can't connect to Linux VM serial console

Jack Li Admin 0 Reputation points
2025-10-17T16:28:11.7833333+00:00

I have Ubuntu Linux server, I have upgraded it from version 22 to 24, server was rebooted after upgrade, it never came back, and I can't even connect to the serial console.

Azure Virtual Machines
Azure Virtual Machines
An Azure service that is used to provision Windows and Linux virtual machines.
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  1. Ankit Yadav 4,060 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-10-17T21:42:27.9933333+00:00

    Hello @Jack Li Admin ,

    Sharing some quick checks for the Serial Console connection failure:

    1. “Connection timed out” or blank screen : Ensure Boot diagnostics is enabled under VM → Support + Troubleshooting → Boot diagnostics, and that the diagnostics storage account is accessible.
      Reference: https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/linux/serial-console-linux
    2. “Access denied” message : Verify you or your VM user has the VM Contributor or higher role that has permission to the diagnostics storage account.
    3. Stuck at GRUB prompt or kernel panic: Use the Azure VM repair commands (az vm repair create) to attach the OS disk to a rescue VM and inspect /etc/fstab, kernel, or GRUB issues.
      Reference: https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/linux/repair-linux-vm-using-azure-virtual-machine-repair-commands
    4. Serial console shows nothing at all: Check that the VM’s configuration includes the proper kernel parameters (console=ttyS0,115200n8). You can add or fix this via rescue mode if necessary.
      Reference: https://free.blessedness.top/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/linux/boot-error-troubleshoot-linux

    Let me know if this helps to solve your issue!

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