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How-to guide · Updated October 2026

Windows Azure Storage Explorer

What Storage Explorer does, how to download and connect it in 7 steps, the main features, when to use it — and when to use CLI or AzCopy instead.

✍️ Azure Trainings trainers ⏱ 4 min read 📅 Updated 11 October 2026
⚡ Short answer

Azure Storage Explorer (often searched as “Windows Azure Storage Explorer”) is a free Microsoft desktop app for managing Azure Storage. You can browse, upload, download and organise data in Blob Storage, Azure Files, Queues, Tables and Data Lake Storage Gen2 — without writing code. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.

The basics

What is Azure Storage Explorer used for?

📂

Check files

See what’s in a container or data lake folder.

⬆️

Upload & download

Test data in, pipeline outputs out — drag and drop.

🔑

Fix permissions

Generate SAS links and manage ACLs.

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Debug

Inspect queue messages and table rows.

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Copy data

Move data between storage accounts.

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Used by

Developers, data engineers and administrators.

Background

What is Azure Storage?

Azure Storage is Microsoft’s cloud storage service for files, images, backups, logs, messages and table data — secure, highly available, with options to keep copies in other zones or regions. Storage Explorer is simply a friendly way to work with it from your desktop. Learn more in types of Azure data storage.

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Setup · 7 steps

How to download, install and set up Storage Explorer

Step 1

Download

Official Azure Storage Explorer page — choose Windows, macOS or Linux.

Step 2

Install

Run the installer and follow the steps.

Step 3

Open & connect

Click the Connect (plug) icon.

Step 4

Choose a method

Sign in with Microsoft Entra ID, or use a connection string or SAS URL.

Step 5

Select subscriptions

Pick the subscriptions you want to see.

Step 6

Browse

Expand accounts: containers, file shares, queues, tables.

Step 7

Start working

Upload, download, create folders or manage access.

✅ Checkpoint: you can sign in, open a storage account and upload a file to a container.

Features

Main features of Azure Storage Explorer

•  Manage Blob containers, file shares, queues, tables and ADLS Gen2 folders

•  Drag-and-drop upload and download (uses AzCopy for fast transfers)

•  Sign in with Microsoft Entra ID, or connect with a connection string or SAS URL

•  Work with several subscriptions and storage accounts in one place

•  Create and manage SAS tokens and access policies

•  Manage ACLs for Data Lake Storage Gen2

•  Work with the local storage emulator (Azurite) for testing

•  Manage managed disks and snapshots

🧭 Want hands-on practice with storage accounts, SAS and ACLs? Our trainers guide you in live labs.

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Why use it

Why use Azure Storage Explorer?

🙂

Easy to use

Simple interface, even for beginners.

⏱️

Saves time

No scripts for common tasks.

⚡

Fast transfers

Built on AzCopy.

🆓

Free & cross-platform

Windows, macOS and Linux.

For automation and scheduled jobs, use the Azure CLI, PowerShell or AzCopy scripts instead.

✕  Sharing storage account keys instead of using Entra ID or short-lived SAS

✕  Giving SAS tokens with long expiry or full permissions

✕  Using Storage Explorer for jobs that should be automated

Learn Azure storage the practical way Our covers storage accounts, security, Storage Explorer and AzCopy in real labs.

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Still wondering?

Frequently asked questions

What is Azure Storage Explorer?

A free Microsoft desktop app for managing Blob, Files, Queues, Tables and Data Lake Storage Gen2 without code.

Is Azure Storage Explorer free?

Yes. You pay only for the Azure Storage you use.

Is “Windows Azure Storage Explorer” different?

No — it’s the same tool. “Windows Azure” was Azure’s old name, and the app runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.

How do I connect to my storage account?

Click Connect, then sign in with Microsoft Entra ID or use a connection string or SAS URL.

Can I use it with Data Lake Storage Gen2?

Yes, including folders and ACL management.

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Written by the Azure Trainings training team

Based on what we teach in our batches and see in real projects. Last updated 11 October 2026. Spotted something outdated? Tell us on WhatsApp.

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