Implement file shares

To implement file shares in relation to configuring and operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, you can follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Create an Azure Files share

To begin, create an Azure Files share that will serve as the file storage solution for your Azure Virtual Desktop. You can do this using the Azure portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI. Here, we will use the Azure portal for simplicity.

1. Sign in to the Azure portal (https://portal.azure.com).
2. Navigate to the Azure Files service.
3. Click on the “File shares” tab.
4. Click on the “New file share” button.
5. Provide a name for the file share, select the desired storage account, and specify the quota (maximum size) for the share.
6. Click on the “Create” button to create the Azure Files share.

Step 2: Configure file share permissions

After creating the Azure Files share, you need to configure the necessary permissions to access it. The file share permissions can be managed using Access Control Lists (ACLs). ACLs enable you to control who can access the files and folders within the share.

1. Within the Azure portal, navigate to the Azure Files share you created in step 1.
2. Click on the “Access control (IAM)” tab.
3. Click on the “Add role assignment” button.
4. Select the appropriate role (e.g., “Storage File Data SMB Share Contributor”) and assign it to the desired user, group, or service principal.
5. Click on the “Save” button to apply the permissions.

Step 3: Connect Azure File Sync to the file share (optional)

If you want to synchronize files between an on-premises file server and the Azure Files share, you can use Azure File Sync. This step is optional and only applicable if you require file synchronization capabilities.

1. Install and configure Azure File Sync on your on-premises file server following the documentation provided by Microsoft.
2. Create a sync group within Azure File Sync, specifying your Azure Files share as the cloud endpoint.
3. Add a server endpoint to the sync group, selecting the desired folders to synchronize.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the configuration.

Step 4: Access the Azure Files share from Azure Virtual Desktop

To enable users to access the Azure Files share from their Azure Virtual Desktop sessions, you need to mount the file share as a network drive within the virtual desktop environment.

1. Open the Azure portal.
2. Navigate to your Azure Virtual Desktop resource.
3. Under the “Settings” section, click on “File shares.”
4. Click on the “Add” button.
5. Select your Azure Files share from the drop-down list.
6. Provide a name for the network drive and specify the drive letter to use.
7. Click on the “Save” button.

Now, when users log in to their Azure Virtual Desktop sessions, they will have access to the mounted network drive, which represents the Azure Files share.

In conclusion, by following these steps, you can successfully implement file shares in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. This allows you to provide file storage and access capabilities to your users within their virtual desktop sessions. Remember to adjust the instructions according to your specific requirements, and consult the official Microsoft documentation for more detailed guidance if needed.