An Azure service that is used to provision Windows and Linux virtual machines.
- Try a newer B-series VM
- Look for B2ats_v2 (AMD) or B2pts_v2 (Arm, not suitable for SQL Server on Windows in many class scenarios). Azure for Students includes free allocations for B1s, B2ats_v2, and B2pts_v2.
- For SQL Server on Windows Server, B2ats_v2 is usually the better choice if available.
- Try a different Azure region
- VM availability is often regional. A VM size may be unavailable in one region but available in another. Microsoft notes that "NotAvailableForSubscription" can be related to subscription or capacity restrictions.
- Use another supported VM family
- If your course does not specifically require B-series, check whether D-series VMs are available in your subscription.
- For lab work, even a small general-purpose VM is often enough for SQL Server exercises.
- Check with your instructor
- Many course materials were written when B1s was broadly available. Schools sometimes need to update lab guides to reflect current Azure availability restrictions.
- Verify what sizes your subscription can deploy
- In the Azure portal, when creating a VM, check the available VM sizes in the selected region.
- If you're using an Azure for Students subscription, some sizes may be filtered or restricted even when documentation mentions them.
Thanks.