Azure File Storage allows you to store files securely in the cloud and access them from anywhere using industry-standard protocols. It’s especially useful when you need a shared file system that behaves like a network drive.
What Is Azure File Storage?
Azure File Storage enables you to store and share files using SMB 3.0 (Server Message Block) protocol. You can mount a share from anywhere—Windows, macOS, or Linux—just like a mapped drive on your desktop.
This makes Azure File Storage a convenient solution for:
- Migrating on-premises file shares to the cloud.
- Enabling hybrid scenarios where cloud and on-premises resources can access the same files.
- Sharing server logs or application-generated data.
- Writing high availability backups.
For scenarios like these, you may also want to refer to migration options and secure endpoint access.
Key Features
- Cloud-based storage with support for up to 100 TB per storage account.
- File shares can be created and managed within a storage account.
- Up to 2,000 concurrent readers can access a file, although generally only one writer is supported at a time.
- Each file has a unique URL, which can be used to access it directly.
- You can generate SAS (Shared Access Signature) tokens to allow limited-time access.
Types of Storage Accounts
You can store files in the following Azure storage account types:
- General Purpose v2 Storage Accounts (Standard)
- Uses HDDs (hard disk drives).
- Cost-effective for general workloads.
- Azure File Storage Accounts (Premium)
- Uses SSDs (solid-state drives).
- Offers greater throughput and performance at a higher cost.
- Only supports file storage (no blobs or queues).
Use Cases
- Data sharing across teams and environments, whether cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid.
- Mounting cloud file shares to local machines.
- Application integration, such as backing up data or sharing configuration files.
- Archiving and compliance, especially when paired with SAS tokens for timed access.
Platform Support
Azure File Shares are compatible with:
- Windows (via mapped drive letters)
- macOS
- Linux
This cross-platform compatibility makes it easy to integrate Azure File Storage into existing environments, regardless of your operating system.
For file-related operations that extend across cloud and on-prem, you might also consider tools covered in #32 such as Azure File Sync and Storage Explorer.
To explore Azure File Storage in action and see how it fits into broader cloud scenarios, watch our AZ-900 video course, or go back to our AZ-900 Topic List.
Please click here to find out more about Microsoft’s AZ-900 exam.
