What is Azure Cloud Shell?
Azure Cloud Shell is a browser-based command line that provides direct access to Azure resources without local installation. The service offers both Bash and PowerShell as shell environments with pre-installed tools like Azure CLI, Terraform, kubectl, Git, and code editors. Cloud Shell runs on a temporary host on a per-session, per-user basis and times out after 20 minutes of inactivity; files in the home directory persist between sessions via a 5-GB Azure Files share. This share requires its own storage account, which incurs regular storage costs.
Core Features
- Bash and PowerShell environments in the browser
- Pre-installed Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, Terraform, and kubectl
- Persistent storage via Azure Files for scripts and configurations
- Monaco editor for files directly in the shell
- Automatic authentication with the logged-in Azure account
Typical Use Cases
Developers manage Azure resources from any computer with a browser. DevOps engineers run Terraform deployments without local setup. Support teams diagnose problems via Cloud Shell in customer context.
Benefits
- No local installation of CLI tools required
- Consistent environment regardless of local operating system
- Instant access via Azure Portal or shell.azure.com
- Free to use, only storage costs for home directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure Cloud Shell free?
Cloud Shell itself is free. However, there are minimal storage costs for the Azure Files share that serves as the persistent home directory. Typically a few cents per month.
Which tools are pre-installed in Cloud Shell?
Cloud Shell includes Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, Terraform, Ansible, kubectl, Helm, Git, Python, Node.js, .NET, and many other tools. The environment is regularly updated.
What is the difference between Bash and PowerShell in Cloud Shell?
Both environments provide access to the same Azure resources. Bash is suitable for Linux-oriented users and Terraform/kubectl. PowerShell offers Azure PowerShell modules and is more familiar to Windows administrators.
How do I persist my files in Cloud Shell?
Cloud Shell automatically creates an Azure Files share as your home directory. All files under ~/clouddrive persist between sessions. Scripts and configurations can be stored there.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Azure Cloud Shell: setup of team environments, automation scripts, and best practices for cloud administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure Cloud Shell free?
Cloud Shell itself is free. However, there are minimal storage costs for the Azure Files share that serves as the persistent home directory. Typically a few cents per month.
Which tools are pre-installed in Cloud Shell?
Cloud Shell includes Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, Terraform, Ansible, kubectl, Helm, Git, Python, Node.js, .NET, and many other tools. The environment is regularly updated.
What is the difference between Bash and PowerShell in Cloud Shell?
Both environments provide access to the same Azure resources. Bash is suitable for Linux-oriented users and Terraform/kubectl. PowerShell offers Azure PowerShell modules and is more familiar to Windows administrators.
How do I persist my files in Cloud Shell?
Cloud Shell automatically creates an Azure Files share as your home directory. All files under ~/clouddrive persist between sessions. Scripts and configurations can be stored there.
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 Azure (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Azure.
