OVERVIEW
Simplify file storage for cloud, hybrid, and modern applications
Fully managed SMB and NFS file shares that work seamlessly across Azure, on-premises environments, containers, and virtual desktops
- Move Windows and Linux file workloads to fully managed SMB and NFS file shares, using Azure File Sync to seamlessly modernize existing file servers while preserving familiar access patterns.
- Extend Windows Server environments with Azure File Sync and Azure Arc while powering cloud-native, Kubernetes, and AI workloads on a single file platform.
- Support enterprise applications, virtual desktops, containers, and AI workloads with scalable SMB and NFS file storage built for shared access.
- Use shared SMB and NFS storage across AKS, Azure Container Apps, App Service, Azure Functions, and AI workloads without managing file server infrastructure.
CAPABILITIES
Explore what’s possible with Azure Files
Optimize cost and performance for every workload
Independently provision capacity, IOPS, and throughput across HDD and SSD shares with credit-based bursting for spikes, so performance matches the workload without over-provisioning.
Hybrid file services
Extend on-premises environments to Azure with Azure File Sync, enabling local performance while centralizing file storage in the cloud.
Access from Windows, Linux, and macOS
Mount the same file share from Windows, Linux, and macOS clients, from containers, and from enterprise applications, using standard file access, so existing applications, scripts, and user workflows keep working without changes.
Identity-based access for users and applications
Control access with identity-based authentication and Azure role-based access control instead of storage account keys. Apply share, directory, and file-level permissions using familiar Windows ACLs, and connect applications through Azure identity and secret management.
Built-in encryption and data protection
Data is encrypted at rest with Microsoft-managed or customer-managed keys in Azure Key Vault, and in transit with SMB 3.x encryption. Share snapshots, backup integration, geo-redundancy, and disaster recovery protect critical workloads.
Native integrations with Azure AI services
Give Azure AI and machine learning workloads shared file access to training datasets, model artifacts, checkpoints, and agent state. The same file share serves training and inference, so there are no separate copies and no object-storage rework.
File sharing and user home directories
Secure, centrally managed file shares for personal, departmental, and team data across cloud and hybrid environments. Examples: home directories, department shares, team collaboration spaces, enterprise file sharing.
Hybrid file servers
Extend on-premises Windows Servers to Azure while maintaining local performance and seamless access. Examples: Windows file server migration, branch office file sharing, centralized file management, cloud tiering.
Kubernetes and containerized applications
Persistent shared storage for AKS workloads using SMB or NFS file shares. Examples: JupyterHub, Apache Airflow, GitHub Actions runners, CI/CD platforms, ML pipelines, shared application content.
Virtual desktops and end-user computing
Centralized profile storage for Azure Virtual Desktop, so users reach their apps and settings from anywhere. Examples: FSLogix profiles, multi-session environments, remote workforce scenarios.
AI and machine learning
Scalable shared storage for datasets, model artifacts, checkpoints, and distributed training environments. Examples: distributed inference, agent memory/state storage, ML pipelines.
Enterprise applications
Shared storage that enables application data sharing, centralized file management, and simplified operations. Examples: content management systems, ERP and line-of-business applications, application configuration repositories, departmental file shares.
Security
Embedded security and compliance
34,000
Full-time equivalent engineers dedicated to security initiatives at Microsoft.
15,000
Partners with specialized security expertise.
>100
Compliance certifications, including over 50 specific to global regions and countries.
PRICING
Choose the right Azure Files option for your workload
Azure Files offers transparent HDD and SSD performance tiers, allowing organizations to forecast storage costs more confidently before deployment. For provisioned workloads, capacity, IOPS, and throughput can be aligned to workload requirements, helping optimize both performance and spend.
CUSTOMER STORIES
See how organizations run their file workloads on Azure Files
Next steps
Choose the Azure account that’s right for you
Pay as you go or try Azure free for up to 30 days.
Azure solutions
Azure cloud solutions
Solve your business problems with proven combinations of Azure cloud services, as well as sample architectures and documentation.
Business Solutions Hub
Find the right Microsoft Cloud solution
Browse the Microsoft Business Solutions Hub to find the products and solutions that can help your organization reach its goals.
Explore Azure Portal 
