3 ways to migrate data from local machine to Azure Blob Storage Account

In today’s digital world, effective data management is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Migrating data to the cloud, and in particular to Azure Blob Storage, offers many advantages, including scalability, security and accessibility. However, choosing the most suitable migration method can be complex.

In this article, we’ll explore three proven methods for transferring your data from a local machine to an Azure Blob Storage account. Whether you prefer a user-friendly graphical interface, a powerful command line or a secure transfer method, we’ve got you covered.

Find out how to use :

• Azure Storage Explorer
• AzCopy
• SFTP

to simplify and secure your data migrations in your organization. 🌐💼

1 – Azure Storage Explorer (GUI Method)

What is it

• A standalone application with graphical interface for managing Azure Storage resources
• Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop file operations
• Multiple storage account management
• Built-in file preview capabilities
• Integration with Azure Cosmos DB and Data Lake Storage

Best Use Cases

• Small to medium file transfers
• Visual exploration of storage contents
• One-time migrations
• When working with non-technical users

How to :

• Access to your storage Account
• Select “Containers”
• Select your Container

• Select upload then browse for your files

• select Upload to upload files

• As you can see files is uploaded successfully.

2 – AzCopy (Command Line) :

What is it

• Command-line utility optimized for large-scale data transfers
• Supports copying between file systems and storage accounts

Best Use Cases

• Large-scale data migrations
• Automated transfers
• Scheduled backups
• Performance-critical transfers

Commands

# Basic file copy
azcopy copy "C:\local\file.txt" "https://<storage-account>.blob.core.windows.net/<container>"

# Recursive folder copy
azcopy copy "<local-folder-path>" "https://<storage-account>.blob.core.windows.net/<container>" --recursive=true

# Sync folders
azcopy sync "<local-folder-path>" "https://<storage-account>.blob.core.windows.net/<container>" --recursive=true

How To :

Download the AzCopy portable binary from this link :

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-use-azcopy-v10?tabs=dnf#download-the-azcopy-portable-binary

get SAS token from blob container :

• Go to your blob container
• Select Shared Access Token from left menu bar
• Select Permissions for SAS Token

• Set Start/End time for SAS Token Validity
• Click “Generate SAS“
• Copy SAS Token to notepad to use it in command line

Type command line in the directory of AzCopy program downloaded earlier :

azcopy copy "C:\temp\Tools" "https://globalitstrg1154.blob.core.windows.net/company-data?sp=rwl&st=2024-12-14T21:05:52Z&se=2025-05-03T04:05:52Z&spr=https&sv" --recursive=true

• Type enter
• Here you can see execution result : Transfer completed successfully with no errors

• lets check our folder in Azure storage Account : As you can see here is the folder “Tools”

3 – SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) 🔒:

What is it

• SFTP is a secure method of transferring files between a client and a server on a network.
• Native SFTP protocol support for Azure Blob Storage
• Allows secure file transfers using standard SFTP clients

Setup Requirements

• Standard general-purpose v2 storage account
• SSH (Secure Shell) client is required
• SFTP enabled on the storage account
• Local user credentials configured
• Port 22 accessibility

Best Use Cases

• Legacy system integration
• Compliance requirements
• Third-party system integration
• When standard SFTP protocol is required

Security Features

• SSH key authentication
• Password protection
• Network access rules
• Encryption in transit
• Reliability : Allows resumption of interrupted transfers.

How to :

A – Check Open SSH Client in your Windows machine

if you are using Windows 11, you can use OpenSSH Client, it should be all ready installed (if not just click on install)

• Open Windows 11 setting then type “Features“
• Select “Optional Features“

• Select OpenSSH Client (it’s installed in my case)

B – Create Firewall rule to enable Outbound Port 22 :

• Select Outbound Rule, then select “New Rule“.

C – Enable SFTP on Azure Storage container :

Prerequisites 📋

• Storage Account should be Standard general-purpose v2 or Premium block blob.
• Hierarchical namespace must be enabled when Storage Account is created.

To enable SFTP in an Azure storage account, follow these steps in order:

1. Click on “Settings” in the left-hand navigation menu of the storage account
2. Select the “SFTP” option in the settings submenu
3. Click on the “Enable SFTP” button in the top toolbar to activate SFTP functionality.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be able to add local users and configure SFTP access for your storage account.

1. Click on the “Add local user” button
2. Enter the desired user name (example: “sfptransfer”)
3. Select the authentication method (here “SSH Password” is checked)
4. Click on “Next” to continue configuration

This configuration creates a local user who can connect via SFTP to the Azure storage account.

• Select Container, Permissions and directory
• Click “Add“

• Copy SSH Password that will be displayed in notepad

• copy username (Highlited)

• open commandline and type the following command :

sftp <username>

• Then Enter SSH Password

• Here’s commands to copy file or directory :

# To copy file
put <Full File Path>

# To copy Directory
put -r <local Directory Path>

• Let’s copy C:\temp1 directory
• As you can see directory is successfully copied.

Let’s check azure blob storage :

As you can see the entire folder is copied successfully.

4 – Choosing the Right Method

Choose based on your specific needs:

• Storage Explorer for visual management and occasional transfers
• AzCopy for bulk transfers and automation
• SFTP for secure, standardized file transfer requirements

Thanks