Azure Getting Started - Connecting to your SoftNAS Instances

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Last updated: Apr 13, 2023 by Sean HastertVersion comment

Once the SoftNAS® instance in Microsoft Azure has been created, it can be connected via StorageCenter for administrative tasks.

  • Connect Via SSH to create the SoftNAS® password.
  • Connect to SoftNAS StorageCenter using the domain name or IP address of the SoftNAS® instance, such as softnastest.cloudapp.net.

Set the SoftNAS® Password

Set the SoftNAS® password from either Windows command line or using Linux/OS X Terminal (Terminal).

Create the Password Using Terminal

  • Open Terminal and run the following command to apply correct permissions to your key file:

Apply Key File Permissions
chmod 400 [softnasazure_key.pem]

Where [softnasazure_key.pem] is the pathname to the private key file on the host | Generating SSH Keys 

  • Then, while still in Terminal, run the following command:
Azure SSH Command
ssh -i [softnasazure_key.pem] softnas@softnas.eastus.cloudapp.azure.com

Where [softnasazure_key.pem] is the pathname to the private key file on the host | Generating SSH Keys 

  • Upon this message, type yes to continue connecting to the remote server.

  • Once connected, run the following command:
Change Password Command
sudo passwd softnas
  • Enter and confirm the password.

Creating the Password from Windows (PuTTY)

  • Open PuTTY and connect to the SoftNAS® domain name or IP address on port 22
  • From PuTTY terminal, run the following command:
Change Password Command
sudo passwd softnas
  • Enter and confirm the password.

Connecting to StorageCenter

  • The Public IP address and DNS name can be viewed from the Essentials on your VMs Overview page.

Domain/IP Address

Take note of the IP address and domain name.  This will be used to connect to SoftNAS®.

  • Navigate a web browser to the SoftNAS® VM domain name or IP address.

Certificate Warning

Ignore and bypass the certificate warning for now.


  • The StorageCenter login screen is displayed.
  • Enter the following credentials:
    • User name - softnas (set in the Azure store during VM creation).
    • Password - Provide the password set via SSH or modified above.

Upon a successful connection, the StorageCenter GUI is displayed. Continue to SoftNAS® Configuration.