AZ-800 Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Exam

Configure and manage Azure Files

Azure Files is a fully managed file share service in Azure that provides cloud-based file storage accessible over the internet. Organizations can use it to lift and shift on-premises applications without rewriting code. It supports both SMB and NFS protocols, making it versatile for Windows and Linux workloads. By using Azure Files, teams can avoid managing physical hardware and focus on application needs.

To set up an Azure File share, you can use the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or PowerShell. These tools let you create storage accounts and file shares in minutes. Common steps include choosing a performance tier and specifying a quota for share size. This streamlined process helps administrators deploy file storage quickly and consistently.

Managing Azure Files involves setting up access controls and data protection measures. You can configure Azure AD authentication for secure access and enable share snapshots for recovery. Data redundancy options like Locally Redundant Storage or Geo-Redundant Storage help protect against hardware failures. These features ensure reliability and business continuity.

Performance and security settings in Azure Files can be customized to meet workload demands. You can pick from transaction optimized, hot, or cool tiers based on the frequency of file access. Encryption at rest and in transit is enabled by default, safeguarding data against unauthorized access. Fine-tuning these settings ensures cost-effective performance and strong security.

Configure and manage Windows Server file shares

Windows Server file shares allow on-premises and hybrid environments to share files across the network. The File Server role service provides core file-sharing capabilities using the SMB protocol. This setup enables users to map network drives and store files centrally. Centralized file storage simplifies management and improves collaboration.

Creating a file share involves defining share settings and configuring permissions. Administrators use the Share and Storage Management console or PowerShell cmdlets to specify the share path, name, and description. Share permissions control network-level access while NTFS permissions protect files at the folder level. Understanding the difference between share and NTFS permissions is critical for securing data properly._

Advanced features like Distributed File System (DFS) Namespaces and DFS Replication extend file-sharing capabilities. DFS Namespaces unify multiple shares under a single path, simplifying access for users. DFS Replication ensures files stay synchronized across servers for high availability. These features support fault tolerance and load balancing in large environments.

You can also apply storage optimization features on Windows Server file shares. File Server Resource Manager allows you to set quotas and create file screens to manage disk usage. Data Deduplication reduces storage consumption by eliminating duplicate data blocks. Together, these tools help maintain efficient storage and prevent runaway growth.

Configure Windows Server storage

Windows Server offers several storage technologies to meet different performance and resilience requirements. Storage Spaces lets you pool physical disks into a single storage pool and create virtual disks called spaces. This abstraction simplifies disk management and can improve resilience through mirroring or parity. Storage Spaces enables flexible scaling and cost-effective redundancy.

You can manage storage using tools like Disk Management, Server Manager, or PowerShell. Tasks include initializing disks, creating volumes, and assigning drive letters or mount points. Windows Server also supports ReFS (Resilient File System), which offers improved data integrity and automatic error correction. Choosing the right file system helps ensure data reliability and performance.

Additional features enhance storage efficiency and connectivity. Storage Tiering automatically moves frequently accessed data to faster disks and less-used data to slower ones. iSCSI Target Server allows Windows Server to present storage as networked iSCSI LUNs to other servers or devices. These capabilities support diverse workloads and optimize resource usage.

Data protection on Windows Server storage can be achieved through snapshots and backups. Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) provides point-in-time copies of files for quick recovery. Integrating with Windows Server Backup or third-party tools ensures that critical data is regularly backed up. Robust backup strategies minimize downtime and data loss in case of hardware failures or accidental deletions.

Conclusion

Managing storage and file services in a hybrid Windows Server and Azure environment involves choosing the right technology for each scenario. Azure Files offers cloud-based, scalable file shares accessible via SMB and NFS, with built-in security and redundancy. On-premises Windows Server file shares and storage solutions like DFS, Storage Spaces, and ReFS provide flexibility, performance, and data protection. By understanding how to configure and manage these services—using tools such as the Azure portal, PowerShell, and File Server Resource Manager—administrators can deliver reliable, secure, and efficient storage for any workload.