Azure DevTest Labs

Azure DevTest Labs is a free service that enables developers and teams to quickly provision development and test environments while maintaining strict cost control. The platform allows you to create Windows and Linux environments using reusable templates and artifacts, significantly reducing setup time from weeks to hours.

Key benefits include automated cost management through policies, quotas, and scheduled shutdowns that prevent budget overruns. You can set caps on virtual machines per user and lab, track costs in real-time, and automatically shut down resources when not in use.

The service integrates seamlessly with your existing CI/CD toolchain through plugins, REST APIs, and Visual Studio Team Services extensions. This allows you to provision environments directly from continuous integration tools and deploy from release pipelines efficiently.

Self-service capabilities let team members create custom environments without IT bottlenecks, while administrators maintain control through centralized policies. The platform supports various scenarios including compatibility testing, hackathons with automatic expiration, and cross-team environment management.

With enterprise-grade security backed by Microsoft's $1 billion annual cybersecurity investment and 3,500+ security experts, Azure DevTest Labs provides a secure foundation for your development workflows. Visual Studio subscribers can save up to 75% on Azure resources, making it cost-effective for ongoing development and testing needs.