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Azure File Sync centralizes your organization's file shares in Azure Files while keeping the flexibility, performance, and compatibility of on-premises Windows file servers. Each registered Windows Server syncs its data to and from a central Azure file share, and can optionally use cloud tiering to cache only the most frequently accessed files locally.
You can have as many server caches as you need - changes on any server sync through the Azure file share to all other servers automatically.
Key benefits
- Cloud tiering - Cache only frequently accessed files locally; tier infrequently used files to Azure. The full namespace remains visible and browsable, and tiered files are recalled seamlessly on access. Reduces on-premises storage costs significantly. Learn more.
- Multi-site sync - Keep files consistent across multiple offices without direct server-to-server connectivity. Changes sync through the Azure file share, so every site sees the same data.
- Disaster recovery - Recover from a server failure by provisioning a new Windows Server, installing the Azure File Sync agent, and letting the namespace download from Azure. No local backup needed.
- Cloud-side backup - Take centralized backups via Azure Backup with native snapshot capabilities. Reduce on-premises backup infrastructure.
- Seamless migration - Move data from on-premises servers to Azure in the background without disrupting users. File structure, permissions, and access patterns remain intact.
How it works
- Deploy a Storage Sync Service in Azure.
- Install the Azure File Sync agent on one or more Windows servers.
- Register each server with the Storage Sync Service.
- Create a sync group linking an Azure file share (cloud endpoint) with a folder on your server (server endpoint).
- Files sync automatically. Enable cloud tiering to free local disk space.