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ESUs for SQL Server and Windows Server in Azure VMware Solution VMs

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This article describes how to enable Extended Security Updates (ESUs) and continue to run software that has reached its end-of-support lifecycle in Azure VMware Solution. ESUs allow older versions of software to run in a supported manner by continuing to receive security updates and critical patches. In Azure, which includes Azure VMware Solution, ESUs are free of charge for extra years after their end of support. For more information on timelines, see Extended Security Updates for SQL Server and Windows Server.

The following sections describe how to configure SQL Server and Windows Server virtual machines (VMs) for no-cost ESUs in Azure VMware Solution. The process is distinct to the Azure VMware Solution private cloud architecture.

Configure SQL Server and Windows Server for ESUs in Azure VMware Solution

In this section, you learn how to configure the VMs that run SQL Server and Windows Server for ESUs at no cost in Azure VMware Solution.

SQL Server

For SQL Server environments that run in a VM in Azure VMware Solution, you can use ESUs enabled by Azure Arc to configure ESUs and automate patching.

First, you need to Azure Arc-enable VMware vSphere for Azure VMware Solution. The Azure Extension for SQL Server must be installed on the VM.

  1. Azure Arc-enable the VMware vSphere in Azure VMware Solution. Follow the steps in Deploy Azure Arc-enabled VMware vSphere for Azure VMware Solution private cloud.

  2. Enable guest management for the individual VMs that run SQL Server. Make sure the Azure Extension for SQL Server is installed. To confirm that the extension is installed, see the section View ESU subscription status.

Warning

If you register SQL Server instances in a different manner from the preceding steps, the VM won't be registered as part of Azure VMware Solution. As a result, you will be billed for ESUs.

After you Azure Arc-enable the VMware vSphere in Azure VMware Solution and enable guest management, you can subscribe to ESUs by updating the SQL Server configuration on the Azure Arc-enabled VM.

To find the SQL Server configuration from the Azure portal:

  1. In the Azure VMware Solution portal, go to vCenter Server Inventory and Virtual Machines by clicking through one of the Azure Arc-enabled VMs. The Machine-Azure Arc (AVS) page appears.
  2. On the left pane, under Operations, select SQL Server Configuration.
  3. Follow the steps in the section Configure SQL Server enabled by Azure Arc - Modify SQL Server configuration. This section also provides syntax to configure by using Azure PowerShell or the Azure CLI.

View ESU subscription status

For machines that run SQL Server where guest management is enabled, the Azure Extension for SQL Server must be registered. You can confirm that the extension is installed by using the Azure portal or Azure Resource Graph queries.

  • Use the Azure portal:

    1. In the Azure VMware Solution portal, go to vCenter Server Inventory and Virtual Machines by clicking through one of the Azure Arc-enabled VMs. The Machine-Azure Arc (AVS) page appears.
    2. As part of the Overview section on the left pane, the Properties/Extensions view lists the WindowsAgent.SqlServer (Microsoft.HybridCompute/machines/extensions), if installed. Alternatively, you can expand Settings on the left pane and select Extensions. The WindowsAgent.SqlServer name and type appear, if installed.

    If you don't see the extension installed you can manually install by choosing Extensions, the Add button, and Azure Extension for SQL Server.

  • Use Azure Resource Graph queries:

Windows Server

To enable ESUs for Windows Server environments that run in VMs in Azure VMware Solution, follow these steps

  1. Contact Microsoft Support in the Azure portal for configuration assistance.

  2. On the Problem description page, select the following categories:

    • Select Issue type as Technical.
    • Select your subscription name.
    • Select Service type as Azure VMware Solution service.
    • Provide a brief summary of the request, such as "ESU request"
    • Select Problem type as Security.
    • Select Problem subtype as Extended Security Update for Windows.
    • Select Next.

  3. Skip the Recommended solution page after it loads by selecting Return to support request. Select Next.

  4. Add the following Additional details to the support request:

    • Your name and tenant ID
    • Number of VMs you want to register
    • OS versions
    • ESU year of coverage (for example, Year 1, Year 2, or Year 3). See ESU Availability and End Dates for ESU End Date and Year. The support ticket provides you with ESU keys for one year. You'll need to create a new support request for other years. It's recommended to create a new request before your current ESU End Date Year date approaches.

Warning

If you create ESU licenses for Windows through Azure Arc, you're charged for the ESUs.

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