skill

Cost Optimization

Optimize existing Azure resources and analyze Reservations or Savings Plans. WHEN: "optimize Azure costs", "reduce cloud spending", "rightsize resources", "find idle resources", "orphaned disk", "deleted VM still charged", "public IP still charging", "reservation utilization", "Savings Plan coverage", "commitment recommendation", "why is pay-as-you-go still charged". DO NOT USE FOR: cost spikes, forecasts, pricing estimates, budgets, or governance.

Microsoft0+ installsVetted

About

# Azure Cost Optimization

## Quick Reference

| Intent | Workflow | Primary tools | |--------|----------|---------------| | Reduce waste or rightsize | [Optimization](references/optimization.md) | Cost and Resource Graph tools | | Review commitments | [Commitments](references/commitments.md) | `list_benefit_utilization`, `list_reservation_transactions`, `get_benefit_recommendations` |

## When to Use This Skill

Use for waste, rightsizing, and commitments.

## MCP Tools

Use cost and Resource Graph tools for optimization and benefit tools for commitments. Validate queries. Fallback: [API mappings](references/tool-fallback.md).

## Workflow

1. Confirm scope, period, currency, and commitment intent. 2. Load only the matching workflow above. 3. Never transform MCP results in a shell or interpreter; request validated server-side projection, aggregation, or bounded follow-up queries. 4. Separate measured cost, reported savings, and qualitative opportunities. 5. Recommend changes only; do not delete, resize, purchase, or deploy resources.

## Error Handling

| Error | Action | |-------|--------| | Access denied | Name the scope and permission. | | Multiple currencies | Group and report each currency separately. | | Missing evidence | State the gap; do not invent values. | | Server error | Retry once; then report the trace ID. |

Install

Run this command

git clone https://github.com/microsoft/azure-skills && cp -r azure-skills/.github/plugins/azure-cost/skills/cost-optimization ~/.claude/skills/

Works with

claude appclaude codeclaude apicursorcodexwindsurfclinezed

Manual steps

Clone the repository and copy the `.github/plugins/azure-cost/skills/cost-optimization` folder into your Claude skills directory. Compatible with Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, and any Agent Skills-compatible agent.

View source
License: MITBy Microsoft

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cost Optimization skill?

Optimize existing Azure resources and analyze Reservations or Savings Plans. WHEN: "optimize Azure costs", "reduce cloud spending", "rightsize resources", "find idle resources", "orphaned disk", "deleted VM still charged", "public IP still charging", "reservation utilization", "Savings Plan coverage", "commitment recommendation", "why is pay-as-you-go still charged". DO NOT USE FOR: cost spikes, forecasts, pricing e…

How do I install Cost Optimization?

Run this in your terminal:

git clone https://github.com/microsoft/azure-skills && cp -r azure-skills/.github/plugins/azure-cost/skills/cost-optimization ~/.claude/skills/
Which AI tools does Cost Optimization work with?

It works with claude_app, claude_code, claude_api, cursor, codex, windsurf, cline, zed.

Who made Cost Optimization?

Microsoft, released under the MIT license.

Is Cost Optimization free?

Yes, it is free to use under the MIT license.

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