Use Natural Language: Copilot understands everyday language, so ask questions as you normally would.

3. Run Security Checks: Regular checks help maintain compliance and security with ease.

4. Automate Routine Tasks: Use Copilot to handle repetitive actions, saving time for bigger projects.

5. Monitor Costs: Regularly check for idle resources to optimize costs and reduce waste.

These tips will help you make the most of Microsoft Copilot, streamlining cloud management and boosting efficiency.

Sum Up

Microsoft Copilot for Azure brings significant power to your fingertips by allowing you to manage, optimise, and secure your Azure resources more easily. Whether it’s creating a VM, running security checks, Copilot works like a collaborative digital worker. This tutorial has walked you through practical tasks that you can try right now in Azure.

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