Azure Linux is an internal Linux distribution for Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure and edge products and services. Azure Linux is designed to provide a consistent platform for these devices and services and will enhance Microsoft’s ability to stay up to date on Linux updates. The initiative is part of Microsoft’s growing investment in a wide range of Linux technologies, such as SONIC and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Azure Linux is being shared publicly to reflect Microsoft’s commitment to open source and contributing back to the Linux community. Azure Linux does not change our approach or commitment to any existing third-party Linux distribution offerings.
Azure Linux is engineered with the assumption that a small common core set of packages can meet the universal needs of first party cloud and edge services, while allowing individual teams to layer additional packages on top of the common core to build images for their workloads. This is made possible by a simple construction system that enables:
- Package Generation: It creates the desired set of RPM packages from the SPEC files and source files.
- Image Creation: It produces the desired image artifacts like ISO or VHD from a given set of packages.
Whether deployed as a container or a container host, Azure Linux consumes limited disk and memory resources. The lightweight features of Azure Linux also provide fast boot times and minimal attack surfaces. By focusing on the features our internal cloud customers need, there are fewer services to load, and fewer attack vectors.
When security vulnerabilities arise, Azure Linux supports both a package-based update model and an image-based update model. Leveraging the common RPM package manager system, Azure Linux makes the latest security patches and fixes available for download with the goal of faster turn-around times.
Getting started with Azure Linux
NOTE: Looking for CBL-Mariner 2.0 source? Click here
Instructions for building Azure Linux 3.0 can be found here: Toolkit Documentation.
Download the ISO to try Azure Linux here: Azure Linux 3.0 x86_64 ISO / Azure Linux 3.0 aarch64 ISO
Before using the downloaded ISO, verify the checksum and signature of the image.
After downloading the ISO, use the quickstart instructions to install and use the image in a Hyper-V VM.
Note: Support for ISO is community based. Before filing a new bug or feature request, please search the Github issues list. If you are unable to find a matching issue, please report a new bug by clicking here or create a new feature request by clicking here. See the support.md file for additional information.
- Bugs, feature requests, and questions can be filed as GitHub issues.
- We’re launching a public community call for Azure Linux users to get together and discuss new features, give feedback, and learn more about how others are using Azure Linux. In each session, we will present a new demo. The schedule of upcoming community calls is as follows:
- 7/24/2025 8-9am (PST) Click to join
- Click to join 9/25/2025 8-9am (PST)
- 11/20/2025 8-9am (PST) Click to join
- 1/22/2026 8-9am (PST) Click to join
- 3/26/2026 8-9am (PST) Click to join
This Project may include trademarks or logos for projects, products, or services. Authorized use of Microsoft trademarks or logos is subject to and must comply with Microsoft’s trademark and brand guidelines. Use of Microsoft trademarks or logos in modified versions of this project should not cause confusion or imply Microsoft sponsorship. Any use of third-party trademarks or logos is subject to those third-party’s policies.
Any Linux distribution, including Azure Linux, benefits from contributions from the open software community. We gratefully acknowledge all contributions from the broader open source community, especially:
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GNU and the Free Software Foundation
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Fedora project for spec files, especially regarding content in Qt, DNF, and specs-extended folders.
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Photon OS project for specific files originating from the Photon distribution.
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linux from scratch
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And other open source projects, as referenced here
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