Learn how to deploy Azure File Sync

Deploying Azure File Sync allows you to centralize file services in Azure while maintaining compatibility with your on-premises systems.

Azure File Sync transforms a Windows Server into a caching endpoint for your Azure File Shares, enabling tiering, synchronization, and disaster recovery capabilities.

Here's how to deploy Azure File Sync step by step.

Step 1: Prepare Azure Environment

Create a Storage Account

1. Log in to the .

2. Navigate to Storage accounts and click Create.

3. Fill in the required details:

   • Subscription: Choose your subscription.

   • Resource Group: Select or create a new resource group.

   • Storage Account Name: Enter a unique name.

   • Performance/Redundancy: Select performance and redundancy options (e.g., Standard LRS).

4. Click Review + Create and then Create.

Create an Azure File Share

1. Go to the storage account you created.

2. Under Data storage, select File shares.

3. Click + File share.

4. Enter a name and quota for the file share, then click Create.

Register a Storage Sync Service

1. In the Azure portal, search for Azure File Sync and select Storage Sync Services.

2. Click + Create.

3. Fill in the required details:

   • Subscription, Resource Group, and Region.

   • Provide a name for the Storage Sync Service.

4. Click Review + Create and then Create.

Step 2: Prepare the Windows Server

Install Prerequisites

1. Supported OS: Ensure you’re using a supported version of Windows Server (2012 R2 or later).

2. Windows Updates: Fully update the server with the latest updates.

3. PowerShell: Verify that you have PowerShell 5.1 or higher.

Install the Azure File Sync Agent

1. Download the Azure File Sync Agent for your Windows Server from the Microsoft website.

2. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard.

Register the Server

1. After installation, open the Azure File Sync Agent.

2. Click Sign in and authenticate using your Azure account.

3. Select the Storage Sync Service you created earlier.

4. Register the server.

Step 3: Configure Sync Groups

Create a Sync Group

1. Go to the Storage Sync Service in the Azure portal.

2. Select + Sync group.

3. Provide a name for the Sync Group.

4. Select the Azure File Share you created earlier.

5. Click Create.

Add the Windows Server as a Server Endpoint

1. In the Sync Group, click + Add server endpoint.

2. Select the registered server.

3. Specify the local path to sync (e.g., D:``\``Data).

4. Configure Cloud Tiering:

   • If enabled, older or less-accessed files will be tiered to Azure to save local storage space.

   • Configure the percentage of disk space to reserve for local caching.

5. Click Create.

Step 4: Test and Validate Sync

1. Add or modify files on the server in the specified folder (D:``\``Data in this example).

2. Verify that the changes sync to the Azure File Share.

3. Check for bi-directional sync by adding files to the Azure File Share and ensuring they sync to the server.

Step 5: Set Up Backup (Optional)

• You can configure Azure Backup for the file share for added data protection.

• Navigate to Backup Center in the Azure portal, and set up a backup policy for your file share.

Step 6: Monitor and Manage

1. Use the Azure portal to monitor sync status, endpoint health, and data usage.

2. In Storage Sync Service, review the Registered Servers and Sync Groups tabs.

3. Regularly update the Azure File Sync Agent to the latest version for optimal performance.

Additional Notes

Cloud Tiering

Ensure you understand the implications of tiering if enabled.

Frequently accessed files are cached locally, while the rest remains in Azure.

Multi-Site Sync

Azure File Sync supports synchronization across multiple on-premises servers for distributed access.

Network Bandwidth

For large datasets, consider using Azure Data Box for initial seeding.

Summary

Azure File Sync is now deployed, providing a hybrid solution with centralized management, tiered storage, and seamless access.