What is Amazon FSx for Windows File Server?
Amazon FSx for Windows File Server is a fully managed service that provides native Windows file servers in the AWS cloud. The service is built on Microsoft Windows Server and offers full compatibility with the SMB protocol (versions 2.0 to 3.1.1), Windows ACLs, and Active Directory integration.
Existing Windows applications and workflows that use file shares can be migrated to FSx for Windows File Server without modifications. The service handles patching, backups, and high availability automatically.
Core Features
- Windows-Native Compatibility: SMB 2.0 to 3.1.1, Windows ACLs, and DFS Namespaces
- Active Directory Integration: Authentication via AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory or on-premises AD
- Single-AZ and Multi-AZ Deployment: Multi-AZ with a standby file server in a separate Availability Zone for high availability
- Automatic Backups: Consistent, highly durable daily backups, plus additional manual backups
- Flexible Storage Types: SSD for latency-critical workloads, HDD for cost-efficient home directories and departmental shares
Typical Use Cases
Home Directories: Central user directories for Windows desktops and Amazon WorkSpaces. Active Directory integration enables familiar permission management through groups and ACLs.
.NET Applications: .NET applications that use SMB file shares for configuration, logs, or shared data work without changes with FSx for Windows File Server.
SQL Server Storage: SQL Server uses FSx for Windows File Server for database files and backups via performant SMB shares.
Benefits
- Fully Windows-native compatibility without compromises
- Active Directory integration for familiar access control
- Multi-AZ option with failover support for high availability
- Automatic backups included, flexible storage types depending on workload
Integration with innFactory
As an AWS Reseller, innFactory supports you with Amazon FSx for Windows File Server: file server migration, Active Directory integration, Multi-AZ architecture, and DFS namespace configuration.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amazon FSx for Windows File Server?
Amazon FSx for Windows File Server is a fully managed, native Windows file storage service built on Microsoft Windows Server. It provides the SMB protocol, Windows ACLs, Active Directory integration, and DFS Namespaces without having to operate your own file servers.
Do I need an Active Directory?
Yes, FSx for Windows File Server requires a Microsoft Active Directory for authentication and access control. You can use AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory, an AD Connector to an on-premises AD, or a self-managed AD.
How does Multi-AZ deployment work?
Multi-AZ file systems provision a standby file server in a second Availability Zone, providing high availability and failover support. Single-AZ file systems ensure availability within a single Availability Zone through automatic detection and remediation of component failures.
What storage options are available?
FSx for Windows File Server offers SSD and HDD storage. HDD is suited for home directories and departmental shares, while SSD is designed for latency-sensitive workloads such as databases and media processing. Storage capacity, SSD IOPS, and throughput can be provisioned independently.
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of AWS (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by AWS.