Managing Azure Storage accounts and the data within them can often feel like a complicated task, especially if you’re dealing with large volumes of data or working with multiple storage accounts. Thankfully, Azure Storage Explorer is a free, easy-to-use tool that simplifies the process of managing your storage resources in Azure.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to Azure Storage Explorer, explain its features, and show you how to get started using it.
What is Azure Storage Explorer?
Azure Storage Explorer is a cross-platform desktop application that allows you to manage your Azure Storage accounts. Whether you need to upload or download blobs, manage files, or view table data, Azure Storage Explorer provides an intuitive interface to handle it all, without needing to use the Azure portal.
This tool is ideal for developers, administrators, or anyone working with Azure Storage, as it gives them a simple way to interact with their data.
Key Features of Azure Storage Explorer
Here are some of the key features that make Azure Storage Explorer so useful:
1. Cross-Platform Support
Azure Storage Explorer is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, so you can manage your Azure Storage accounts regardless of the operating system you're using.
2. Connect to Multiple Azure Storage Accounts
You can easily connect multiple Azure Storage accounts (both Azure Resource Manager and Classic storage accounts) to the tool. It’s convenient for managing resources across different subscriptions and accounts.
3. Manage Different Storage Types
Azure Storage Explorer lets you manage the following storage resources:
Blob Storage: Upload, download, and organize blobs (files).
Queue Storage: Send, receive, and delete messages from queues.
Table Storage: View and manage tables and rows.
File Storage: Access and manage file shares.
Disk Storage: Manage and view VHD (virtual hard disk) files.
4. Access Control and Permissions
Azure Storage Explorer supports Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) authentication, making it easier to securely connect and manage resources without using account keys. You can also access resources via Shared Access Signatures (SAS) and account keys for more granular control.
5. Drag and Drop File Uploads
Managing data becomes easier with drag-and-drop support. You can easily upload or download files from your local machine to Azure Storage by simply dragging them into the Azure Storage Explorer window.
6. Blob File Management
You can create containers, upload, download, copy, and delete blobs in your storage account with ease. The interface shows you file names, sizes, and metadata to make file management smooth.
7. Advanced Search and Filters
With Azure Storage Explorer, you can quickly search for files, queues, tables, and messages within your storage accounts. Filters and search options make it easy to find the specific data you need, no matter how large your storage account is.
8. Support for Shared Access Signatures (SAS)
SAS tokens allow you to grant temporary, restricted access to your storage account. You can create SAS tokens in the tool and use them to access storage resources securely.
How to Install and Get Started with Azure Storage Explorer
Step 1: Download and Install
Go to the Azure Storage Explorer download page on the official Microsoft website.
Select the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and click Download.
Follow the installation prompts to complete the setup.
Step 2: Sign In to Your Azure Account
Launch Azure Storage Explorer after installation.
Click Sign In in the Connect to Azure Storage dialog.
Choose your authentication method:
Azure Account (using Azure AD or personal copyright)
Storage account name and key
Shared Access Signature (SAS) URI
Follow the prompts to sign in to your Azure account and authorize the tool to access your Azure resources.
Step 3: Explore and Manage Storage Accounts
Once signed in, you’ll see your Azure Storage accounts listed in the left-hand pane. You can:
Expand the account to view containers, queues, tables, and file shares.
Right-click on an account or container to manage or perform actions like uploading, downloading, deleting, and creating resources.
Use Cases for Azure Storage Explorer
1. Managing Blob Data
If you frequently need to upload, download, or organize files in Blob Storage, Azure Storage Explorer provides a fast and intuitive interface. You can manage large files with ease and even organize them into containers.
2. Working with Table Storage
For developers using NoSQL data in Azure, Storage Explorer lets you view and manage your table data without writing code. It simplifies tasks like adding, editing, or deleting rows.
3. Debugging and Monitoring Queues
If you’re using Queue Storage for message-based communication, Azure Storage Explorer allows you to view and manage queued messages, helping with debugging and troubleshooting.
4. Administering File Shares
Managing File Shares with Azure Storage Explorer makes it easy to upload, download, and organize files stored in Azure, offering functionality similar to traditional file systems.
Conclusion
Azure Storage Explorer is an essential tool for anyone working with Azure Storage accounts. It simplifies many tasks like uploading/downloading data, managing queues, and editing tables. With its cross-platform support and intuitive interface, Azure Storage Explorer is perfect for developers, IT administrators, and anyone managing cloud storage in Azure.
By using Azure Storage Explorer, you can increase your productivity and simplify storage management tasks, saving you time and effort when working with your Azure resources.