What is Azure Storage Explorer?
Azure Storage Explorer is a free, cross-platform desktop application for managing Azure Storage resources. The tool enables browsing, uploading, downloading, and managing Blobs, Files, Queues, and Tables without command line or Azure Portal. Storage Explorer runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and supports not only Azure but also Azurite (local emulator) and Azure Stack.
Unlike the Azure Portal, Storage Explorer provides a native desktop experience with drag-and-drop, batch operations, and direct file system access.
Key Features
- Multi-Account Management: Manage multiple Azure subscriptions and Storage Accounts in one application
- Blob Container Management: Upload, download, copy, and move blobs with drag-and-drop
- Azure Files: Browse and manage SMB file shares without network drive mapping
- SAS Token Support: Access storage with Shared Access Signatures without full subscription permissions
- Snapshot and Versioning: View and restore blob versions and snapshots
Typical Use Cases
Development and Debugging: Local testing of applications with Azure Storage through direct access to blobs and queues without Azure Portal.
Data Migration: Manual uploading or downloading of files between local system and Azure Storage.
Ad-hoc Management: Quick operations like creating containers, changing access tiers, or editing metadata without CLI.
Benefits
- Free: No license costs, open source on GitHub
- Cross-platform: Native applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Offline Access: Work with locally stored connection information
- Developer-friendly: Integration with Azurite emulator for local development
Frequently Asked Questions about Azure Storage Explorer
Which authentication methods are supported?
Storage Explorer supports Azure AD sign-in, Storage Account Keys, SAS tokens, and anonymous access to public containers. For enterprise environments, Azure AD with Conditional Access is recommended.
Can I upload large files?
Yes, Storage Explorer automatically uses block upload for large files and supports parallel uploads. For very large data volumes (TB range), AzCopy or Azure Data Box is more efficient.
Does Storage Explorer work with Azure Stack?
Yes, Storage Explorer supports Azure Stack Hub and Azure Stack HCI. Connection is made via Azure Stack API endpoints with appropriate credentials.
How does Storage Explorer differ from the Azure Portal?
Storage Explorer offers a desktop-native experience with drag-and-drop, keyboard shortcuts, and batch operations. The Portal is browser-based and provides access to all Azure services, not just Storage.
Can I use Storage Explorer without an Azure subscription?
Yes, you can access Storage Accounts with SAS tokens without subscription permissions. The local Azurite emulator also works without an Azure connection.
Integration with innFactory
Azure Storage Explorer is a free tool that requires no direct consulting. For questions about optimal Azure Storage architecture or migration, innFactory is happy to support you as a Microsoft Solutions Partner.
