Azure Container Services Docs – Weekly Update (2026-09-20 to 2026-09-27)

AKS Arc – AKS Overview

Summary

The documentation now clarifies that AKS on bare metal runs Kubernetes directly on Azure Linux or Ubuntu hosts without a hypervisor, enhancing user understanding of the deployment options. Additionally, it specifies that Azure Linux is designed for validated Azure Local hardware, while Ubuntu can be used with customer-provided hardware, allowing users to choose the best fit for their infrastructure needs.

AKS – Flex Nodes Networking Concepts

Summary

Learn how to plan API access, node and pod connectivity, address ranges, and customer-managed networking for flex nodes in AKS.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Upgrade Cluster Ubuntu

Summary

Check available Kubernetes patch versions and upgrade an AKS on bare metal cluster on Ubuntu by using Azure CLI.

Arc K8s – Cert Manager Deploy

Summary

Added a security note regarding the limitations of Certificate Management for Azure Arc-enabled Kubernetes, enhancing the security posture of the documentation.

AKS – Virtual Nodes V2

Summary

Introduced a new document detailing the use of Virtual Nodes v2 in Azure Kubernetes Service, including deployment instructions and resource requirements. This addition is significant for users looking to leverage serverless compute for AKS workloads.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Upgrade Cluster

Summary

The documentation for upgrading Kubernetes on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) on bare metal has been updated to clarify that users can now upgrade the Kubernetes patch version specifically for AKS on bare metal clusters running on Azure Linux. Additionally, a reference to upgrading on Ubuntu has been included, directing users to a separate article for that process. The title and description have also been revised to reflect these changes more accurately.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Overview

Summary

The documentation now clarifies that Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) on bare metal can run directly on Azure Linux or Ubuntu hosts without a hypervisor, enhancing performance and management capabilities. Users can choose between deploying on validated Azure Local hardware or existing customer-provided Ubuntu systems, with specific instructions for cluster creation and management tailored to each host operating system. Additionally, the preview status of AKS on bare metal is emphasized, along with a reminder to review the limitations before deployment.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Preview Limitations

Summary

The documentation now clarifies that Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) on bare metal is in preview and outlines specific limitations for Ubuntu users, including that cluster creation and management must be done via Azure CLI, as opposed to the Azure portal. Additionally, Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS is not yet supported, and users are advised to use either 24.04.3 LTS or 24.04.4 LTS until further updates are available.

AGC – API Specification Kubernetes

Summary

The documentation now includes a new section for the `BackendLoadBalancingPolicyTargetRef`, which defines the target reference and ports for the backend load balancing policy, allowing users to specify the API object to apply the policy to and the list of ports on the target. Additionally, the health check protocol behavior has been clarified, stating that it will use the same protocol by default, and if different, it will default to plaintext. Users will also find updated references to the `SecretObjectReference` and `NamespacedPolicyTargetReference` in the context of the API specifications.

AKS – AKS Desktop Permissions

Summary

The documentation for AKS desktop permissions has been updated to clarify the prerequisites for users, specifically emphasizing the need for an Azure subscription, Azure CLI version 2.64.0 or later, and the `aks-preview` Azure CLI extension. Additionally, a new reference to managing Azure CLI extensions has been included, providing users with more comprehensive guidance on extension management.

AKS – Prepare Flex Node Host Identity

Summary

Learn how to prepare a Linux host, configure its Azure identity, and grant access to an AKS cluster before attachment.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Create Cluster Bicep

Summary

The documentation now includes a clear indication that Azure Kubernetes Service on bare metal is in preview, along with a reference to the Supplemental Terms of Use for Microsoft Azure Previews. Additionally, the section detailing the `clusterName` parameter has been updated for clarity, ensuring users understand the naming constraints for their clusters.

AKS – Configure Flex Nodes Networking

Summary

Learn how to install Unbounded-Net, connect AKS-managed and flex node network locations, and create a flex node pool.

AKS – Cluster Autoscaler

Summary

The documentation now includes guidance on using `ProvisioningRequest` with the cluster autoscaler, detailing its functionality and requirements. It emphasizes that `ProvisioningRequest` support requires Kubernetes version 1.33 or later and suggests using an aggressive scale-down profile for efficiency.

AKS Support – Flex Nodes for AKS

Summary

A new troubleshooting article for AKS flex node Machine API and node pool changes has been added. It covers attachment, configuration, upgrades, and removal processes, providing users with essential guidance for managing flex nodes in AKS.

AKS Support – Troubleshoot Connection Pods Services Same Cluster

Summary

The troubleshooting guide for AKS connections has been updated to include new author and manager details, as well as a more detailed description of the article’s purpose. The article now specifies that it helps troubleshoot connections to pods and services for internal traffic within the same Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) cluster.

AKS Support – Zonalallocation Allocationfailed Error

Summary

The documentation now includes new solutions for troubleshooting the `ZonalAllocationFailed`, `AllocationFailed`, and `OverconstrainedAllocationRequest` errors in Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). Users can now resize a node pool in place when VM size availability blocks creation or scaling, and utilize automatic zone placement for zone-spanning workloads, both features currently in preview. Additionally, the article has been updated to clarify the upgrade process using `MaxUnavailable` and the use of priority expanders with the cluster-autoscaler.

AGC – Tls Policy

Summary

Updated the enforced TLS policy ciphers and added a note regarding future releases introducing different cipher sets. This change enhances security guidance for users configuring TLS policies.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Ubuntu System Requirements

Summary

Review the Ubuntu, hardware, network, Azure, and Azure Arc requirements and prepare an Ubuntu host for AKS on bare metal.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Troubleshoot Ubuntu Deployment

Summary

Resolve Azure Arc, extension, permission, network, and deployment issues for AKS on bare metal on Ubuntu.

AKS – Manage and Remove Flex Nodes

Summary

Learn how to inventory, update, upgrade, drain, detach, and remove flex nodes and their supporting access.

AKS – Use Capacity Reservation Groups

Summary

The documentation now specifies that for shared or cross-subscription capacity reservation groups, users or service principals must have the `Microsoft.Compute/capacityReservationGroups/write` permission to associate an AKS node pool with a capacity reservation group. It clarifies that permissions assigned to the AKS cluster’s managed identity do not replace this requirement, and if users encounter a `LinkedAuthorizationFailed` error, they should ensure the necessary permissions are granted on the target capacity reservation group.

Fleet – Concepts Member Cluster Types

Summary

Updated considerations for connecting Arc-enabled Kubernetes clusters to Azure Kubernetes Fleet Manager, including a note on cluster deletion and its impact on Fleet Manager resources. Added specific conditions for member clusters, including pod reservations and namespace creation requirements.

AGC – Service Mesh Integration

Summary

The documentation has been updated to reflect the migration to PowerShell version 1.12.1, replacing previous versions 1.11.3 and 1.11.4. Users can now utilize the latest features and improvements available in this updated version for enhanced functionality in service mesh integration with Azure Application Gateway for containers.

AKS – Cluster Extensions

Summary

Updated documentation to include the use of Virtual Nodes v2 for bursting AKS workloads to Azure Container Instances (ACI). This change enhances the clarity of how to utilize serverless compute options in AKS.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Connect to Cluster

Summary

The documentation now specifies that users must use `sudo` with the `az aks install-cli` command for proper execution. Additionally, users can download a standalone kubeconfig file for Ubuntu clusters using the `az aksarc get-credentials` command, allowing them to interact with the cluster without needing to run the Azure Arc proxy. This enhances the flexibility and ease of managing Kubernetes clusters on bare metal.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal System Requirements

Summary

The documentation for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) on bare metal has been updated to specify that it now supports Azure Linux, along with validated Azure Local small form factor hardware. Users can now find specific instructions for creating an Azure Linux cluster and comparing Azure Linux with Ubuntu in the updated sections. Additionally, the article emphasizes the requirements for deploying AKS on bare metal specifically for Azure Linux.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Troubleshoot Azure Linux Deployment

Summary

Resolve common deployment, upgrade, and deletion issues for AKS on bare metal on Azure Linux and validated Azure Local hardware.

AGC – Troubleshooting Guide

Summary

The documentation now reflects an update to the ALB controller version, changing from **1.9.13** to **1.12.1**, which may impact users by providing access to new features and improvements associated with the latest version. This change is crucial for users looking to implement the most current capabilities of the ALB controller in their applications.

AGC – Alb Controller Release Notes

Summary

The documentation has been updated to include new release notes for the ALB Controller, specifically versions 1.12.1 and 1.11.5. Users can now benefit from security patches, bug fixes related to helm chart pre-delete tolerations, session affinity cookie fixes, and request mirroring. Additionally, the release notes have been expanded to include details on the Gateway API Inference Extension support and enhancements for the ALB Controller on Arm64 nodes.

AKS – Flex Nodes for AKS Overview

Summary

Learn how flex nodes extend Azure Kubernetes Service to external virtual machines and bare metal hosts for Kubernetes workloads.

AGC – Container Networking

Summary

Clarified the regional VNet peering limitation for Application Gateway for Containers, specifying that it is not supported when the AKS cluster nodes are in a separate virtual network. Added Q&A regarding the proxying capabilities of Application Gateway for Containers with CNI Overlay, Cilium, and WireGuard, including details on VNet encryption support.

AGC – Quickstart Deploy Application Gateway for Containers Alb Controller Helm

Summary

The documentation has been updated to reflect the upgrade of the version parameter from 1.11.x to 1.12.1 across multiple commands. Users can now utilize the latest features and improvements available in version 1.12.1 when deploying the Application Gateway for Containers using Helm.

AKS – Flex Nodes Identity Access Concepts

Summary

Learn why flex nodes use different identity options depending on where your host runs, and how AKS authorizes a host to join a cluster.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Delete Cluster Resources

Summary

The documentation for deleting AKS on bare metal cluster resources has been updated to specify that these resources are for Azure Linux deployments. Users are now directed to follow a specific deletion order to avoid orphaned resources or failed deletions, and a new reference to deleting an AKS on bare metal cluster on Ubuntu has been added for clarity.

AGC – How to Request Mirroring Gateway API

Summary

Learn how to configure request mirroring with Application Gateway for Containers.

AKS – Attach Flex Node to AKS

Summary

Learn how to download the flex node release, bootstrap and attach a prepared Linux host, and validate the Kubernetes node and Azure Machine resource.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Compare Azure Linux Ubuntu

Summary

Compare infrastructure, host preparation, lifecycle ownership, and cluster management for Azure Linux and Ubuntu on AKS on bare metal.

AKS – Prepare AKS Cluster for Flex Nodes

Summary

Learn how to prepare a public or private AKS cluster, save its resource ID, and verify API server access for flex nodes.

Fleet – Concepts Resource Placement

Summary

Enhanced explanations on managing access control across multiple clusters and clarified deployment scenarios for Kubernetes resources. Improved readability and technical accuracy in descriptions of resource placements and strategies.

AKS – Quick Automatic Private Custom Network

Summary

Enhanced the documentation to clarify the implications of using a private cluster, including connectivity options and configuration references, which is vital for users managing private AKS clusters.

Arc K8s – Extensions Release

Summary

This update includes security improvements for Kubernetes version 1.30 and Gatekeeper version 3.23.1, released in September 2026. The changes enhance the security posture of the Azure Kubernetes Service.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Deploy Application

Summary

The documentation now emphasizes that Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) on bare metal is in preview, with updated legal terms and support coverage details. Additionally, the section on best practices has been renamed from "Best practices for single-node clusters" to "Best practices for preview clusters," reflecting the current status of the service. Users should be aware of these changes as they navigate the preview features and support expectations.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Troubleshoot

Summary

Find troubleshooting guidance for AKS on bare metal deployments on Azure Linux and Ubuntu and for cluster connectivity.

AKS – Plan Flex Nodes Deployment

Summary

Learn how to plan identity, API access, network connectivity, address ranges, and shared configuration before you add flex nodes to an AKS cluster.

AKS – Virtual Nodes

Summary

The documentation now highlights the introduction of Virtual Nodes v2 (preview) as the latest serverless experience for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). Users are encouraged to deploy workloads using this new version, which is delivered as a cluster extension and offers enhanced capabilities for virtual nodes.

AGC – Quickstart Deploy Application Gateway for Containers Alb Controller Addon

Summary

The documentation now includes a note that the Application Gateway for Containers AKS add-on is currently in preview, along with a link to the Supplemental Terms of Use for Azure Previews. Additionally, users are informed that while enabling the add-on will register and deploy the ALB controller in all regions, provisioning will fail if not deployed in a supported region. Users can also utilize the Azure CLI to register the add-on feature.

AGC – Overview

Summary

The documentation now includes updated information on request mirroring capabilities, specifically for regions such as Australia Central 2, Australia Southeast, Canada East, Italy North, and Japan West. Users can now leverage these new regions for enhanced request mirroring functionality, improving their application gateway configurations.

AKS – Flex Nodes Support Policy

Summary

Understand Microsoft and customer responsibilities, the documented preview configuration, and how to get help for flex nodes.

AKS – AKS Desktop Install Cluster Setup

Summary

The documentation now specifies that users should check their Azure CLI version using the `az –version` command and provides clearer instructions for installing or upgrading the CLI. Additionally, it emphasizes the installation of the `aks-preview` Azure CLI extension and includes a reference to managing Azure CLI extensions, enhancing user guidance for setup.

AKS Support – Bad Request or Invalid Client Secret Error

Summary

The documentation has been revised to provide clearer guidance on troubleshooting the AADSTS7000222 error, including steps to identify and resolve expired or invalid service principal client secrets that block AKS cluster creation or upgrade.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Troubleshoot Connectivity

Summary

Resolve Azure Arc proxy, kubeconfig, authentication, authorization, and kubectl issues for AKS on bare metal clusters.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Create Cluster Portal

Summary

The documentation has been updated to clarify that users can now create an Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) on bare metal specifically on Azure Linux and validated Azure Local hardware using the Azure portal. Additionally, it specifies that this procedure does not apply to Ubuntu hosts, directing users to a separate guide for creating an AKS on bare metal cluster on Ubuntu using the Azure CLI.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Create Cluster Ubuntu CLI

Summary

Connect an Ubuntu host to Azure Arc and create an Azure Kubernetes Service on bare metal cluster by using an automated script or Azure CLI.

AKS – AKS Desktop Quickstart Auto

Summary

The document has been updated to clarify the requirements for Azure CLI version and the installation of the ‘aks-preview’ extension. It emphasizes the need for version 2.64.0 or later and provides installation commands.

AGC – Application Gateway for Containers Components

Summary

The documentation now emphasizes that if an association is deleted and recreated, it will be treated as a new association under the current NSG enforcement model. Users are advised to configure the necessary NSG allow rules, including the _AzureLoadBalancer_ tag, prior to recreating the association to prevent frontend connectivity or health probe issues. This clarification helps ensure proper configuration and connectivity management.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Create Cluster Arm Template

Summary

Updates include a new callout regarding the preview status of Azure Kubernetes Service on bare metal, along with legal terms applicable to preview features. This enhances clarity for users regarding the service’s current state.

AKS Arc – AKS Bare Metal Delete Cluster Ubuntu

Summary

Delete an AKS on bare metal cluster from an Ubuntu host in the correct dependency order by using Azure CLI.