Retirement Announcement - Azure Automation is retiring Agent-based User Hybrid Runbook Worker on 31st Aug 2024

Question

On 31 Aug 2024, we’ll retire Azure Automation Agent-based User Hybrid Worker (Windows & Linux). Before that date, please migrate to Extension-based User Hybrid Worker.

Answer 1

User Hybrid Worker enables execution of PowerShell/Python scripts directly on the machines for managing guest workloads or as a gateway to environments that are not accessible from Azure. Azure Automation is deprecating Agent-based User Hybrid Runbook Worker (Windows & Linux) on 31st August 2024. Before the deprecation date, you need to start using extension-based User Hybrid Runbook Worker (Windows & Linux) for executing Hybrid jobs.

Key benefits of new approach: There is no dependency on Log Analytics agent and Log Analytics workspace, and authentication using VM System-assigned managed identities takes away the need to manage certificates. It also offers Automatic upgrade of minor versions by default and simplifies at-scale management of hybrid workers. After installation of Hybrid Worker extension, the process of runbook execution on both Hybrid Workers is the same.

Required Action: Follow the instructions to migrate your existing agent-based User Hybrid Runbook Workers to extension-based Hybrid Workers before 31st August 2024.

We recommend using the extension-based approach to onboard new Hybrid Runbook Workers.

Additional information: This Retirement announcement applies only to Agent-based User Hybrid Runbook Worker feature of Azure Automation. It does not include Agent-based System Hybrid Runbook Worker used by Azure Automation Update Management.

Documentation:
Azure Automation Hybrid runbook Worker Overview
Deploy extension-based User Hybrid Runbook Worker in Azure Automation