If you’re an IT professional or cloud enthusiast, you’ve likely used PowerShell to manage Azure resources. But did you know there’s a better way? Azure Cloud Shell offers a streamlined, cloud-based command-line experience that makes managing Azure easier than ever.
🚀 What is Azure Cloud Shell?
Azure Cloud Shell is a browser-based command-line tool that lets you manage Azure resources without the need to install or configure anything on your local machine. It supports both PowerShell and Bash, giving you flexibility depending on your workflow.
🔥 Why Use Azure Cloud Shell Over Local PowerShell?
✅ Pre-installed Azure Modules – No need to manually install or update Az PowerShell modules. ✅ Persistent Environment – Your session and files persist across devices. ✅ Works on Any OS – Since it’s browser-based, you can use it on Windows, Mac, or Linux. ✅ Built-in Authentication – No need to repeatedly sign in to Azure. ✅ Seamless Access to Azure Resources – Direct integration with your Azure subscriptions. ✅ Supports Both Bash & PowerShell – Choose the scripting environment that works best for you.
🔎 How to Access Azure Cloud Shell
- Go to the Azure Portal: Open portal.azure.com.
- Locate the Cloud Shell Icon: Look for the PowerShell logo (or the Bash icon) at the top-right of the screen.
- Click to Launch: This will open a terminal at the bottom of the Azure Portal.
- Sign In with Your Credentials: If prompted, sign in to Azure.
- Authenticate: If needed, go to Microsoft Device Login and enter the code displayed.
🔧 Basic Azure Cloud Shell Commands to Get Started
🔹 Check Your Active Subscription
Get-AzContext # Displays your current subscription🔹 List All Azure Subscriptions
Get-AzSubscription # Shows all available subscriptions🔹 List All Resource Groups
Get-AzResourceGroup # Displays all resource groups in your active subscription🔹 List All Virtual Machines
Get-AzVM # Lists all VMs in your subscription🔹 Check Azure AD Users
Get-AzADUser -First 10 # Retrieves the first 10 users in Azure AD🔹 Manage Storage Accounts
Get-AzStorageAccount # Lists all storage accounts in your subscription⚡ Why IT Admins Love Azure Cloud Shell
Azure Cloud Shell makes it easier to manage Azure environments without worrying about PowerShell version mismatches or module updates. It’s accessible from anywhere, even on a mobile device, making it a go-to tool for IT admins who need quick access to their cloud resources.
💡 Final Thoughts
If you’re still using local PowerShell to manage Azure, it’s time to upgrade your workflow. Azure Cloud Shell offers convenience, security, and efficiency—all without the hassle of local configurations.
Try it today and take your Azure management to the next level! 🚀