How to Create a SCCM Lab in Azure

This guide describes how to build a Configuration Manager lab environment in Microsoft Azure. It uses Azure templates to simplify and automate the creation of a lab using Azure resources.

SCCMAZURE

2/9/20252 min read

Step-by-Step Guide

Below the video, include a detailed guide in the description with the full commands and a link to the official Microsoft documentation.

Setting Up an SCCM Lab in Azure: A Quick and Easy Template

If you’re looking to set up a new SCCM lab environment but don’t have the time to manually configure everything in Hyper-V, VMware Workstation, or VirtualBox, then this Azure template is exactly what you need.

Why Use an Azure Template for SCCM?

This Azure template will automate the creation of the following resources in your Azure account:

  • A new Active Directory Domain Controller

  • A standalone SCCM primary site with SQL Server, ADK, and the latest ConfigMgr Technical Preview release

  • A remote site system server to host the management point and distribution point

  • A W11 client

Each virtual machine (VM) in this setup will have:

  • A public IP address (with RDP access restricted by a Network Security Group)

  • A private network IP (for internal SCCM communication)

⚠ Important: Before deploying any VMs or resources in Azure, make sure to review Azure’s pricing to avoid unexpected costs, even if you're using a trial subscription.

Remember, there’s no such thing as a free lunch! This template is designed for lab environments only, not for production use.

How to Deploy the SCCM Lab Template in Azure

1. Access the Template

Click [here] to open the template page, then click Deploy to Azure.

2. Configure Deployment Settings

Log into your Azure account, and you’ll see the following configuration options:

  • Subscription: All resources within a subscription are billed together.

  • Resource Group: A logical container for resources that share the same lifecycle, permissions, and policies.

  • Region: Choose the appropriate Azure region.

  • Prefix: Set a prefix for machine names.

  • CreateClient: Decide whether to create a client machine for testing.

  • Admin Username & Password: Set credentials for the new VMs (domain name: contoso.com).

  • Location: Specify the location for all resources.

3. Customize VM Settings (Optional)

You can edit the template to modify:

  • VM model (default: Standard_B2s)

  • Disk type (default: Premium_LRS)

  • Operating System (default: Windows Server 2019-DataCenter)

  • Network configurations

  • Domainname

👉 Note: These changes depend on your specific requirements, and you should verify associated costs before proceeding.

4. Review and Deploy

Click Next: Review + Create, perform a final validation check, and download the template (JSON) for automation if needed. Then, click Create to begin the deployment process.

🚀 Deployment takes approximately 30 minutes, but the process itself takes about 1:40 hs.

Accessing Your SCCM Lab

Once the deployment is complete:

  1. Navigate to your resource group in Azure.

  2. Connect to your virtual machines via RDP.

  3. Start configuring your MECM environment!

🔴 Reminder: Always stop or delete unused resources to avoid unnecessary costs.

Follow Along with the Video Guide

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process, check out our detailed video guide.

Watching the video will help you visualize each step and ensure a smooth deployment. Click here to watch the video and follow along as you set up your SCCM lab in Azure.

Final Thoughts

This Azure template makes it incredibly easy to set up an SCCM lab without the hassle of manual VM configuration.

If this guide helped you, drop a comment below and share your experience!

Happy labbing! 😊