Sharepoint file share for file share witness quorum?

Question

Can I use a Sharepoint file share location for a failover cluster file share witness quorum?

Answer 1

Hello,

Using a SharePoint file share location for a failover cluster file share witness quorum is not recommended. The file share witness is a critical component of a failover cluster, and it requires a highly available and reliable file share. SharePoint is primarily designed for document management and collaboration, not for the specific high availability requirements of a failover cluster witness.

Typically, a file share witness should be hosted on a file server that is part of the same domain and is accessible by all nodes in the cluster. It's important that this file share is reliable and can maintain high availability to ensure proper cluster functionality.

Best Regards,

Yanhong Liu

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Answer 2

Hey,

As noted, Sharepoint file share is not supported as file share witness for failover cluster. You would need a redundant witness for the cluster to avoid issues. If you don't have a separate file share, you create cloud witness. https://www.starwindsoftware.com/blog/understand-failover-cluster-quorum/
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/failover-clustering/deploy-cloud-witness?tabs=windows

As another option, StarWind VSAN can be used to create replicated HA disk, which can be used as a Disk Witness for Failover cluster. https://www.starwindsoftware.com/resource-library/starwind-virtual-san-for-hyper-v-2-node-hyperconverged-scenario-with-windows-server-2016/

Cheers,

Alex Bykovskyi

StarWind Software

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