Minimum version support for virtual machine agents in Azure

This article describes the minimum version support for Linux and Windows virtual machine agents in Azure.

Original product version:   Virtual Machine running Linux, Virtual Machine running Windows
Original KB number:   4049215

Minimum supported version of Linux VM Agent

To get support for Linux Agent and extensions in Azure, the Linux Agent version on the Linux virtual machine (VM) must be later than or equal to version 2.2.53.1.

Starting in July 2022, the minimum supported version will be version 2.2.53.1 for the Linux Agent.

  • If the Linux Agent version is earlier than version 2.2.53.1, you must update the VM by using the distribution package manager and by enabling auto-update.
  • If the distribution vendor doesn't have the minimum Linux Agent version in the package repositories, the system is still in support. If the Linux Agent version is later than version 2.1.7, you must enable the Agent auto-update feature. It will retrieve the latest version of code for extension handling.
  • If the Linux Agent version is earlier than version 2.2.53.1, or if the Linux system is out-of-support, we may require you to update the agent before getting support.
  • If the Linux Agent version is customized by a publisher, Microsoft may direct you to the publisher for support agent or extension-specific support because of the customization. To upgrade the Linux Agent, see How to update the Azure Linux Agent on a VM.

How to check your Linux Agent Version?

To check your Linux Agent Version, run:

waagent --version

For example, if you are running this command on Ubuntu 18.04, you'll see the output as:WALinuxAgent - 2.2.45 Python - 3.6.9 Goal State Agent - 2.2.53.1

WALinuxAgent – 2.2.45
Python – 3.6.9
Goal State Agent – 2.2.53.1

For more information about the agent, see https://github.com/Azure/WALinuxAgent/wiki/FAQ.

Minimum supported version of Windows VM Agent

To get support for Windows Agent and extensions in Azure, the Windows Agent on the Windows VM must be later than or equal to version 2.7.41491.1010.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Azure Linux Agent?

The Microsoft Azure Linux Agent (waagent) manages both Linux & FreeBSD provisioning, and virtual machine (VM) interaction with the Azure Fabric Controller. Besides the Linux Agent providing provisioning functionality, Azure also provides the option of using cloud-init for some Linux operating systems. To know more about the functionality, visit the Linux VM Agent page.

What is changing on Azure Linux Agent version requirements after July 31, 2022?

After July 31, 2022, any Azure Linux Agent version below version 2.2.53.1 won't be supported for published images. It means that any Linux VM images published to Azure Marketplace need to have version 2.2.53.1 or later installed in them.

Do I need to take any action?

Yes, any Linux VM images should be updated to version 2.2.53.1 or later to continue to be part of the support.

Why is this change happening?

Azure Linux Agent version 2.2.41 will reach it's scheduled end-of-life. More recent versions of Azure Linux Agent have many improvements and bug fixes over version 2.2.41, and provides more stability.   Will any existing VM images published in the Marketplace be affected?

There's no impact to existing images at the moment. But eventually all existing images will need to be updated with newer versions. Current best practice is to allow the agent to auto-update the version, unless it's disabled for any specific reason.

Are Windows VM publishers affected?

No. This change only affects Linux VM publishers.

How do I install or update the VM with Linux agent?

  • For information on how to install Azure VM agent with Linux, follow steps in this article.
  • For more information on updating the Azure Linux Agent on a VM, follow steps in this article.

More information

Microsoft server software support for Microsoft Azure virtual machines.

Contact us for help

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.