Azure Virtual Machines
An Azure service that is used to provision Windows and Linux virtual machines.
I'm running a VM via Azure and when i set this up, I was quoted about $90
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Emil
0
Reputation points
When i set up my VM via Azure, i was quoted about $90, however, within 2 weeks i was charged over AUD$343. I've been trying to access a setup specialist and its been disappointing to access any support in the setup, even though i was paying $29 a month to get support. There is no where to obtain support. I've just cancelled the Developer fee.
I didn't realise that you had to switch off your machine, so my assistant out of Philippines is now switching the machine off each 8 hour shift. This should reduce the cost, but the estimate is still high.
Do i need to run Azure Bastion when operating a Azure VMachine? My mate set this up as I couldn't work it out at the time, but when i look at the cost analysis, it appears Bastion is what's hurting my pocket most.
I also need to seek a refund on my $343, i'm happy to pay, but this is excessive when there is no direct person you can speak to in helping to setup the machine and ensure you are on the right path. What is the best way to contact billing to obtain a gesture of good faith refund.
Thank you for your support.
Azure Virtual Machines
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Nikhil Duserla 8,595 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator2025-08-26T07:57:20.7333333+00:00 Hello @Emil,
When a virtual machine is running in Azure, charges apply for compute time. Simply shutting it down from inside the operating system doesn't stop the billing you need to deallocate it through the Azure portal to avoid ongoing costs.
Azure Bastion is a secure way to access virtual machines without exposing them to the public internet, but it starts incurring hourly charges as soon as it's deployed, even if you’re not actively using it.
Also, the $29/month Developer support plan in Azure doesn’t include hands-on setup help.
No, Azure Bastion is not strictly required to operate a VM. It’s a convenience and security feature that allows browser-based RDP/SSH access without a public IP. If you're comfortable using traditional RDP or SSH with a public IP (and secure it properly), you can remove Bastion to save costs.
If you have any further queries, do let us know.
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Nikhil Duserla 8,595 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2025-08-29T11:42:53.6766667+00:00 Hello @Emil,
Checking to see whether you have resolved the issue with the solution provided above, or if you need any further assistance, please let us know. We are happy to help.
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