Why Is Microsoft Ending Default Azure VM Connections?

What Happens When Azure Stops Default VM Internet Access?

I need to tell you about a critical change coming to Microsoft Azure. This affects every person who uses virtual machines in the cloud. The deadline is September 30, 2025. After this date, things will work differently.

What’s Changing

Right now, when I create a virtual machine in Azure, it gets internet access automatically. Microsoft gives it a public IP address without me asking. This lets my VM talk to websites and other services online. It’s been this way for years.

But Microsoft is stopping this. They’re doing it for security reasons. After September 30, 2025, new virtual networks won’t get this automatic internet access anymore.

Why This Matters to You

This change affects how your VMs connect to the internet. Here’s what I see happening:

• New VMs after September 2025: No automatic internet access
• Existing VMs: Will keep working the same way
• Security: Better control over network connections
• Management: More work for administrators

What You Need to Do

I recommend taking action now. Don’t wait until the deadline. Here are your options for explicit outbound connectivity:

Option 1: Azure NAT Gateway

This gives your VMs internet access through a managed service. It’s simple to set up. You pay for what you use.

Option 2: Azure Load Balancer Outbound Rules

This works well if you already use load balancers. You can control which VMs get internet access.

Option 3: Direct Public IP Address

You can assign a public IP directly to each VM. This gives you the most control but costs more.

Benefits of Making the Switch Early

When I help clients move to explicit methods, they see these advantages:

• Better security: You control exactly how VMs connect
• Stable IP addresses: No surprise changes from Microsoft
• Clear tracking: You know which resources use internet access
• Cost control: You see exactly what you’re paying for

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Here’s what I tell my clients to do:

1. List all your VMs that currently use default outbound access
2. Pick the right method for each VM or group of VMs
3. Test the new setup in a development environment first
4. Move production VMs one by one
5. Monitor everything to make sure it works

Special Cases

Some VMs don’t need to change:

• Azure Cloud Services (extended support): These keep working the same way
• VMs that already use explicit methods: No action needed
• VMs without internet needs: Can stay as they are

Timeline and Planning

You have time to prepare. The change happens on September 30, 2025. But I suggest starting now because:

• Testing takes time
• You might find issues that need fixing
• Your team needs to learn new processes
• Budget approval might be needed

Cost Considerations

The new methods might cost more than the free default access. Here’s what to expect:

• NAT Gateway: Pay per hour plus data transfer
• Load Balancer: Monthly fee plus rules
• Public IPs: Monthly charge per IP address

Plan your budget accordingly. The extra cost brings better security and control.

My Recommendation

Start planning now. Don’t wait until 2025. Pick the method that fits your needs best. Test everything carefully. Train your team on the new processes. This change improves security, but it requires preparation. The sooner you start, the smoother the transition will be. Your future self will thank you for acting early instead of rushing at the deadline.

Remember: existing VMs keep working after September 2025, but new ones won’t get automatic internet access. Plan accordingly.