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Managing Virtual Machines and Containers (AZ-800) Exam 

The AZ-800 exam focuses on managing Windows Server workloads both on-premises and in Azure. One of its critical domains is managing virtual machines (VMs) and containers, which accounts for 15–20% of the exam. This topic tests your ability to configure, monitor, and optimize Hyper-V VMs, containers, and Azure-hosted virtual machines.

Overview of Virtual Machines and Containers

Virtual machines provide isolated environments to run workloads, while containers offer lightweight, portable, and consistent execution environments. Mastering these technologies requires understanding Hyper-V management, VM configuration, container deployment, and Azure integration.

Managing Hyper-V Virtual Machines

Key skills include:

Hyper-V Configuration: Enable Enhanced Session Mode, configure VM memory, integration services, and Discrete Device Assignment (DDA).

Advanced VM Features: Implement GPU partitioning, nested virtualization, and manage CPU groups with hypervisor scheduling.

VM Management: Use PowerShell Remoting, PowerShell Direct, and SSH Direct (for Linux VMs) to manage VMs.

High Availability: Implement Hyper-V checkpoints, manage virtual hard disks, and configure network adapters, NIC teaming, and Hyper-V switches.

Secure VMs: Configure guarded fabrics, shielded VMs, and move secure VMs between hosts.

Managing Containers

Containers simplify deployment and scalability. Key tasks include:

Preparing Windows Server as a container host.

Configuring Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for Linux containers.

Creating and managing container images, networking, and instances.

Configuring Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) on Windows Server for orchestration.

Managing Azure Virtual Machines

Managing Windows Server VMs in Azure involves:

Storage and Capacity: Resizing VMs, managing VM scale sets, and optimizing storage.

Availability: Configuring availability sets, zones, and high availability.

Security & Networking: Managing Just-In-Time (JIT) VM access, Azure Bastion, and VM network configurations.

Mastery of these tasks ensures a smooth operation of hybrid Windows Server environments and prepares you for scenarios in the AZ-800 exam.

Sample MCQs – Practice for AZ-800 Exam

Below are three example questions similar to what may appear in the AZ-800 exam:

1. Which Hyper-V feature allows you to run a VM inside another VM?
   A) GPU Partitioning
   B) Nested Virtualization
   C) Enhanced Session Mode
   D) Discrete Device Assignment

Answer: B) Nested Virtualization

2. You want to securely move a shielded VM between two Hyper-V hosts. Which feature must be configured?
   A) VM Checkpoints
   B) Guarded Fabric
   C) Hyper-V Switch
   D) NIC Teaming

Answer: B) Guarded Fabric

3. Which Azure feature allows temporary secure remote access to a virtual machine?
   A) Azure Bastion
   B) Just-In-Time (JIT) VM Access
   C) VM Scale Sets
   D) Availability Zones

Answer: B) Just-In-Time (JIT) VM Access

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For P2PExams, we provide updated, exam-focused resources and AZ-800 Exam Questions to help you practice real-world scenarios. Understand key concepts like VM and container management, and boost your confidence to pass the exam successfully.