Desire State Configuration and Custom Script

Question

Desire State Configuration and Custom Script

Cinthia Rodriguez 130

Hello,

I would like to have some help, that could explain me real scenarios that the Desire State configuration extension, can be use, it is not clear on the documentation, the use of that extension and also know what is the difference between that extension and the Custom Script Extension.

Thank you.

Anonymous

2025-01-16T14:08:27.63+00:00

Hi Cinthia Rodriguez,
Thank you for reaching out to us on the Microsoft Q&A forum.
The Desired State Configuration (DSC) Extension is essential for continuous configuration management. It ensures that your systems consistently maintain a specified state, such as having particular software installed or services running. DSC defines these desired configurations and automatically enforces them over time, even if changes occur.

The Custom Script Extension is designed for executing one-time or ad-hoc scripts on your virtual machines. It is mainly useful for tasks such as software installation or initial setup operations. While it does not enforce ongoing configuration, it is valuable for running custom scripts during VM provisioning or for specific updates.

Key difference between desired state configuration (DSC) extension and custom script extension:

The Azure DSC Extension focuses on declarative configuration management, ensuring that the desired state of a VM (e.g., software, settings, compliance) is continuously applied and maintained. In contrast, the Custom Script Extension executes custom scripts (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) on a VM once during deployment or when manually triggered, making it suitable for one-time configurations or tasks.

DSC Extension it is a Declarative type that you define what the configuration should be, and it ensures the system matches it, whereas Custom Script Extension is an Imperative that you specify how the task should be executed step-by-step.

DSC Extension is a Long-term configuration enforcement, compliance (like enforcing firewall rules or specific application settings), whereas custom Script Extension is a one-time task like installing software, running setup scripts, or applying initial configurations.

Please find the below documentation for more information:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/extensions/custom-script-windows
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/extensions/dsc-overview

If the information is helpful, please consider by clicking the "Upvote" on the post.
If you have any further queries, please let us know in the comment.
Cinthia Rodriguez 130 Reputation points

2025-01-16T20:00:50.5766667+00:00

Hello @srinud , thank you for your reply.

If you don't mind can you tell me some examples on where the DSC is use. Thank you
Cinthia Rodriguez 130 Reputation points

2025-01-17T18:23:49.1833333+00:00

Thank you @Anonymous
Anonymous

2025-01-20T10:44:49.0166667+00:00

Hi Cinthia Rodriguez,
I Hope you are doing well!!
I just wanted to check if you had a chance to review answer. If you found it helpful, could you kindly click the “Accept Answer” on my post. This will help increase its visibility of this question for other members of the Microsoft Q&A community. Thank you for your contribution in enhancing Microsoft Q&A!

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Cinthia Rodriguez 130 Reputation points

2025-01-16T20:00:50.5766667+00:00

Hello @srinud , thank you for your reply.

If you don't mind can you tell me some examples on where the DSC is use. Thank you
Cinthia Rodriguez 130 Reputation points

2025-01-17T18:23:49.1833333+00:00

Thank you @Anonymous
Anonymous

2025-01-20T10:44:49.0166667+00:00

Hi Cinthia Rodriguez,
I Hope you are doing well!!
I just wanted to check if you had a chance to review answer. If you found it helpful, could you kindly click the “Accept Answer” on my post. This will help increase its visibility of this question for other members of the Microsoft Q&A community. Thank you for your contribution in enhancing Microsoft Q&A!

Answer 1

Anonymous

Hi Cinthia Rodriguez,

By considering the below scenario as an example, the desired state configuration (DSC) automates the deployment of Internet Information Services (IIS) web servers as it mainly installs IIS, creates an application pool and sets up a default website based on your requirements you define in your script.

Please find below document for more information:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/quickstarts/dsc-configuration
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/what-why-how-azure-automation-desired-state-configuration/
If the information is helpful, please consider by clicking the "Accept answer and Upvote" on the post.
Thank you.

Anonymous

2025-01-17T18:59:59.0466667+00:00

Hi Cinthia Rodriguez,

Thank you for sharing your feedback!
If you found helpful, could you please click the "Accept answer" on my post to help increase visibility of this question for other members of the Microsoft Q&A community.
Thank you for your contribution in enhancing Microsoft Q&A

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Desire State Configuration and Custom Script

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