# Introduction to Azure Files

Azure Files provides fully managed cloud file shares accessible over SMB, NFS, and the Azure Files REST API. Shares can be mounted concurrently by cloud and on-premises clients (SMB works with Windows, Linux, macOS; NFS works with Linux). SMB shares can be cached on Windows servers with Azure File Sync. Azure Files supports identity-based authentication with on-premises AD DS.

## Core capabilities

* Managed file shares in the cloud accessible via SMB, NFS, and REST API.
* Cross-platform mounting (Windows, Linux, macOS for SMB; Linux for NFS).
* Concurrent access from cloud and on-premises environments.
* SMB shares can be cached using Azure File Sync for low-latency access.
* Can be used with on-premises Active Directory for access control.

## Primary uses

* Replace or supplement on-premises file servers or NAS.
* "Lift and shift" applications requiring a file share for application/user data (both cloud-only and hybrid scenarios).
* Simplify cloud development:
  * Centralized shared application settings accessible by many instances.
  * Diagnostic shares for logs, metrics, and crash dumps accessible via mount or REST API.
  * Dev/test/debug tooling accessible across VMs without copying.
* Persistent volumes for stateful containers (shared file system across container instances).

## Key benefits

* Easy to use: mounted shares behave like local file paths.
* Shared access: standard protocols enable seamless replacement of on-premises shares.
* Fully managed: no hardware/OS maintenance needed.
* Scripting and tooling: manageable via PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure portal, and Storage Explorer.
* Resiliency: built for high availability.
* Familiar programmability: access via standard file system APIs, Azure Storage client libraries, or REST API.

## Case studies

* Organizations worldwide use Azure Files and Azure File Sync to improve file access and storage. See the case studies link for examples: <https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/storage/files/azure-files-case-study>

## Next steps / How to get started

* Plan for an Azure Files deployment: <https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/storage/files/storage-files-planning>
* Create an Azure file share: <https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/storage/files/storage-how-to-create-file-share>
* Connect/mount SMB on Windows: <https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/storage/files/storage-how-to-use-files-windows>
* Connect/mount SMB on Linux: <https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/storage/files/storage-how-to-use-files-linux>
* Connect/mount SMB on macOS: <https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/storage/files/storage-how-to-use-files-mac>
* Connect/mount NFS on Linux: <https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/storage/files/storage-files-how-to-mount-nfs-shares>
* Azure Files FAQ: <https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/storage/files/storage-files-faq>

<details>

<summary>Azure Files FAQ (external)</summary>

For frequently asked questions, see: <https://docs.azure.cn/en-us/storage/files/storage-files-faq>

</details>

Last updated: 09/16/2025
