Linux and open-source technology support in Azure

Applies to: ✔️ Linux VMs

Microsoft Azure supports the Linux operating system. All Linux distributions are welcome in Azure. To upload your Linux distribution to Azure, see the requirements. Marketplace images of the most popular Linux distributions are also available. Support for these images is available but requires a support contract. See the following sections for more details.

Microsoft Support provides assistance for the Azure platform or services. Microsoft also provides commercially viable support for Linux. A support plan is required to receive Microsoft Support.

• Azure Marketplace offers various Linux distributions. Microsoft provides support for Linux customers, but they might need to work with specific Linux vendors for further assistance. These vendors might be required to deliver distribution-specific fixes.

• In Azure Marketplace, you may select a highly customized Linux image, such as a firewall appliance. Microsoft provides assistance for these images, but the Linux vendor must be engaged to troubleshoot specific system-related problems. Microsoft may collaborate with the vendor for those issues.

• Microsoft Support doesn't assist customers for basic Linux administration, design, architecture, or deployment of applications or solutions on Azure.

• The ability to customize Linux is one of the hallmarks of the operating system. We encourage you to use a Linux solution that benefits your organization. However, the Linux vendor may not support some modifications, such as custom kernels or modules. For vendor support, you may be required to use stock kernels or libraries for your image.

• For some troubleshooting and performance tuning within Linux or applications, customers should directly contact the vendor of the supported Linux distribution or application.

• Scenarios that are related to security aren't supported. These include but aren't limited to:

  • Compromised VMs
  • Security incident response investigations
  • Intrusion prevention assistance

Microsoft may offer support for the following specific open-source technologies (subject to change):

• Languages: PHP, Java, Python, and Node.JS
• Database: MySQL
• Web and application servers: Apache HTTP Server and Apache Tomcat
• Frameworks: WordPress

Microsoft assists customers for supported open-source technologies. Customers who request support for design guidance or development assistance may be directed to forums or community support. Customers may also have to work directly with our Linux partners or software vendors for scenarios that Microsoft doesn't support. Examples include but aren't limited to:

• Application development
• Custom application troubleshooting
• Custom code

The following situations are some of the support scenarios that Microsoft provides assistance for:

• Issues that occur during installation or configuration
• Deployment errors that occur when customers try to deploy applications to the Azure platform and services
• Runtime errors that occur when customers use the Azure platform and services
• Performance issues that affect applications that are built using the supported open-source technologies on the Azure platform and services

Third-party information disclaimer

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.

Third-party contact disclaimer

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find additional information about this topic. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of third-party contact information.

If you have questions or need help, create a support request, or ask Azure community support. You can also submit product feedback to Azure feedback community.