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---
description: Learn how to start using Azure Cloud Shell with persistent storage.
ms.contributor: jahelmic
ms.date: 01/22/2024
ms.topic: how-to
tags: azure-resource-manager
title: Get started with Azure Cloud Shell using persistent storage
---
# Get started with Azure Cloud Shell using persistent storage
The first time you start Cloud Shell you have the choice to continue with or without storage.
Creating a storage account allows you to create files that are persisted across sessions. This
article shows you how to start Cloud Shell with a newly created storage account for persistent file
storage.
## Start Cloud Shell
1. Sign into the [Azure portal][04].
1. Launch **Cloud Shell** from the top navigation of the Azure portal.
![Screenshot showing how to start Azure Cloud Shell in the Azure portal.][07]
1. The first time you start Cloud Shell you're prompted to which shell to use. Select **Bash** or
**PowerShell**.
![Screenshot showing the prompt to select the shell.][05]
1. In the **Getting started** pane, select **Mount storage account**. Using the dropdown menu,
select the subscription you want to use for Cloud Shell, then select the **Apply** button.
![Screenshot showing the select subscription and optional storage prompt.][06]
1. In the **Mount storage account** pane, select **We will create a storage account for you**.
Select the **Next** button to create a new resource group and storage account.
![Screenshot showing the create storage account prompt.][08]
### Set your subscription
1. List subscriptions you have access to.
<!-- markdownlint-disable MD023 MD024 MD051-->
#### [Azure CLI](#tab/azurecli)
```azurecli-interactive
az account list
```
#### [Azure PowerShell](#tab/powershell)
```azurepowershell-interactive
Get-AzSubscription
```
1. Set your preferred subscription:
#### [Azure CLI](#tab/azurecli)
```azurecli-interactive
az account set --subscription 'my-subscription-name'
```
#### [Azure PowerShell](#tab/powershell)
```azurepowershell-interactive
Set-AzContext -Subscription <SubscriptionId>
```
<!-- markdownlint-enable MD023 MD024 MD051-->
---
> [!TIP]
> Your subscription is remembered for future sessions using `/home/<user>/.azure/azureProfile.json`.
### Get a list of Azure commands
<!-- markdownlint-disable MD023 MD024 MD051-->
#### [Azure CLI](#tab/azurecli)
Run the following command to see a list of all Azure CLI commands.
```azurecli-interactive
az
```
Run the following command to get a list of Azure CLI commands that apply to WebApps:
```azurecli-interactive
az webapp --help
```
#### [Azure PowerShell](#tab/powershell)
Run the following command to see a list of all Azure PowerShell cmdlets.
```azurepowershell-interactive
Get-Command -Module Az.*
```
Under `Azure` drive, the `Get-AzCommand` lists context-specific Azure commands.
Run the following commands to get a list the Azure PowerShell commands that apply to WebApps.
```azurepowershell-interactive
cd 'Azure:/My Subscription/WebApps'
Get-AzCommand
```
<!-- markdownlint-enable MD023 MD024 MD051-->
---
## Next steps
- [Learn about Azure PowerShell][03]
- [Learn about Azure CLI][02]
- [Learn about persisting files in Cloud Shell][09]
- [Learn about Azure Files storage][01]
<!-- link references -->
[01]: /azure/storage/files/storage-files-introduction
[02]: /cli/azure/
[03]: /powershell/azure/
[04]: https://portal.azure.com/
[05]: media/new-storage/choose-shell.png
[06]: media/new-storage/getting-started.png
[07]: media/new-storage/shell-icon.png
[08]: media/new-storage/create-new-storage.png
[09]: ../persisting-shell-storage.md