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NFS via Azure File Sync - Is MS Learn wrong here?

Shaune Tappan 0 Reputation points
2025-04-26T23:44:06.7366667+00:00

Microsoft Learn states “You can use any protocol that's available on Windows Server to access your data locally with Azure File Sync, including SMB, NFS, and FTPS.” however this is confusing, I’d previously learnt that you cannot access NFS from Windows?

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Azure Files
Azure Files
An Azure service that offers file shares in the cloud.
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  1. Marcin Policht 44,850 Reputation points MVP
    2025-04-27T00:32:43.8666667+00:00

    NFS is supported on Windows - but from the client and server side

    As per https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/nfs/nfs-overview

    NFS in Windows Server includes Server for NFS and Client for NFS. A computer running Windows Server can use Server for NFS to act as a NFS file server for other non-Windows client computers. Client for NFS allows a Windows-based computer running Windows Server to access files stored on a non-Windows NFS server.

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    hth

    Marcin

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  2. Nandamuri Pranay Teja 2,015 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2025-04-29T09:32:23.8766667+00:00

    Hello Shaune,

    Thank you for your question!

    Please be informed that Azure File Sync does not facilitate the use of the NFS protocol for local data access on Windows Server. The assertion made by Microsoft Learn regarding the compatibility of NFS with Azure File Sync is inaccurate. Instead, Azure File Sync predominantly utilizes the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol for local data access on Windows Server.

    If you have been informed that NFS is inaccessible from Windows, that information is indeed accurate. Windows lacks native support for NFS, and Azure File Sync does not offer NFS capabilities for local data access on Windows Server.

    References: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/nfs/nfs-overview

    Hope the above answer helps! Please let us know do you have any further queries.

    Please do not forget to "Accept the answer” and “up-vote” wherever the information provided helps you, this can be beneficial to other community members. 

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