Azurecloud~5 mins

File shares (Azure Files) - Commands & Configuration

Choose your learning style10 modes available

Learn Why Deep Visual Try Challenge Project Recall Time

Introduction

Sometimes you need to share files between different computers or services in the cloud. Azure Files lets you create a shared folder in the cloud that many users or apps can access like a normal network drive.

When you want multiple virtual machines to access the same files without copying them.

When you need a simple way to share documents or backups across cloud services.

When you want to replace on-premises file servers with a cloud solution.

When you want to mount a shared folder on Windows, Linux, or macOS machines.

When you need a secure, managed file share accessible over SMB or REST.

Config File - azure-file-share.json

azure-file-share.json

{
  "$schema": "https://schema.management.azure.com/schemas/2019-04-01/deploymentTemplate.json#",
  "contentVersion": "1.0.0.0",
  "resources": [
    {
      "type": "Microsoft.Storage/storageAccounts",
      "apiVersion": "2022-09-01",
      "name": "examplestorageacct",
      "location": "eastus",
      "sku": {
        "name": "Standard_LRS"
      },
      "kind": "StorageV2",
      "properties": {}
    },
    {
      "type": "Microsoft.Storage/storageAccounts/fileServices/shares",
      "apiVersion": "2022-09-01",
      "name": "examplestorageacct/default/myfileshare",
      "dependsOn": [
        "Microsoft.Storage/storageAccounts/examplestorageacct"
      ],
      "properties": {
        "shareQuota": 100
      }
    }
  ]
}

This JSON is an Azure Resource Manager (ARM) template that creates a storage account named examplestorageacct in the East US region. It uses the Standard_LRS SKU for locally redundant storage. Then it creates a file share named myfileshare inside the default file service of that storage account. The share quota is set to 100 GB, which limits the maximum size of the share.

This template can be deployed to Azure to set up the storage and file share automatically.

Commands

This command creates a new Azure Storage account named examplestorageacct in the example-rg resource group located in East US. The StorageV2 kind supports file shares.

Terminal

az storage account create --name examplestorageacct --resource-group example-rg --location eastus --sku Standard_LRS --kind StorageV2

Expected OutputExpected

{ "id": "/subscriptions/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000/resourceGroups/example-rg/providers/Microsoft.Storage/storageAccounts/examplestorageacct", "location": "eastus", "name": "examplestorageacct", "resourceGroup": "example-rg", "sku": { "name": "Standard_LRS" }, "kind": "StorageV2", "statusOfPrimary": "available" }

→

--sku - Defines the storage replication type and performance tier

→

--kind - Specifies the storage account type supporting file shares

This command creates a file share named myfileshare inside the examplestorageacct storage account with a quota of 100 GB.

Terminal

az storage share create --account-name examplestorageacct --name myfileshare --quota 100

Expected OutputExpected

True

→

--quota - Sets the maximum size of the file share in GB

This command lists all file shares in the examplestorageacct storage account to verify that myfileshare was created.

Terminal

az storage share list --account-name examplestorageacct

Expected OutputExpected

[ { "name": "myfileshare", "properties": { "quota": 100, "lastModified": "2024-06-01T12:00:00Z", "etag": "0x8D123456789ABC" } } ]

This command deletes the myfileshare file share from the storage account when you no longer need it.

Terminal

az storage share delete --account-name examplestorageacct --name myfileshare

Expected OutputExpected

No output (command runs silently)

Key Concept

If you remember nothing else from this pattern, remember: Azure Files lets you create a cloud folder that many machines can use like a shared network drive.

Common Mistakes

Trying to create a file share before the storage account exists

The file share depends on the storage account, so it cannot be created first.

Always create the storage account first, then create the file share inside it.

Not specifying the storage account name correctly in commands

Commands fail because they cannot find the storage account without the exact name.

Use the exact storage account name consistently in all commands.

Setting a quota too small or forgetting to set it

The share might run out of space or default to a small size limiting usage.

Set a quota that fits your expected storage needs when creating the share.

Summary

Create a storage account first to hold your file shares.

Create a file share inside the storage account with a set quota.

List file shares to verify creation and delete when no longer needed.

Practice

(1/5)

1. What is the primary purpose of Azure Files in cloud infrastructure?

easy

A. To create virtual networks for Azure resources

B. To provide cloud-based file shares accessible via SMB or NFS protocols

C. To manage databases in the cloud

D. To host virtual machines in Azure

Recommended

Ready to prove it?

Pass the test and this pattern moves unknown strong while earning +1 Grip toward your certificate.

10 questions~5 mineasy hard

File shares (Azure Files) - Commands & Configuration

Practice

Solution

Step 1: Understand Azure Files functionality

Step 2: Compare other options

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

Solution

Step 1: Identify the correct Azure CLI command for setting quota

Step 2: Verify command parameters

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

Solution

Step 1: Analyze the initial quota setting

Step 2: Analyze the quota update command

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

Solution

Step 1: Check quota limits for Azure file shares

Step 2: Verify other command parts

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

Solution

Step 1: Identify secure access methods for Azure Files

Step 2: Evaluate other options for security

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

Ready to prove it?