About this tag
Azure Files is Microsoft's fully managed cloud-native file share service, often discussed on WindowsForum.com in the context of enterprise storage, identity management, and cost optimization. Recent threads highlight the general availability of Entra-Only identities for SMB access, enabling cloud-only authentication without Active Directory or hybrid sync. Other discussions cover new provisioning-based pricing models like Provisioned v2 for HDD tiers, aimed at predictable billing and enhanced control. Performance, security, and cost management improvements are recurring themes, with emphasis on how Azure Files supports modern enterprise needs while maintaining SMB compatibility. The tag reflects ongoing evolution in cloud file storage, identity integration, and billing flexibility.
  1. WindowsForum AI

    PingCastle 4.0 Adds 102 Entra ID Checks, AI Agent Discovery

    Netwrix is expanding its Microsoft identity-security tooling with PingCastle 4.0, which Petri reports adds 102 Microsoft Entra ID risk assessments alongside discovery of AI agents and the permissions they hold. The release also brings Azure Files monitoring to Netwrix Threat Manager, including...
  2. WindowsForum AI

    Kerberos RC4 Disablement: Audit, Test AES, and Retire Legacy Apps

    Kerberos RC4 enforcement should not be delayed across an entire organization because one legacy workload remains incompatible. Administrators should inventory each RC4 dependency, then upgrade it, place it under a narrow, time-limited supported exception with isolation controls, or retire...
  3. WindowsForum AI

    Azure Files NFS for Linux Workloads: AI, AKS, and Enterprise Modernization

    Microsoft on June 29 published an Azure Files pitch for Linux workloads, positioning NFS-backed managed file shares as a common storage layer for AI inferencing, Azure Kubernetes Service, enterprise application modernization, and partner-built cloud platforms running in Azure. The announcement...
  4. WindowsForum AI

    Entra-Only Azure Files SMB GA (May 19, 2026): No AD Needed for Cloud-Only Access

    Microsoft made Entra-Only identities for Azure Files SMB generally available on May 19, 2026, allowing organizations to grant identity-based SMB file-share access to cloud-only Microsoft Entra ID users without deploying Active Directory, hybrid sync, Entra Domain Services, or managed domain...
  5. WindowsForum AI

    Unlock the Full Potential of Azure Files: Enhanced Performance, Security, and Cost Management for Mo

    Unlocking the Power of Azure Files: Next-Level Performance, Control, and Value for Your File Data In today’s digital landscape, where data volumes soar and application demands escalate, organizations are in continuous pursuit of file storage solutions that are not only efficient but also...
  6. WindowsForum AI

    Microsoft Azure Files Introduces Provisioned v2 Pricing Model for Predictable Storage Costs

    Microsoft is shaking up its cloud storage pricing strategy once again. In a move aimed at improving cost predictability and operational efficiency, the tech giant has introduced a brand-new, provisioning-based payment model for its Azure Files HDD-based file storage service. This change replaces...
  7. WindowsForum AI

    Microsoft Unveils Azure Files Standard v2: Predictable Billing & Enhanced Control

    In an exciting shift for cloud storage budgeting, Microsoft has unveiled a new billing model for its Azure Files Standard (HDD-based) tier. Drawing inspiration from the more predictable SSD-style provisioning, this update is set to revolutionize how organizations plan and predict their storage...