Why VM states (running, stopped, deallocated) in Azure? - Purpose & Use Cases

The Big Idea

What if you could stop wasting money on VMs you think are off but are still running?

The Scenario

Imagine you have several virtual machines (VMs) running on your computer, and you want to save power or stop using some of them temporarily.

You try to turn them off manually one by one, but you are not sure if they are really off or just paused.

The Problem

Manually checking and managing VM states is slow and confusing.

You might waste money paying for VMs that look off but are still using resources.

It's easy to make mistakes like thinking a VM is stopped when it is still running.

The Solution

Azure VM states clearly show if a VM is running, stopped, or deallocated.

This helps you know exactly what is happening and control costs by deallocating VMs when not in use.

Before vs After

✗ Before

Check VM status by guessing or logging into each VM

✓ After

Use Azure portal or commands to see VM state: Running, Stopped, or Deallocated

What It Enables

You can easily manage VM resources and costs by knowing and controlling their exact state.

Real Life Example

A developer stops a VM after work to save money, then deallocates it to avoid charges until the next day.

Key Takeaways

Manual VM management is confusing and error-prone.

Azure VM states give clear info: Running, Stopped, Deallocated.

This helps save money and manage resources efficiently.