Steps for configuring SQL Server connectivity in an Azure VM The connection path is summarized by the following diagram: Create a TCP endpoint for the virtual machine In order to access SQL Server from the internet, the virtual machine must have an endpoint to listen for incoming TCP communication. This Azure configuration step, directs incoming TCP port traffic to a TCP port that is accessible to the virtual machine. Note If you are connecting within the same cloud service or virtual network, you do not have to create a publically accessible endpoint. In that case, you could continue to the next step. For more information, see Connection Scenarios . 1. On the Azure Portal, select Virtual machines (classic) . 2. Then select you SQL Server virtual machine. 3. Select Endpoints , and then click the Add button at the top of the Endpoints blade. 4. On the Add Endpoint blade, provide a Name such as SQLEndpoint. 5.