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--- title: How to develop a custom machine configuration package description: Learn how to author and validate custom machine configuration packages to audit and enforce state. ms.date: 02/01/2024 ms.topic: how-to ms.custom: references_regions --- # How to develop a custom machine configuration package Before you begin, it's a good idea to read the overview page for [machine configuration][01]. Machine configuration uses [PowerShell Desired State Configuration][02] (PSDSC) when auditing and configuring both Windows and Linux. The DSC configuration defines the condition that the machine should be in. > [!IMPORTANT] > Custom packages that audit the state of an environment and apply configurations are in Generally > Available (GA) support status. However, the following limitations apply: > > To use machine configuration packages that apply configurations, Azure VM guest configuration > extension version 1.26.24 or later, or Arc agent 1.10.0 or later, is required. > > The **GuestConfiguration** module is only available on Ubuntu 18 and later. However, the package > and policies produced by the module can be used on any Linux distribution and version supported > in Azure or Arc. > > Testing packages on macOS isn't available. > > Don't use secrets or confidential information in custom content packages. Use the following steps to develop your own configuration for managing the state of an Azure or non-Azure machine. 1. [Set up a machine configuration authoring environment][03] 1. [Create a custom machine configuration package artifact][04] 1. [Test the package artifact][05] 1. [Publish the package artifact][06] 1. [Provide access to a package][07] 1. [Sign the package artifact][08] The following video provides a step by step guide on how to author a custom machine configuration policy using the [GuestConfiguration PowerShell module][09]. > [!VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/embed/75MTIftSEfk?si=tiJwHNlXckpM7k75] <!-- Link reference definitions --> [01]: ../../overview/01-overview-concepts.md [02]: /powershell/dsc/overview?view=dsc-2.0&preserve-view=true [03]: ./1-set-up-authoring-environment.md [04]: ./2-create-package.md [05]: ./3-test-package.md [06]: ./4-publish-package.md [07]: ./5-access-package.md [08]: ./6-sign-package.md [09]: https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/GuestConfiguration/4.7.0