How to Store and Share Files in Azure Blob Storage with a 5-Minute SAS URL

Introduction

Azure Blob Storage is Microsoft’s cloud-based object storage solution designed to store and manage unstructured data such as documents, images, videos, and backups. It offers secure, scalable, and cost-effective storage that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. With features like Shared Access Signatures (SAS) and replication rules, you can control access to your data and ensure it’s highly available.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of creating an Azure Storage Account, setting up a Blob Storage container, uploading documents, and generating a time-limited SAS URL for secure external sharing. We’ll also cover how to set up replication rules and monitor activity in your storage account. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional, secure, and shareable cloud storage setup in Azure—perfect for both beginners and professionals.

Secure file sharing in AzureStep 1: Create an Azure Storage Account

1. Sign in to the Azure Portal.

2. Navigate to Storage accounts → Click Create.

3. Choose a Subscription and Resource group.

4. Enter a unique Storage account name.

5. Select a Region and choose a Performance tier.

6. Set Redundancy based on your needs (e.g., LRS, GRS).

7. Click Review + Create → Create.

Step 2: Create a Blob Storage Container

1. Go to your Data Storage in the in the left panel.

2. Select Containers → Click + Container.

3. Enter a Container name.

4. Set “Anonymous access level to Container(anonymous read access for containers and blobs)”

5. Click Create

Step 3: Upload a Document to the Container

Using Azure Portal:

1. Open the created Container.

2. Click Upload.

3. Select the document you want to upload.

4. Click Upload.

Step 4: Secure Access with SAS (Optional)

1. In the Blob container, click on the 3 ellipses

2. Select Generate SAS

3. Navigate the Start and Expiry time and set it to 5minutes of your choice.

4. Scroll down and click on Generate SAS token and URL.

5. Copy the SAS URL and share it to an external user.

6. The SAS URL can be accessible when the Start time reached.

7. The SAS URL will be locked showing 403 Forbidden error when the Expiry time reached.

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After setting up the timing, copy the blob SAS URL & paste it in a new browser.

When the 5-minute period you set reaches, it will deny access.

To create a Replication rule:

Navigate back to the storage account …on the left side options, drop down data management & click on object replication.

Click on the replication rule

Navigate back to the storage account … On the left side options, click on activity log to see what’s happening in your storage.

SUCCESS….

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