Connecting to Secure Azure Storage Location

To upload or download files in a file share using Azure Storage Explorer and a Shared Access Signature (SAS) token, follow these steps:

  1. Install Azure Storage Explorer on your computer by visiting the following link: Download Storage Explorer

  1. Launch Azure Storage Explorer. You should see the “Getting Started” tab if this is the first time opening the application. If so, click the “Attach to a resource” button. Otherwise, click the connect button on the left-hand panel. It should look like a power plug.

  2. Select the kind of resource that you would like to connect to in the dialog window that is displayed.

  1. Enter a memorable “Display name” for this storage location. We recommend including the project name and possibly the purpose of the share. For example: “Example Project Monthly Patient Lists”

  2. Paste the URL provided to you into the “SAS URL” box and click “Next.”

  1. You should be presented with a summary page that shows the details you have entered. Verify that they look correct and click the “Connect” button.

  1. The storage location will be added to Azure Storage Explorer, and you will see a list of the files and folders in that location.

  1. To download files, select one or more files and click "Download" from the toolbar.

  2. Select the location on your computer where you want to save the downloaded file, and then click "Save."

  3. The file will begin to download, and a notification will appear in the lower-right corner of the screen indicating the progress of the download.

  4. Once the download is complete, the file will be saved to the location you specified.

Note: If you want to download multiple files at once, you can hold down the "Ctrl" key and click on each file you want to download, then right-click and select "Download." Alternatively, you can select all the files you want to download by pressing "Ctrl+A," then right-click and select "Download."


Updated on August 12, 2025