Many businesses and organizations use Microsoft Azure services, making it difficult to manage everything at once. Azure Cloud Shell is a Microsoft-managed admin tool that makes managing and handling tasks easier. This service is very useful, whether we are talking about pricing, features, or how to get started with Cloud Shell. Let’s get started with the Azure Cloud Shell to find out more.
What is Azure Cloud Shell?
Azure Cloud Shell allows you to manage Azure resources. It includes authentication capabilities and a browser-accessible shell interface. This service offers a flexible shell experience. This means that you can choose between PowerShell or Bash. Cloud Shell also comes with a pre-configured shell for managing Azure resources.
There are several ways to access the Cloud Shell
Three ways to access the Cloud Shell are possible:
1. Direct link
Open a browser to https://shell.azure.com.
2. Azure portal
Select the Cloud Shell icon from the Azure portal
3. Code snippets
Click the Try It button at docs.microsoft.com or Microsoft Learn. This button will be available with Azure PowerShell and Azure CLI code snippets.
Azure CLI
az account show
Azure PowerShell
Get-AzSubscription
What are the main features of Cloud Shell?
Azure Cloud Shell has unique features that make it more valuable for solving problems for many top organizations. Some of the features include:
1. Shell can be accessed from almost anywhere
Cloud Shell allows you to connect to Azure via a browser-based shell experience hosted on the cloud. This can be accessed from almost anywhere. Azure Cloud Shell is assigned per user account and authenticates with each session. You will also get a modern command line experience from multiple access points. This includes the Azure portal and Azure docs, shell.azure.com and Azure mobile app as well as VS Code Azure Account extension.
2. There are many options to choose the preferred shell experience
Azure Cloud Shell offers a flexible shell experience that can be customized to your needs. This includes PowerShell and Bash experiences.
3. Common tools and programming languages
Microsoft updates and maintains its services frequently. The same applies to the Cloud Shell. This service includes updated CLI tools such as PowerShell modules, container tool, database tools and Azure tools, text editors. Source control, build tools, and other tools. It also supports many popular programming languages such as Node.js and.NET.
4. Keep your files safe in the attached cloud storage
Cloud Shell can link an Azure Files Share to persist your data. Cloud Shell will first create an Azure Files file share to persist data over sessions. It will then automatically reattach it for any subsequent sessions.
5. Cloud Shell editor – Create and edit files
Cloud Shell is an integrated file editor based on the open-source Monaco Editor. This allows you to run code to enter a file editing experience in the Cloud Shell window. All files created and edited will automatically be synced to your Azure Files share.
6. Azure workstation configured and authenticated
Cloud Shell includes command-line tools as well as language support. It can also authenticate securely to provide instant access via the Azure PowerShell cmdlets or the Azure CLI.
Cloud Shell: How to Get Started
1. Bash in Azure Cloud Shell
This video will show you how to use Bash in Azure Cloud Shell within the Azure portal.
1. Starting Cloud Shell
First, launch Cloud Shell from the Azure portal’s top navigation.
Second, select the subscription to create a storage account.
Third, click on “Create storage”.
2. Bash Environment Selection
You will notice that the environment drop-down on the left-hand side is Bash.
3. Set up your subscription
First, list all subscriptions that you have access to.
Azure CLI
az account list
Next, choose your preferred subscription.
Azure CLI
az account set -subscription ‘my-subscription-name’
4. Create a resource group
“MyRG” is a new resource group created in WestUS.
Azure CLI
az group create -location westus -name MyRG
5. How to create a Linux VM
Create an Ubuntu VM in the new resource group. The Azure CLI will generate SSH keys here and set up the VM.
Azure CLI
az vm create -n myVM -g MyRG -image UbuntuLTS -generate-ssh-keys
6. SSH into your Linux Virtual Machine
First, use the Azure portal search bar to search for your VM’s name.
Click “Connect” to get the VM name, public IP address, and more.
Next, use the ssh cmd SSH to your VM.ssh (email protected)

After establishing an SSH connection, an Ubuntu welcome prompt will be displayed.
Source: Microsoft7. Cleaning up
First, exit your ssh conversation.

Next, delete your resource group.
Azure CLI
az group delete -n MyRG
2. PowerShell in Azure Cloud Shell
This video will show you how to use the PowerShell in Cloud Shell within the Azure portal.
1. Starting Cloud Shell
First, click on the Cloud Shell button from the top navigation bar in the Azure portal.
Second, select the PowerShell environment from the drop-down menu.
2. PowerShell commands can be used
You can run regular PowerShell commands from the Cloud Shell, such as:
Image Source: MicrosoftInteracting With Virtual Machines
All virtual machines are accessible under the current subscription via VirtualMachines directory.
Source: Microsoft 3. Discovering WebApps
Enter the WebApps directo to navigate your web app resources.