CloudStorageExplorer
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Azure Storage Explorer: connect to your storage account (4 methods)

This guide covers four methods to connect Azure Storage Explorer to your storage account. Choose the method that matches your access level and organization's requirements.

Method 1: Azure Active Directory (Recommended)

Best for: Organization accounts with Azure AD

  1. Launch Azure Storage Explorer
  2. Click Add an Account (person icon in the left sidebar)
  3. Select Add an Azure Account
  4. Choose your Azure environment (usually Azure Global)
  5. Sign in with your organizational credentials
  6. Select the subscriptions you want to access
  7. Click Apply

Your storage accounts will appear in the Explorer panel.

Method 2: Storage Account Key

Best for: Direct access with full permissions

  1. In the Azure Portal, navigate to your storage account
  2. Go to Access Keys under Security + Networking
  3. Copy one of the connection strings
  4. In Storage Explorer, click Connect > Storage Account
  5. Select Account name and key
  6. Paste the account name and key
  7. Click Connect

Security note: Account keys grant full access. Use SAS tokens for limited access.

Method 3: Shared Access Signature (SAS)

Best for: Time-limited or permission-limited access

  1. In the Azure Portal, generate a SAS token for your storage account
  2. Set appropriate permissions and expiry date
  3. Copy the SAS URL
  4. In Storage Explorer, click Connect > Storage Account
  5. Select Shared access signature (SAS)
  6. Paste the SAS URL
  7. Click Connect

Method 4: Local Emulator

Best for: Development and testing

  1. Install and start Azurite (the local Azure Storage emulator)
  2. In Storage Explorer, expand Local & Attached
  3. Expand Storage Accounts > Emulator
  4. Your local emulator resources will appear

Next Steps