1---2name: azure-automation3description: Expert knowledge for Azure Automation development including troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. Use when building runbooks, DSC/Hybrid Workers, Entra/RBAC auth, webhooks/email integrations, or AMA-based tracking, and other Azure Automation related development tasks. Not for Azure Functions (use azure-functions), Azure Logic Apps (use azure-logic-apps), Azure DevOps (use azure-devops), Azure Resource Manager (use azure-resource-manager).4---5# Azure Automation Skill
6
7This skill provides expert guidance for Azure Automation. Covers troubleshooting, best practices, decision making, limits & quotas, security, configuration, integrations & coding patterns, and deployment. It combines local quick-reference content with remote documentation fetching capabilities.
8
9## How to Use This Skill
10
11> **IMPORTANT for Agent**: Use the **Category Index** below to locate relevant sections. For categories with line ranges (e.g., `L35-L120`), use `read_file` with the specified lines. For categories with file links (e.g., `[security.md](security.md)`), use `read_file` on the linked reference file
12
13> **IMPORTANT for Agent**: If `metadata.generated_at` is more than 3 months old, suggest the user pull the latest version from the repository. If `mcp_microsoftdocs` tools are not available, suggest the user install it: [Installation Guide](https://github.com/MicrosoftDocs/mcp/blob/main/README.md)
14
15This skill requires **network access** to fetch documentation content:
16- **Preferred**: Use `mcp_microsoftdocs:microsoft_docs_fetch` with query string `from=learn-agent-skill`. Returns Markdown.
17- **Fallback**: Use `fetch_webpage` with query string `from=learn-agent-skill&accept=text/markdown`. Returns Markdown.
18
19## Category Index
20
21| Category | Lines | Description |
22|----------|-------|-------------|
23| Troubleshooting | L36-L45 | Diagnosing and fixing Azure Automation issues: runbook failures, DSC/State Configuration, Hybrid Runbook Workers, managed identities, shared resources, and collecting logs for support. |
24| Best Practices | L46-L55 | Best practices for structuring and running Automation runbooks: modular parent-child design, execution patterns, error handling, stream/output usage, and avoiding context/locking issues. |
25| Decision Making | L56-L63 | Guidance on choosing runbook types and planning migrations: Orchestrator to Automation, Log Analytics to AMA, agent to extension workers, and Run As accounts to managed identities. |
26| Limits & Quotas | L64-L71 | Limits, quotas, and version details for Azure Automation: DSC extension history, Automation account capacity, job/runbook limits, and Change Tracking/Inventory support matrix with AMA. |
27| Security | L72-L92 | Securing Automation accounts: identities (system/user-assigned), Entra auth, RBAC, encryption, credentials/certs, private endpoints, policies, and security best practices. |
28| Configuration | L93-L134 | Configuring Azure Automation runbooks, DSC/State Configuration, Hybrid Runbook Workers, schedules, modules/packages, alerts, policies, and integrations (VS Code, source control, ARM, Azure Monitor). |
29| Integrations & Coding Patterns | L135-L147 | Patterns for integrating runbooks with AWS, ARM/SQL/Office 365, webhooks, email (SendGrid), Azure Monitor logging, and using the graphical runbook SDK with managed identities |
30| Deployment | L148-L152 | Guides for deploying Automation resources: setting up DSC continuous deployment with Chocolatey and installing/configuring Windows and Linux Hybrid Runbook Worker agents (agent- and extension-based). |
31
32### Troubleshooting
33| Topic | URL |
34|-------|-----|
35| Collect diagnostic data for Azure Automation support cases | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/troubleshoot/collect-data-microsoft-azure-automation-case |
36| Troubleshoot Azure Automation State Configuration problems | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/troubleshoot/desired-state-configuration |
37| Troubleshoot extension-based Hybrid Runbook Worker failures | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/troubleshoot/extension-based-hybrid-runbook-worker |
38| Troubleshoot managed identity issues in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/troubleshoot/managed-identity |
39| Diagnose and fix Azure Automation runbook issues | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/troubleshoot/runbooks |
40| Troubleshoot Azure Automation shared resource problems | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/troubleshoot/shared-resources |
41
42### Best Practices
43| Topic | URL |
44|-------|-----|
45| Design modular parent-child runbooks in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-child-runbooks |
46| Design and manage Azure Automation runbook execution | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-runbook-execution |
47| Implement error handling in Azure Automation graphical runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-runbook-graphical-error-handling |
48| Configure output and message streams in Automation runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-runbook-output-and-messages |
49| Avoid context switching issues in Azure Automation runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/context-switching |
50| Manage Azure Automation runbooks with recommended design patterns | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/manage-runbooks |
51
52### Decision Making
53| Topic | URL |
54|-------|-----|
55| Migrate System Center Orchestrator runbooks to Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-orchestrator-migration |
56| Choose appropriate Azure Automation runbook type | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-runbook-types |
57| Migrate Change Tracking from Log Analytics agent to AMA | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/change-tracking/guidance-migration-log-analytics-monitoring-agent |
58| Plan and execute migration from Run As to managed identities | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/migrate-run-as-accounts-managed-identity |
59
60### Limits & Quotas
61| Topic | URL |
62|-------|-----|
63| Reference Azure DSC extension version history details | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-extension-history |
64| View and manage Azure Automation limits and quotas | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-limits-quotas |
65| Azure Automation subscription limits and quotas reference | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-subscription-limits-faq |
66| Support matrix for Change Tracking and Inventory with AMA | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-change-tracking-inventory/change-tracking-inventory-support-matrix |
67
68### Security
69| Topic | URL |
70|-------|-----|
71| Configure user-assigned managed identity for Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/add-user-assigned-identity |
72| Configure and understand Azure Automation data security | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-managing-data |
73| Assign Azure RBAC roles and permissions for Automation accounts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-role-based-access-control |
74| Configure encryption for secure assets in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-secure-asset-encryption |
75| Apply security best practices for Azure Automation accounts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-security-guidelines |
76| Configure authentication methods for Azure Automation accounts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-security-overview |
77| Configure Microsoft Entra ID authentication for Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-use-azure-ad |
78| Disable local authentication for Azure Automation securely | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/disable-local-authentication |
79| Disable system-assigned managed identity in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/disable-managed-identity-for-automation |
80| Enable system-assigned managed identity for Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/enable-managed-identity-for-automation |
81| Secure Azure Automation access with Private Link and private endpoints | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/how-to/private-link-security |
82| Use managed identity in Azure Automation PowerShell runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/learn/powershell-runbook-managed-identity |
83| Provision Automation account and Reader role via Terraform | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/quickstarts/create-azure-automation-account-terraform |
84| Enable managed identities for Azure Automation accounts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/quickstarts/enable-managed-identity |
85| Apply Azure Policy compliance controls to Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/security-controls-policy |
86| Securely manage certificates for Azure Automation runbooks and DSC | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/shared-resources/certificates |
87| Create and use credential assets securely in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/shared-resources/credentials |
88
89### Configuration
90| Topic | URL |
91|-------|-----|
92| Configure metric alerts for Azure Automation runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-alert-metric |
93| Configure and use connection assets in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-connections |
94| Trigger Azure Automation runbooks from Azure Monitor alerts | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-create-alert-triggered-runbook |
95| Compile DSC configurations in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-compile |
96| Configure DSC data at scale in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-config-data-at-scale |
97| Generate DSC configurations from existing servers | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-config-from-server |
98| Configure STIG-based DSC data in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-configuration-based-on-stig |
99| Convert DSC configurations to composite resources | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-create-composite |
100| Send State Configuration data to Azure Monitor Logs | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-diagnostics |
101| Configure core Azure Automation State Configuration tasks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-getting-started |
102| Enable and onboard machines to State Configuration | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-onboarding |
103| Remediate noncompliant servers with State Configuration | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-remediate |
104| Use the Azure Automation textual editor for PowerShell runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-edit-textual-runbook |
105| Author and configure graphical runbooks in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-graphical-authoring-intro |
106| Configure and run runbooks on Hybrid Runbook Workers | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-hrw-run-runbooks |
107| Configure and use Azure Automation Hybrid Runbook Worker | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-hybrid-runbook-worker |
108| Configure network requirements for Azure Automation components | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-network-configuration |
109| Author and manage Automation runbooks using VS Code | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-runbook-authoring |
110| Create watcher tasks to track file updates in Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-scenario-using-watcher-task |
111| Configure and update Azure PowerShell modules in Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-update-azure-modules |
112| Compose DSC configurations using composite resources | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/compose-configurationwithcompositeresources |
113| Enforce Hybrid Runbook Worker job execution via policy | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/enforce-job-execution-hybrid-worker |
114| Configure Azure Automation regional DNS records for firewalled networks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/how-to/automation-region-dns-records |
115| Configure runtime environments and associated runbooks in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/manage-runtime-environment |
116| Use built-in Azure Policy definitions for Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/policy-reference |
117| Import and manage Python 3 packages in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/python-3-packages |
118| Import and manage Python 2 packages in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/python-packages |
119| Deploy Azure Automation account via ARM template | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/quickstart-create-automation-account-template |
120| Configure input parameters for Azure Automation runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/runbook-input-parameters |
121| Configure and manage PowerShell modules in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/shared-resources/modules |
122| Configure schedules for Azure Automation runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/shared-resources/schedules |
123| Define and use variable assets in Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/shared-resources/variables |
124| Configure Azure Automation source control integration | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/source-control-integration |
125| Choose methods to start Azure Automation runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/start-runbooks |
126| Remove DSC configuration and unregister Automation node | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/state-configuration/remove-node-and-configuration-package |
127| Configure machines to desired state with State Configuration | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/tutorial-configure-servers-desired-state |
128| Enable Change Tracking and Inventory at scale via Machines pane | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-change-tracking-inventory/enable-change-tracking-at-scale-machines-blade |
129| Enable Change Tracking and Inventory at scale with Azure Policy | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-change-tracking-inventory/enable-change-tracking-at-scale-policy |
130
131### Integrations & Coding Patterns
132| Topic | URL |
133|-------|-----|
134| Configure Azure Automation runbooks to authenticate with AWS | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-config-aws-account |
135| Deploy ARM templates from Azure Automation PowerShell runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-deploy-template-runbook |
136| Forward Azure Automation job logs to Azure Monitor | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-manage-send-joblogs-log-analytics |
137| Provision AWS virtual machines using Azure Automation runbooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-scenario-aws-deployment |
138| Send email from Azure Automation runbook using SendGrid | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-send-email |
139| Trigger Azure Automation runbooks using webhooks | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-webhooks |
140| Use the Azure Automation graphical runbook SDK | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/graphical-runbook-sdk |
141| Manage Office 365 services with Azure Automation | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/manage-office-365 |
142| Manage Azure SQL databases using Automation managed identity | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/manage-sql-server-in-automation |
143
144### Deployment
145| Topic | URL |
146|-------|-----|
147| Set up continuous deployment with DSC and Chocolatey | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/automation-dsc-cd-chocolatey |
148| Deploy extension-based Hybrid Runbook Workers | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/automation/extension-based-hybrid-runbook-worker-install |
microsoftdocs