Azure Machine Configuration
Azure Machine Configuration: A focused configuration-as-code service for Azure Policy and Arc-based compliance. Ranked #11 of 26 in Configuration Management Tools by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for azure and Arc environments needing policy enforcement.
At a glance
- Editor score8.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAzure and Arc environments needing policy enforcement
- Free planYes
- Deployment modelCloud
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Configuration-as-code auditing with enforcement and drift autocorrection
- Azure Policy assignments scale configuration across machines
- Machine-level compliance evidence and Resource Graph queries
Where it doesn't
- Patch management is outside its feature set
- Arc resources cost $6 per server per month
- Custom packages use PowerShell Desired State Configuration
Our verdict on Azure Machine Configuration
Azure Machine Configuration audits or configures operating-system, application, and environment settings as code. It manages Azure virtual machines and hybrid Arc-enabled machines directly or through Azure Policy assignments. Its audience is teams responsible for configuration governance, security baselines, and compliance evidence across Azure and supported operating systems, including Windows Server, Windows 10 and 11, Ubuntu Server, RHEL, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and other listed platforms.
The published plans separate Azure and Arc resources. Azure resources carry no charge, while Arc resources cost $6 USD per server per month. Arc billing applies to servers with one or more guest configurations and is prorated hourly. This makes the service a straightforward fit for Azure estates, while hybrid deployments need to account for per-server Arc charges. The product is available through web and API access, with Azure Policy, Azure Arc, Azure Resource Graph, and Azure Automation forming its surrounding Microsoft ecosystem.
Its strongest capability is the range of configuration outcomes: audit settings, apply configuration packages with monitoring, or apply and autocorrect drift. Teams can create custom packages with PowerShell DSC, use built-in security baselines, and review results through Azure Policy, Guest Assignments, and Azure Resource Graph, including exportable reporting. Azure Machine Configuration is a focused choice for policy-as-code, drift detection, and compliance reporting rather than general infrastructure operations; patch management is not part of its listed feature set. Choose it when Azure and Arc policy enforcement are central, and consider a broader configuration tool when patch management is also required.
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Azure Machine Configuration pricing
All 2 Azure Machine Configuration plans and prices →
Azure Machine Configuration fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Deployment model | Cloud |
| Agent model | Agent_based |
| Drift detection | Yes |
| Patch management | No |
| Policy as code | Yes |
| Compliance reporting | Yes |
| Supported platforms | AlmaLinux 9; Amazon Linux 2; Ubuntu Server 16.04–24.x; Debian 10.x–13.x; CBL-Mariner 1–2; Azure Linux 3; Windows 10–11; Windows Server 2012–2025; Oracle Linux 7.x–9.x; CentOS 7.3–8.x; RHEL 7.4–10.x; Rocky Linux 8–9; SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5 and 15.x |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Azure Machine Configuration
- PuppetA mature hybrid automation platform with strong drift, patching, and compliance controls.9.3
- AWS Systems Manager State ManagerA free AWS service for scheduled configuration, drift management, patching, and compliance reporting.9.1
- Google Cloud VM ManagerA focused Google Cloud tool for patching, policy enforcement, and VM compliance.9.0
See all Azure Machine Configuration alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Azure Machine Configuration is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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