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--- title: Generation 2 VMs in Azure DevTest Labs description: Learn how to use Generation 2 virtual machines (VMs) in Azure DevTest Labs. ms.topic: how-to ms.author: rosemalcolm author: RoseHJM ms.date: 01/20/2025 ms.custom: UpdateFrequency2 --- # Generation 2 VMs in Azure DevTest Labs Azure DevTest Labs allows you to choose between Generation 1 and Generation 2 version of the same marketplace image while creating a VM using Azure DevTest Labs portal. Generation 2 Virtual Machines (VMs) support key capabilities that are not supported in Generation 1 VMs such as increased memory, Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX), and virtualized persistent memory (vPMEM). Generation 2 VMs might have improved boot and installation times. For a VM instance to be a Generation 2 VM, it must use the specific Generation 2 base image and its VM size must support Generation 2. To learn more about Generation 2 VMs on Azure, the series of VMs that support Generation 2 images, and other limitations, please visit [Support for Generation 2 VMs on Azure](/azure/virtual-machines/generation-2). This article explains how to use Generation 2 images in Azure DevTest Labs. > [!IMPORTANT] > The enhanced support for **Generation 2 VMs** is currently in preview in Azure DevTest Labs. For more information about the preview status, see the [Supplemental Terms of Use for Microsoft Azure Previews](https://azure.microsoft.com/support/legal/preview-supplemental-terms/). The document defines legal terms that apply to Azure features that are in beta, in preview, or otherwise not yet released into general availability. ## Create lab virtual machines with a Generation 2 base image ### Prerequisite You need at least [user](devtest-lab-add-devtest-user.md#devtest-labs-user) access to a lab in DevTest Labs. For more information about creating labs, see [Create a lab in the Azure portal](devtest-lab-create-lab.md). ### Create a VM using Generation 2 base image 1. In the [Azure portal](https://portal.azure.com), go to the **Overview** page for the lab. 1. On the lab **Overview** page, select **Add**. :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-add-vm/portal-lab-add-vm.png" alt-text="Screenshot of lab overview page showing add button." lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-add-vm/portal-lab-add-vm.png"::: 1. On the **Choose a base** page, select a Generation 2 image for the VM. The **Generation** column in the list of images displays whether it is a Generation 1 or Generation 2 image. :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-gen2-vm/dev-test-lab-gen-2-images.png" alt-text="Screenshot of list of available base images." lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-gen2-vm/dev-test-lab-gen-2-images.png"::: 1. On the **Basics Settings** tab of the **Create lab resource** screen, provide the following information: - **Virtual machine name**: Keep the autogenerated name, or enter another unique VM name. - **User name**: Keep the user name, or enter another user name to grant administrator privileges on the VM. - **Use a saved secret**: Select this checkbox to use a secret from Azure Key Vault instead of a password to access the VM. If you select this option, under **Secret**, select the secret to use from the dropdown list. For more information, see [Store secrets in a key vault](devtest-lab-store-secrets-in-key-vault.md). - **Password**: If you don't choose to use a secret, enter a VM password between 8 and 123 characters long. - **Save as default password**: Select this checkbox to save the password in the Key Vault associated with the lab. - **Virtual machine size**: Keep the default value for the base, or select **Change Size** to select different sizes. - **Allow hibernation**: Select this option to enable hibernation for the virtual machine. If you enable Hibernation, you also must select either **Public IP** or **Private IP** in the Advanced settings. Hibernation for **Shared IPs** isn't currently supported. - **OS disk type**: Keep the default value for the base, or select a different option from the dropdown list. - **Security type**: Select **Trusted Launch** to enable it for Generation 2 VMs. On selecting Trusted Launch, the options Secure boot, vTPM, and Integrity Monitoring will appear. Based on your needs, select the appropriate options among them for your deployment. For more information, see [Trusted Launch-enabled security features](/azure/virtual-machines/trusted-launch#secure-boot). - **Artifacts**: This field shows the number of artifacts already configured for this VM base. Optionally, select **Add or Remove Artifacts** to select and configure artifacts to add to the VM. :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-add-vm/portal-lab-vm-basic-settings.png" alt-text="Screenshot of virtual machine basic settings page." lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-add-vm/portal-lab-vm-basic-settings.png"::: 1. After you configure all settings, on the **Basic Settings** tab of the **Create lab resource** screen, select **Create** to deploy the VM. During VM deployment, you can select the **Notifications** icon at the top of the screen to see progress. Creating a VM takes a while. When the deployment is complete, if you kept yourself as VM owner, the VM appears under **My virtual machines** on the lab **Overview** page. To connect to the VM, select it from the list, and then select **Connect** on the VM's **Overview** page. If the VM is stopped, select **Start** first to start the VM.