VM states (running, stopped, deallocated) in Azure - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the Running state mean for an Azure VM?

The VM is powered on and ready to use. It is actively running and consuming compute resources.

beginner

What happens when an Azure VM is in the Stopped state?

The VM is powered off but still allocated to your subscription. You are still charged for the VM's resources like storage and reserved compute.

intermediate

Explain the Deallocated state of an Azure VM.

The VM is completely shut down and resources like CPU and memory are released. You are not charged for compute, only for storage.

beginner

Which VM state stops billing for compute resources in Azure?

The Deallocated state stops billing for compute resources because the VM's CPU and memory are released.

intermediate

How can you move an Azure VM from Stopped to Deallocated state?

You must use the Azure portal, CLI, or PowerShell to explicitly stop (deallocate) the VM, not just shut it down from inside the OS.

What does the Running state of an Azure VM indicate?

A The VM is paused

B The VM is powered off but still allocated

C The VM is deleted

D The VM is powered on and ready to use

Running means the VM is powered on and actively running.

Which VM state means you are NOT charged for compute resources?

A Deallocated

B Stopped

C Running

D Paused

Deallocated releases compute resources, stopping compute charges.

If you shut down a VM from inside the OS, what state does it enter in Azure?

A Running

B Stopped (allocated)

C Deallocated

D Deleted

Shutting down inside the OS stops the VM but keeps it allocated.

How do you fully stop billing for an Azure VM's compute?

A Shut down from inside the OS

B Restart the VM

C Stop the VM from Azure portal or CLI (deallocate)

D Pause the VM

Stopping (deallocating) the VM from Azure releases compute resources.

Which state means the VM is powered off but still reserved for you?

A Stopped (allocated)

B Running

C Deallocated

D Suspended

Stopped (allocated) means VM is off but resources are still reserved.

Describe the differences between Running, Stopped, and Deallocated states of an Azure VM.

Think about power state and billing impact.

Explain why it is important to deallocate a VM when not in use.

Consider cost and resource management.