How to connect Azure ML to an ADLS gen 2 container as a Datastore?

Neal Lockhart 40 Reputation points
2025-05-19T18:27:46.3866667+00:00

Hi -

I'm working on trying to connect my ADLS gen 2 to Azure ML. It seems the only way to create an ADLS gen 2 datastore is via service principal, is this accurate? It is not possible to create an ADLS gen 2 datastore via SAS or account key?

If it is not possible to create a datastore via other authentication methods, do we have to create a new "app registration" and link that to Azure ML + ADLS Gen 2?

These were the instructions I received but it seems very roundabout that there isn't a way to just create a datastore from ADLS gen2 using other authentication methods, so I assume I must be overlooking something.

Might be worth noting this is all being done via azure portal.

Azure Machine Learning
Azure Machine Learning
An Azure machine learning service for building and deploying models.
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  1. Ravada Shivaprasad 375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-05-20T03:02:14.8133333+00:00

    Hi Neal Lockhart

    You're absolutely right Neal, To seek more precise documentation on setting up a service principal (SP) for ADLS Gen 2 in Azure Machine Learning. While the previous links mention SP authentication, they don't explicitly detail the app registration process in Azure AD for this specific integration.

    Here are some relevant Microsoft resources that provide guidance:

    These sources should help clarify the end-to-end setup, including registering an app in Azure AD, assigning permissions, and linking it to Azure ML for secure authentication. Let me know if you need further details!

    Disclaimer: This response contains a reference to a third-party World Wide Web site. Microsoft is providing this information as a convenience to you. Microsoft does not control these sites and has not tested any software or information found on these sites; therefore, Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. There are inherent dangers in the use of any software found on the Internet, and Microsoft cautions you to make sure that you completely understand the risk before retrieving any software from the Internet.

    Thanks

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