azure-backup

Expert knowledge for Azure Backup development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when protecting Azure VMs, SQL/SAP HANA, Files/Blobs, MABS/DPM workloads, or scripting via CLI/PowerShell/REST, and other Azure Backup related development tasks. Not for Azure Site Recovery (use azure-site-recovery).

471 stars

byMicrosoftDocs

View on GitHub Installation ↓

Best use case

azure-backup is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.

Teams using azure-backup should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.

When to use this skill

You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.

When not to use this skill

You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.

Installation

Claude Code / Cursor / Codex

$curl -o ~/.claude/skills/azure-backup/SKILL.md --create-dirs "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills/main/skills/azure-backup/SKILL.md"

Manual Installation

Download SKILL.md from GitHub
Place it in .claude/skills/azure-backup/SKILL.md inside your project
Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill

How azure-backup Compares

Feature / Agent	azure-backup	Standard Approach
Platform Support	Not specified	Limited / Varies
Context Awareness	High	Baseline
Installation Complexity	Unknown	N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this skill do?

Where can I find the source code?

You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.

Related Guides

AI Agents for Coding

Browse AI agent skills for coding, debugging, testing, refactoring, code review, and developer workflows across Claude, Cursor, and Codex.

SKILL.md Source

# Azure Backup Skill

This skill provides expert guidance for Azure Backup. Covers troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. It combines local quick-reference content with remote documentation fetching capabilities.

## How to Use This Skill

> **IMPORTANT for Agent**: Use the **Category Index** below to locate relevant sections. For categories with line ranges (e.g., `L35-L120`), use `read_file` with the specified lines. For categories with file links (e.g., `[security.md](security.md)`), use `read_file` on the linked reference file

> **IMPORTANT for Agent**: If `metadata.generated_at` is more than 3 months old, suggest the user pull the latest version from the repository. If `mcp_microsoftdocs` tools are not available, suggest the user install it: [Installation Guide](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/mcp/blob/main/README.md)

This skill requires **network access** to fetch documentation content:
- **Preferred**: Use `mcp_microsoftdocs:microsoft_docs_fetch` with query string `from=learn-agent-skill`. Returns Markdown.
- **Fallback**: Use `fetch_webpage` with query string `from=learn-agent-skill&accept=text/markdown`. Returns Markdown.

## Category Index

| Category | Lines | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Troubleshooting | L37-L67 | Diagnosing and fixing Azure Backup errors across VMs, databases (SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SAP), files, disks, AKS, MARS/MABS/DPM, vault/agent issues, and slow or failed backups/restores. |
| Best Practices | L68-L78 | Best practices for Azure Backup Server, DPM, SQL (incl. Always On), and Azure VMs, covering safe configuration, TRIM handling, and product-specific backup and recovery guidance. |
| Decision Making | L79-L85 | Guidance on estimating Azure Backup costs, checking supported VM image SKUs for backup policies, and deciding how to migrate classic backup alerts to Azure Monitor alerts. |
| Architecture & Design Patterns | L86-L90 | Azure Backup’s architecture for protecting SAP HANA: components, data flow, backup/restore process, scalability, security, and integration with Azure storage and recovery services. |
| Limits & Quotas | L91-L119 | Backup support matrices, regional availability, limits, retention, and performance/behavior details for Azure Backup across VMs, databases, disks, files, blobs, SAP, and monitoring/reporting. |
| Security | L120-L160 | Security, encryption, access control, soft delete, immutability, private endpoints, MUA/Resource Guard, and Azure Policy for protecting and restoring Azure Backup data. |
| Configuration | L161-L238 | Configuring, automating, and monitoring Azure Backup: setup for VMs, AKS, Files, Blobs, disks, SQL, SAP HANA, AD, policies, diagnostics, alerts, reporting, and vault/agent management. |
| Integrations & Coding Patterns | L239-L294 | End-to-end scripting patterns for configuring, running, monitoring, and restoring Azure Backup across VMs, SQL, PostgreSQL, SAP HANA, Files, Blobs, Disks, and on-premises using CLI, PowerShell, REST, and Logic Apps. |
| Deployment | L295-L301 | MABS v3/v4 deployment details: supported workload/protection matrices and how to automate unattended/silent installation of Azure Backup Server v4. |

### Troubleshooting
| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Fix Azure Data Lake Storage backup errors with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-data-lake-storage-backup-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot Azure Kubernetes Service backups with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-kubernetes-service-backup-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot data recovery from Microsoft Azure Backup Server | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-alternate-dpm-server-troubleshoot |
| Resolve Azure Backup Vault management errors | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-backup-vault-troubleshoot |
| Resolve Azure PostgreSQL Flexible Server backup and restore issues | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-flex-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot Azure Database for PostgreSQL backups with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-troubleshoot |
| Diagnose and fix encrypted Azure VM backup errors | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-encrypted-vm-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot Azure Backup Server installation and workload protection | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-mabs-troubleshoot |
| Resolve Azure Backup (MARS) agent installation and backup issues | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-mars-troubleshoot |
| Fix Azure Backup monitoring and protection status issues | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-monitor-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot Azure MySQL Flexible Server backups using Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-mysql-flexible-server-troubleshoot |
| Fix SAP HANA database backup errors on Azure VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-sap-hana-database-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot System Center DPM with Azure Backup integration | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-scdpm-troubleshooting |
| Resolve System State Backup issues with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-system-state-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot Azure Blob backup and restore failures | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-troubleshoot-blob-backup |
| Diagnose slow file and folder backups with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-troubleshoot-slow-backup-performance-issue |
| Resolve Azure Backup agent and extension failures | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-troubleshoot-vm-backup-fails-snapshot-timeout |
| Troubleshoot Azure VM file-level recovery issues | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vm-file-recovery-troubleshoot |
| Fix Azure VM backup and restore errors | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vms-troubleshoot |
| Resolve known issues in Microsoft Azure Backup Server v3 | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-mabs-release-notes-v3 |
| Troubleshoot SQL Server backups on Azure VMs using Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-sql-server-azure-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot Backup vault management errors | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-vault-troubleshoot |
| Fix backup and restore failures in Azure Disk Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/disk-backup-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot SAP HANA database instance backups on Azure VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/sap-hana-database-instance-troubleshoot |
| Troubleshoot Azure Backup archive tier recovery point errors | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/troubleshoot-archive-tier |
| Troubleshoot Azure Files backup and restore with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/troubleshoot-azure-files |
| Troubleshoot SAP ASE (Sybase) database backups using Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/troubleshoot-sap-ase-sybase-database-backup |

### Best Practices
| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Recover Azure Backup Server data from any vault-registered server | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-alternate-dpm-server |
| Configure DPM to back up Exchange to Azure safely | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-backup-exchange-server |
| Back up SQL Server to Azure via DPM with TRIM handling | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-backup-sql |
| Prepare DPM server for Azure backups with TRIM considerations | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-dpm-introduction |
| Apply Azure VM backup best practices with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vms-introduction |
| Back up SQL Server Always On availability groups with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-sql-server-on-availability-groups |
| Apply product-specific backup best practices in Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/guidance-best-practices |

### Decision Making
| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Estimate and plan Azure Backup costs for different workloads | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-backup-pricing |
| Check VM image SKUs supported by Azure Backup policies | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-policy-supported-skus |
| Migrate Azure Backup classic alerts to Azure Monitor alerts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/move-to-azure-monitor-alerts |

### Architecture & Design Patterns
| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Understand Azure Backup architecture for SAP HANA | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-backup-architecture-for-sap-hana-backup |

### Limits & Quotas
| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Understand Azure Data Lake Storage backup support matrix | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-data-lake-storage-backup-support-matrix |
| Elastic SAN backup regional support and limitations | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-elastic-san-backup-support-matrix |
| Review Azure Files backup support limits and settings | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-file-share-support-matrix |
| Check AKS backup region support and limitations | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-kubernetes-service-cluster-backup-support-matrix |
| PostgreSQL Flexible Server backup capabilities and retention | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-flex-overview |
| Support matrix for PostgreSQL Flexible Server backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-flex-support-matrix |
| Overview and retention limits for Azure PostgreSQL backups | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-overview |
| Azure Backup behavior for PostgreSQL servers | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-server-faq |
| Support matrix for PostgreSQL single server backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-support-matrix |
| Support matrix for MySQL Flexible Server long-term backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-mysql-flexible-server-support-matrix |
| Azure VM Backup FAQ limits and behaviors | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vm-backup-faq |
| Check Backup center workload support and limitations | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-center-support-matrix |
| Instant Restore performance limits for Azure VM backups | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-instant-restore-capability |
| Review global Azure Backup support settings and limits | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-support-matrix |
| Support matrix and limitations for Azure VM backups | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-support-matrix-iaas |
| Review MABS and DPM backup support and limits | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-support-matrix-mabs-dpm |
| Check MARS agent backup support and limitations | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-support-matrix-mars-agent |
| Review Azure Blob backup support matrix and limits | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/blob-backup-support-matrix |
| Check Azure Disk Backup support and limitations | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/disk-backup-support-matrix |
| Use Azure Backup metrics and thresholds to monitor backup health | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/metrics-overview |
| Review SAP ASE backup support limits on Azure VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/sap-ase-backup-support-matrix |
| Review Azure Backup support limits for SAP HANA | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/sap-hana-backup-support-matrix |
| Protect Azure file shares with soft delete | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/soft-delete-azure-file-share |
| Check SQL Server backup support limits on Azure VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/sql-support-matrix |
| View Azure Backup reports and workspace limits | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/view-reports |

### Security
| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Enforce AKS backup compliance using Azure Policy | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-kubernetes-service-cluster-backup-policy |
| Configure and manage soft delete for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-enhanced-soft-delete-configure-manage |
| Use immutable vaults to protect Azure Backup data | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-immutable-vault-concept |
| Manage immutable vault settings for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-immutable-vault-how-to-manage |
| Use private endpoints (v2) to secure Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-private-endpoints-concept |
| Configure and manage Azure Backup private endpoints | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-private-endpoints-configure-manage |
| Restore Key Vault keys and secrets for encrypted Azure VMs via Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-restore-key-secret |
| Use Azure Backup security features for hybrid workloads | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-security-feature |
| Back up and restore encrypted Azure VMs with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vms-encryption |
| Understand encryption behavior in Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-encryption |
| Manage Azure Backup access using RBAC roles | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-rbac-rs-vault |
| Back up Confidential VMs with PMK or CMK using Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/confidential-vm-backup |
| Restore Confidential VMs with PMK or CMK using Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/confidential-vm-restore |
| Enable multi-user authorization for Azure Backup vaults | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/enable-multi-user-authorization-quickstart |
| Encrypt Azure Backup data with customer-managed keys | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/encryption-at-rest-with-cmk |
| Use CMKs to encrypt Backup vault data | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/encryption-at-rest-with-cmk-for-backup-vault |
| Configure multi-user authorization with Resource Guard | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/multi-user-authorization |
| Understand multi-user authorization with Resource Guard | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/multi-user-authorization-concept |
| Configure Resource Guard and MUA on Azure Backup vaults | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/multi-user-authorization-tutorial |
| Use built-in Azure Policy definitions to govern Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/policy-reference |
| Secure MABS backups with Azure Backup private endpoints | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/private-endpoint-configure-vault-backup-server |
| Create and use private endpoints for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/private-endpoints |
| Understand private endpoints (v1) for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/private-endpoints-overview |
| Configure Azure Backup security against ransomware | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/protect-backups-from-ransomware-faq |
| Re-register MABS vault access after removing private endpoints | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/register-public-access-vault-backup-server |
| Restore Azure PostgreSQL backups with cross-subscription access | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-azure-database-postgresql |
| Restore Azure VMs encrypted with Azure Disk Encryption | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-azure-encrypted-virtual-machines |
| Configure permissions to restore Azure Managed Disks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-managed-disks |
| Store MARS backup passphrases securely in Key Vault | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/save-backup-passphrase-securely-in-azure-key-vault |
| Configure secure-by-default soft delete in Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/secure-by-default |
| Use Azure Policy compliance controls for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/security-controls-policy |
| Understand Azure Backup security capabilities | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/security-overview |
| Configure and use soft delete in Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/soft-delete-azure-backup-faq |
| Protect SQL and SAP HANA VM backups with soft delete | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/soft-delete-sql-saphana-in-azure-vm |
| Use soft delete to protect Azure VM backups | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/soft-delete-virtual-machines |
| Configure threat detection and health monitoring for VM backups | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/threat-detection-configure-monitor-tutorial |
| Enable TLS 1.2 encryption for Azure Backup traffic | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/transport-layer-security |

### Configuration
| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Configure Azure Backup for Active Directory domain controllers | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/active-directory-backup-restore |
| Automate Azure Backup operations with scripts and APIs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/automation-backup |
| Manage backup protection for Azure Data Lake Storage | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-data-lake-storage-backup-manage |
| Configure vaulted backups for Azure Data Lake Storage | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-data-lake-storage-configure-backup |
| Configure and run AKS backups with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-kubernetes-service-cluster-backup |
| Meet prerequisites and configure access for AKS backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-kubernetes-service-cluster-backup-concept |
| Configure AKS backup extension and trusted access | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-kubernetes-service-cluster-manage-backups |
| Restore AKS clusters and volumes using Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-kubernetes-service-cluster-restore |
| Configure Azure Backup vault diagnostics via Azure Policy | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/azure-policy-configure-diagnostics |
| Restore Azure VMs from Recovery Services vaults using portal | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-arm-restore-vms |
| Auto-enable VM backups using Azure Policy | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-auto-enable-backup |
| Configure MARS offline seeding with Azure Import/Export | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-backup-import-export |
| Configure DPM and MABS offline seeding with Import/Export | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-backup-server-import-export |
| Define PostgreSQL backup policies via Data Protection REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-data-protection-use-rest-api-create-update-postgresql-policy |
| Create PostgreSQL Flexible Server backup policies via REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-flex-use-rest-api-create-update-policy |
| Create blob backup policies via Data Protection REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-dataprotection-use-rest-api-create-update-blob-policy |
| Define disk backup policies via Data Protection REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-dataprotection-use-rest-api-create-update-disk-policy |
| Remove dependencies and delete Azure Recovery Services vaults | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-delete-vault |
| Configure diagnostic events for Azure Backup vaults | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-diagnostic-events |
| Use legacy Azure Backup diagnostics data model in Log Analytics | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-diagnostics-mode-data-model |
| Configure Azure Files backups in Recovery Services vault | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-files |
| Audit and enforce Azure Files backup using Azure Policy | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-files-policy-automation |
| Configure application-consistent backups for Azure Linux VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-linux-app-consistent |
| Use enhanced prescript framework for database-consistent Linux VM backups | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-linux-database-consistent-enhanced-pre-post |
| Manage and monitor MARS agent backup configurations | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-manage-mars |
| Manage and monitor Azure VM backups using Recovery Services vault | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-manage-vms |
| Monitor and manage Recovery Services vaults via Overview dashboard | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-manage-windows-server |
| Set up Azure Monitor alert notifications for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-monitor-alerts-notification |
| Configure Azure Monitor alerts for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-monitoring-alerts |
| Configure built-in monitoring for Azure Backup workloads | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-monitoring-built-in-monitor |
| Configure Azure Monitor Logs and custom alerts for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-monitoring-use-azuremonitor |
| Use resource-specific diagnostic data model for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-reports-data-model |
| Restore Windows Server system state from Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-restore-system-state |
| Configure agentless multidisk crash-consistent backups for Azure VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vms-agentless-multi-disk-crash-consistent |
| Configure agentless crash-consistent backups for Azure VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vms-agentless-multi-disk-crash-consistent-overview |
| Configure Enhanced policy for Azure VM backups | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vms-enhanced-policy |
| Back up Azure VMs using Azure Extended Zones | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vms-extended-zones |
| Back up Azure VMs from VM settings using Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-vms-first-look-arm |
| Perform backup and restore actions via Backup Center | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-center-actions |
| Govern Azure backup compliance using Backup Center | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-center-govern-environment |
| Monitor and operate backups at scale using Backup Center | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-center-monitor-operate |
| Analyze Azure Backup trends and insights with Backup Center | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-center-obtain-insights |
| Create and configure Azure Recovery Services vaults with CRR | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-create-recovery-services-vault |
| Enable Azure VM backup during VM creation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-during-vm-creation |
| Configure Modern Backup Storage for Azure Backup Server | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-mabs-add-storage |
| Configure Azure Managed Disk backups in the portal | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-managed-disks |
| Audit and enforce Managed Disks backup with Azure Policy | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-managed-disks-policy |
| Query Azure Backup logs using system functions | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-reports-system-functions |
| Use ARM and Bicep templates for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-rm-template-samples |
| Configure Windows backups using the MARS agent | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-windows-with-mars-agent |
| Configure operational and vaulted backups for Azure Blobs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/blob-backup-configure-manage |
| Configure Azure Backup reporting with Log Analytics and workbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/configure-reports |
| Create and delete Azure Backup vaults for newer workloads | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/create-manage-backup-vault |
| Install and configure the MARS backup agent | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/install-mars-agent |
| Manage and monitor Azure Files backups in Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/manage-afs-backup |
| Manage backup lifecycle for Azure Managed Disks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/manage-azure-managed-disks |
| Manage Azure Backup vault settings and operations | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/manage-backup-vault |
| Manage and monitor Azure Backup for SQL Server VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/manage-monitor-sql-database-backup |
| Configure telemetry and diagnostics settings in MABS | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/manage-telemetry |
| Modify Azure VM backup policies using CLI and JSON | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/modify-vm-policy-cli |
| Monitor Azure Backup estate using Backup Explorer workbook | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/monitor-azure-backup-with-backup-explorer |
| Configure Azure Monitor collection for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/monitor-backup |
| Reference monitoring metrics and logs for Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/monitor-backup-reference |
| Set up Azure Data Box offline backup for DPM and MABS | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/offline-backup-azure-data-box-dpm-mabs |
| Offline backup workflow for legacy DPM and MABS versions | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/offline-backup-server-previous-versions |
| Configure pre-backup and post-backup scripts in MABS | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/pre-backup-post-backup-scripts |
| Configure Azure Backup for SAP HANA System Replication on VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/sap-hana-database-with-hana-system-replication-backup |
| Use selective disk backup and restore for Azure VMs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/selective-disk-backup-restore |
| Recover Windows Server files from Azure using MARS | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/tutorial-backup-restore-files-windows-server |
| Configure MARS agent backups for Windows Server to Azure | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/tutorial-backup-windows-server-to-azure |
| Configure AKS item-level backups with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/tutorial-configure-backup-aks |
| Configure SAP HANA instance snapshot backups with Azure CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/tutorial-configure-sap-hana-database-instance-snapshot-backup |
| Enable AKS Vault Tier protection and cross-region restore | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/tutorial-restore-aks-backups-across-regions |
| Upgrade configuration for the MARS backup agent | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/upgrade-mars-agent |

### Integrations & Coding Patterns
| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Back up PostgreSQL Flexible Server using Azure CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/back-up-azure-database-postgresql-flex-backup-cli |
| Back up PostgreSQL Flexible Server using PowerShell | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/back-up-azure-database-postgresql-flex-backup-powershell |
| Configure and run VM backups via REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-arm-userestapi-backupazurevms |
| Create Azure Backup policies using REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-arm-userestapi-createorupdatepolicy |
| Create Recovery Services vaults using Backup REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-arm-userestapi-createorupdatevault |
| Track Azure Backup jobs using REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-arm-userestapi-managejobs |
| Restore Azure VMs and disks using REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-arm-userestapi-restoreazurevms |
| Configure PostgreSQL backups using Data Protection REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-data-protection-use-rest-api-backup-postgresql |
| Restore PostgreSQL Flexible Server using Azure CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-flex-restore-cli |
| Restore PostgreSQL Flexible Server using PowerShell | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-flex-restore-powershell |
| Back up PostgreSQL Flexible Server using REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-flex-use-rest-api |
| Restore PostgreSQL Flexible Server using REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-database-postgresql-flex-use-rest-api-restore |
| Configure blob backups using Data Protection REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-dataprotection-use-rest-api-backup-blobs |
| Manage Azure Disk backups using Data Protection REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-dataprotection-use-rest-api-backup-disks |
| Create Backup vault and blob policies via REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-dataprotection-use-rest-api-create-update-backup-vault |
| Restore blobs using Data Protection REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-dataprotection-use-rest-api-restore-blobs |
| Restore Azure Disks using Data Protection REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-dataprotection-use-rest-api-restore-disks |
| Configure Azure Files backup via Azure Backup REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-file-share-rest-api |
| Integrate Defender ransomware alerts with Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-integrate-microsoft-defender-using-logic-apps |
| Back up SQL Server in Azure VMs using Azure CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-sql-backup-cli |
| Manage Azure Backup for SQL Server VMs using CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-sql-manage-cli |
| Restore SQL Server databases in Azure VMs via CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-sql-restore-cli |
| Back up SQL Server databases in Azure VMs via REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-sql-vm-rest-api |
| Back up Azure Blobs using Azure CLI commands | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-blobs-storage-account-cli |
| Back up Azure Blobs using PowerShell commands | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-blobs-storage-account-ps |
| Back up Azure Managed Disks using Azure CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-managed-disks-cli |
| Back up Azure Managed Disks using PowerShell APIs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-managed-disks-ps |
| Back up PostgreSQL in Azure VMs using Azure CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-postgresql-cli |
| Back up Azure PostgreSQL using Azure PowerShell | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-postgresql-ps |
| Automate and email Azure Backup reports using Logic Apps | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-reports-email |
| Manage Azure Backup resources with Azure CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/create-manage-azure-services-using-azure-command-line-interface |
| Manage Azure Files backups with Azure Backup REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/manage-azure-file-share-rest-api |
| Manage Azure Backup for SQL Server VMs via REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/manage-azure-sql-vm-rest-api |
| Use Azure Backup PowerShell script samples | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/powershell-backup-samples |
| Query Azure Backup state using Azure Resource Graph | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/query-backups-using-azure-resource-graph |
| Restore Azure Files using Azure Backup REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-azure-file-share-rest-api |
| Restore SQL Server databases in Azure VMs using REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-azure-sql-vm-rest-api |
| Restore Azure Blobs to a point in time using CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-blobs-storage-account-cli |
| Restore Azure Blobs using PowerShell and Azure Backup | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-blobs-storage-account-ps |
| Restore Azure Managed Disks using Azure CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-managed-disks-cli |
| Restore Azure Managed Disks using PowerShell commands | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-managed-disks-ps |
| Restore Azure PostgreSQL databases using Azure CLI | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-postgresql-database-cli |
| Restore Azure PostgreSQL databases using PowerShell | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-postgresql-database-ps |
| Restore PostgreSQL databases using Data Protection REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/restore-postgresql-database-use-rest-api |
| Use PowerShell to find the Recovery Services vault for a storage account | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/scripts/backup-powershell-script-find-recovery-services-vault |
| Disable Azure Files soft delete via ARM API script | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/scripts/disable-soft-delete-for-file-shares |
| Scripted installation of the latest MARS agent on Windows servers | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/scripts/install-latest-microsoft-azure-recovery-services-agent |
| Automate Azure Backup configuration for on-premises Windows servers | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/scripts/microsoft-azure-recovery-services-powershell-all |
| Register on-premises Windows machines with a Recovery Services vault via script | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/scripts/register-microsoft-azure-recovery-services-agent |
| Script to create or modify MARS file and folder backup policies | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/scripts/set-file-folder-backup-policy |
| Script to create or modify system state backup policies with MARS | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/scripts/set-system-state-backup-policy |
| Update Recovery Services vault settings via REST API | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/use-restapi-update-vault-properties |

### Deployment
| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Use MABS v4 protection matrix for supported workloads | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-mabs-protection-matrix |
| Automate silent installation of Azure Backup Server v4 | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-mabs-unattended-install |
| Use MABS v3 RTM protection matrix for supported workloads | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/microsoft-azure-backup-server-protection-v3 |
| Use MABS v3 UR1 protection matrix for supported workloads | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/microsoft-azure-backup-server-protection-v3-ur1 |

Related Skills

azure-well-architected

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert guidance for designing, assessing, and optimizing Azure workloads using Azure Well Architected. Covers design review checklists, recommendations, design principles, tradeoffs, service guides, workload patterns, and assessment questions. Use when designing AI, SAP, SaaS, HPC, AVD/AVS workloads, or choosing regions/AZs with cost–reliability tradeoffs, and other Azure Well Architected related development tasks.

azure-web-pubsub

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure Web PubSub development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when building WebSocket/MQTT apps, using Socket.IO, geo-replication, private endpoints, or Functions bindings, and other Azure Web PubSub related development tasks. Not for Azure SignalR Service (use azure-signalr-service), Azure Event Hubs (use azure-event-hubs), Azure Service Bus (use azure-service-bus), Azure Relay (use azure-relay).

azure-web-application-firewall

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure Web Application Firewall development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when configuring Front Door/App Gateway WAF rules, rate limits, bot/CAPTCHA, Sentinel logging, or IaC deployments, and other Azure Web Application Firewall related development tasks. Not for Azure Application Gateway (use azure-application-gateway), Azure Front Door (use azure-front-door), Azure Firewall (use azure-firewall), Azure DDos Protection (use azure-ddos-protection).

azure-vpn-gateway

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure VPN Gateway development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when configuring S2S/P2S tunnels, BGP routing, IPsec/IKE policies, Entra/RADIUS auth, or ExpressRoute VPNs, and other Azure VPN Gateway related development tasks. Not for Azure ExpressRoute (use azure-expressroute), Azure Virtual WAN (use azure-virtual-wan), Azure Virtual Network (use azure-virtual-network), Azure Virtual Network Manager (use azure-virtual-network-manager).

azure-vmware-solution

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure VMware Solution development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when configuring AVS with HCX/NSX, vSAN/stretched clusters, Citrix/Horizon, Cloud Director, or JetStream DR, and other Azure VMware Solution related development tasks. Not for Azure Virtual Machines (use azure-virtual-machines), Azure Large Instances (use azure-large-instances), Azure Baremetal Infrastructure (use azure-baremetal-infrastructure), SAP HANA on Azure Large Instances (use azure-sap).

azure-vm-scalesets

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets development including troubleshooting, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when configuring VMSS autoscale, upgrade modes, zones/PPGs, Spot/standby pools, or disk encryption with Key Vault, and other Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets related development tasks. Not for Azure Virtual Machines (use azure-virtual-machines), Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) (use azure-kubernetes-service), Azure App Service (use azure-app-service), Azure Service Fabric (use azure-service-fabric).

azure-virtual-wan

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure Virtual WAN development including troubleshooting, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when designing Virtual WAN hubs, P2S VPN, ExpressRoute/SD‑WAN connectivity, NVAs/firewalls, or Entra ID VPN access, and other Azure Virtual WAN related development tasks. Not for Azure Virtual Network (use azure-virtual-network), Azure VPN Gateway (use azure-vpn-gateway), Azure ExpressRoute (use azure-expressroute), Azure Traffic Manager (use azure-traffic-manager).

azure-virtual-network

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure Virtual Network development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, and configuration. Use when designing VNets, NSGs, service endpoints, VNet peering, VPN gateways, or Azure Firewall/NAT gateways, and other Azure Virtual Network related development tasks. Not for Azure Networking (use azure-networking), Azure Virtual Network Manager (use azure-virtual-network-manager), Azure Virtual WAN (use azure-virtual-wan), Azure VPN Gateway (use azure-vpn-gateway).

azure-virtual-network-manager

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure Virtual Network Manager development including troubleshooting, limits & quotas, security, configuration, and integrations & coding patterns. Use when managing AVNM IPAM pools, network groups, cross-tenant connectivity, security admin rules, or ARG queries, and other Azure Virtual Network Manager related development tasks. Not for Azure Virtual Network (use azure-virtual-network), Azure Virtual WAN (use azure-virtual-wan), Azure Network Watcher (use azure-network-watcher), Azure Networking (use azure-networking).

azure-virtual-machines

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure Virtual Machines development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when choosing VM sizes, configuring scale sets, using Trusted Launch, encrypting disks, or automating via CLI/ARM, and other Azure Virtual Machines related development tasks. Not for Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets (use azure-vm-scalesets), SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines (use azure-sql-virtual-machines), Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) (use azure-kubernetes-service), Azure App Service (use azure-app-service).

azure-virtual-desktop

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure Virtual Desktop development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when working with FSLogix profiles, MSIX/App Attach, autoscale/Start VM on Connect, Teams optimization, or SSO/MFA, and other Azure Virtual Desktop related development tasks. Not for Azure Virtual Machines (use azure-virtual-machines), Azure Dev Box (use azure-dev-box).

azure-video-indexer

471

from MicrosoftDocs/Agent-Skills

Expert knowledge for Azure AI Video Indexer development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, architecture & design patterns, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when using Video Indexer APIs/widgets, live camera indexing, custom speech/brand models, or Azure OpenAI integrations, and other Azure AI Video Indexer related development tasks. Not for Azure AI services (use microsoft-foundry-tools), Azure AI Vision (use azure-ai-vision).