Using Azure VM VHD for local VM installation

Question

I have a VM running in Azure. Is it possible to download the VHD from blob storage and use it to create/launch a VM on my local machine using hypervisor?

If this is possible, do you believe Windows 2012 server licensing could be an issue?

Answer 1

Yes, from purely technical perspective it should work locally once VHD is downloaded. If VHD fails to mount locally, make a local copy of a downloaded VHD file and then mount that resulting copy.

Answer 2

Regarding your licensing question, according to this page: http://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/licensing-faq/

Can I move Windows Server 2012 licenses and images between Hyper-V and Azure? Windows Server licenses are not eligible for License Mobility through Software Assurance. The license to run Windows Server in the Azure environment is included in the per-minute cost of your Windows Virtual Machine. Licenses for use of Windows Server on-premises (whether in a VHD or otherwise) must be obtained separately through volume licensing.

In other words, the Windows license cost is included in the Azure per-minute cost you pay. If you download the VHD and use it in house, you must have a license.