Azure¶
Mount an Azure Storage container or file share as a Windows drive.
Before you begin¶
You need the Storage Account name and a Key, or an Azure sign-in that can list your subscriptions and storage accounts.
Where to get the key — in the Azure portal:
- Open your storage account.
- Go to Security + networking → Access keys.
- Click Show on key1 (or key2) and copy the key value.
Also know which type you are mounting: Blob container or File share.
Help from Microsoft
Connect¶
- Click Add in the toolbar.
- Choose Enterprise → Azure.
- Enter the Storage Account name and Key, and select the Type (Blob or File). Alternatively sign in with your Azure account and pick the subscription, storage account, and container from the lists.
- Click Connect.
Settings¶
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Account / Key | Account name plus one of its two access keys | — |
| Type | Blob container or File share | Blob |
| Container / Share | The container or share to mount | — |
| Read-only | Blocks writes to the mounted drive | off |
Behavior & limits¶
- Blob containers have no real folders — virtual directories are prefix based, so renaming a large folder tree is slow (copy and delete).
- File shares (Azure Files) behave like SMB shares and support true directories.
- Access-tier rules apply: Archive-tier blobs cannot be opened until they are rehydrated — see Microsoft: rehydrate an archived blob.
Troubleshooting¶
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication failed | Key was regenerated in the portal | Copy the current key from Access keys and update the drive |
| Container list empty after sign-in | Account lacks a role on the subscription | Ask for Reader (or higher) on the storage account |
| A blob cannot be opened | Blob is in the Archive tier | Rehydrate it to Hot/Cool in the portal first |