Account for an instant-access snapshot becoming temporarily unavailable

Source facts

Microsoft says that when InstantAccessDurationMins expires before background copying finishes, the snapshot cannot be used again until that copy completes. The instant-access snapshot of an Ultra Disk or Premium SSD v2 still depends on its source until the background copy is complete. Microsoft Learn

Applicability

This review applies to a recovery or test workflow using instant access for an Ultra Disk or Premium SSD v2 snapshot. The planning question is whether the intended use can tolerate a temporary gap between expiration of immediate access and completion of the background copy.

DSE recommendation

DSE recommends recording the configured instant-access duration alongside the planned recovery or testing interval. Ask the workflow owner to define what should happen if the snapshot is temporarily unavailable when the next step needs it. Track the copy state as part of the job evidence and preserve an authorized alternative for a time-sensitive dependency. Avoid presenting the initial ability to use the snapshot as a guarantee that access remains uninterrupted throughout the workflow.

Verification

During an approved test, compare the actual use interval with the configured duration and observed copy completion. Record any period when the snapshot is unavailable and whether the workflow responds according to its plan. If the operation resumes after copying finishes, retain both observations rather than reporting continuous availability. Resolve any mismatch between the required access window and the observed behavior before making the snapshot a dependency of a scheduled recovery exercise.

Official references

• Microsoft: Instantly access managed disk snapshots – Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn