Microsoft will retire Azure Lab Services in 2027, and here's what you can do

Microsoft has decided to retire Azure Lab Services, a development that has caused quite a buzz in the tech world. This platform enables individuals with an Azure subscription to generate labs for different reasons, such as classes, hackathons, training sessions, and simple experimentation with fresh concepts.

However, according to the announcement, the retirement won’t happen right away. Microsoft has given users until June 28, 2027, to move to other services, giving present users enough opportunity to consider other choices.

If you are an existing customer of Azure Lab Services, you can continue to use the service till June 28, 2027. New customers, however, will not be allowed to sign up for the service starting July 15, 2024. We are committed to support you till June 28, 2027 for the service. After this date Azure Lab Services won’t be supported, and you will not have access to your lab accounts, lab plans, or labs.

Microsoft

Microsoft has provided some in-house options for those who are making a decision. Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Azure DevTest Labs, and Microsoft Dev Box could fill the gap left by Azure Lab Services.

All these selections have unique qualities that may match or surpass what users liked about Azure Lab Services. In cases where what Microsoft offers does not match perfectly, there is a group of third-party substitutions like Apporto, CloudLabs by Spektra Systems, Nerdio Manager for Enterprise (NME), and Skillable.

Microsoft has not completely abandoned its existing users. Although they ceased taking on new subscribers on July 15, if you have been using Azure Lab Services between July 2023 and July 2024, you are regarded as an existing customer.

You can make a fresh lab plan, but opening new lab accounts might be restricted. Microsoft will help these present subscribers until the service is retired.

Moreover, the Azure compute gallery of devoted customers in Azure Lab Services – even images stored there – will remain available after the service is retired. It’s a small comfort for people who like this platform, but it’s better than nothing.

Microsoft’s decision to phase out Azure Lab Services might initially feel intimidating, but it offers an opportunity to investigate fresh and potentially more sophisticated services. Whether you choose to shift towards a different Microsoft service or explore outside solutions, what’s important is to begin thinking about your transition now. The year 2027 will arrive sooner than we expect.