How to set up Azure Sphere

  • 4 minutes

Before starting to prototype and develop Azure Sphere applications, you need to set up Azure Sphere on your PC. In this unit, you'll learn how to install the Azure Sphere SDK, claim your device, and set up Azure Sphere for application deployments.

Steps to install

The steps you'll need to take are:

  • Install Azure Sphere SDK and CLI tooling: install the Azure Sphere SDK and the Azure CLI azure-sphere extension so you can use the current az sphere command-line utility. The SDK also installs the legacy azsphere CLI, but the legacy service interfaces retire on 27 September 2027 and are not recommended for new work.
  • Claim your device: by using an Azure Sphere catalog in Azure Sphere (Integrated), or a tenant if you are intentionally using Azure Sphere (Legacy). Each device is claimed once, and after you claim your device, you can't move it to a different catalog or tenant. Claiming the device associates its unique, immutable device ID with your Azure Sphere catalog or tenant. The Azure Sphere Security Service uses the device ID to identify and authenticate the device.
  • Configure Azure Sphere for network connection and update the device OS: The Azure Sphere device checks and receives OS updates and application updates from the Azure Sphere Security Service each time it boots. Azure Sphere can also communicate with services such as Azure IoT Hub.

Configuration steps

The steps you follow are:

  1. Install Visual Studio Code.
  2. Install the Azure Sphere SDK and the Azure CLI azure-sphere extension.
  3. Claim your Azure Sphere device.
    1. Sign in to Azure by using az login.
    2. Choose an existing Azure Sphere catalog or create a new catalog.
    3. Set the active Azure subscription, and optionally configure Azure CLI defaults for your resource group and catalog if you want shorter az sphere commands.
    4. Claim your Azure Sphere device into the catalog.
    5. If you're intentionally following legacy azsphere commands, select the correct legacy tenant instead of creating a new legacy tenant for new work.
  4. Configure the Azure Sphere Wi-Fi network.
  5. Update the Azure Sphere OS.
  6. Enable app development on the device.

After you successfully complete this unit, the components that you need will be installed and your development environment will be set up to develop applications.