Pre-installing Network Watcher extension required or not?

[jtuliani]

The doc says we need to pre-install the network watcher extension before taking a packet capture

However, from what I can tell, we can just create the capture without doing this (from the Portal at least). The network watcher extension is installed automatically for us if necessary.

So, why bother to pre-install? It's much easier to let it install automatically.

Please can you clarify? And update the doc?

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Document Details

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• ID: 0995aacb-a06b-2f6a-265d-09b1ebc09379
• Version Independent ID: 64cb47f8-df56-2400-9be1-f56d29fa0350
• Content: Manage packet captures with Azure Network Watcher - Azure portal
• Content Source: articles/network-watcher/network-watcher-packet-capture-manage-portal.md
• Service: network-watcher
• GitHub Login: @jimdial
• Microsoft Alias: jdial

[YutongTie-MSFT]

@jtuliani
Thanks for the feedback! We are currently investigating and will update you shortly.

[TravisCragg-MSFT]

@jtuliani Thanks for the feedback! you are correct, the extension will install itself automatically.
I have assigned the issue to the content author to evaluate and update as appropriate.

[jtuliani]

Thanks. Does the auto-install also apply when creating a capture via PowerShell/CLI/REST API/template? Thanks!

[TravisCragg-MSFT]

@jtuliani this auto-install only happens in the Portal. You will still need to manually install the extension when using other methods.

[jtuliani]

Thought so, thank you!

[jimdial]

@jtuliani I've removed the instructions about installing the agent, or a Network Watcher, as the portal does both for you. The change will publish later today. Thanks. #please-close