FSLogix Profile Containers are widely used to manage user profiles in virtual desktop environments. However, issues can arise when open file handles on Azure file shares cause problems with profile containers. This article explores common issues related to open file handles and provides solutions to resolve them.

Understanding Open File Handles

Open file handles occur when a file is being accessed by a process and is not properly closed. In the context of FSLogix Profile Containers, this can happen if a user session is abruptly disconnected or does not sign out correctly. These open handles can prevent other sessions from accessing the profile container, leading to various issues.

Common Issues Caused by Open File Handles: 

Profile Load Failures: Users may experience failures when loading their profiles due to locked files.
Slow Performance: Open file handles can cause slow performance as the system struggles to manage locked resources.
Data Corruption: In some cases, data corruption can occur if files are not properly closed.

Identifying Open File Handles:  

To identify open file handles, you can use tools like qwinsta from Windows Terminal or Command Prompt, Task Manager, or Computer Management.

1. Using Qwinsta:

Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
Run the command “qwinsta” to list all active sessions.
Identify sessions that have not signed out correctly.

2. Using Task Manager:

Open Task Manager and go to the Users tab.
Check for any active sessions that should be closed.

3. Using Computer Management:

Open Computer Management (compmgmt.msc).
Navigate to Shared Folders > Open Files.
Look for open files related to the user’s profile container and close them.

Fixing Open File Handle Issues:

Once you have identified open file handles, follow these steps to resolve the issues:

1. Log Out Users:

Ensure that users have successfully signed out from all sessions using their profile container.

2. Close Open Files:

In Computer Management, right-click on the open file and select “Close Open File.”

3. Restart Services:

Restart any relevant services that may be holding onto open file handles.

If everything goes well, the lock should be lifted, if not we can force it with CloudShell: 

Open Azure Cloudshell from the portal and select the Sub ID

Select-AzSubscription -subscriptionid <Sub ID>

#Create azure storage account context

$Context = New-AzStorageContext -StorageAccountName <replacewithstorageaccountname> -StorageAccountKey <replace with storage key>

#List handles

Get-AzStorageFileHandle -ShareName “your-share-name”  -Recursive -Context $Context

Get-AzStorageFileHandle -Context $Context -ShareName “your-share-name” -Recursive | Sort-Object ClientIP,OpenTime

#Close a specific handle, use the Close-AzStorageFileHandle cmdlet with the handle ID:
Close-AzStorageFileHandle -ShareName “your-share-name” -HandleId “your-handle-id”

#Close all handles

Close-AzStorageFileHandle -ShareName “your-share-name”   -CloseAll -Context $Context -Recursive -Verbose

 #Additionally, you can close all the file handles of the particular folder in the share:

Close-AzStorageFileHandle -Context $Context -ShareName <replacewithsharename> -Path <‘Sharedfolder/SIDuserfolder’>  -Recursive -CloseAll

Preventive Measures:

To minimize the occurrence of open file handles, consider the following best practices:

Proper Session Management:

Ensure users properly sign out of their sessions to avoid leaving open file handles.

Regular Monitoring:

Regularly monitor open file handles and take proactive steps to close them.

Regular Session Host Reboot:

Regularly reboot session Host servers to reduce the possibility of open handles.

Open file handles on Azure file shares can cause significant issues with FSLogix Profile Containers. By understanding the causes, identifying open handles, and implementing effective solutions, you can ensure a smoother and more reliable virtual desktop environment.

Resources:

Issues with SMB file share open handles – FSLogix | Microsoft Learn

Troubleshoot Azure Files SMB connectivity and access issues – Azure | Microsoft Learn

Get-AzStorageFileHandle (Az.Storage) | Microsoft Learn

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FSLogix Profile Containers are widely used to manage user profiles in virtual desktop environments. However, issues can arise when open file handles on Azure file shares cause problems with profile containers. This article explores common issues related to open file handles and provides solutions to resolve them.
 
Understanding Open File Handles
 
Open file handles occur when a file is being accessed by a process and is not properly closed. In the context of FSLogix Profile Containers, this can happen if a user session is abruptly disconnected or does not sign out correctly. These open handles can prevent other sessions from accessing the profile container, leading to various issues.
 
 
Common Issues Caused by Open File Handles: 

Profile Load Failures: Users may experience failures when loading their profiles due to locked files.
Slow Performance: Open file handles can cause slow performance as the system struggles to manage locked resources.
Data Corruption: In some cases, data corruption can occur if files are not properly closed.

 
 
Identifying Open File Handles:  
To identify open file handles, you can use tools like qwinsta from Windows Terminal or Command Prompt, Task Manager, or Computer Management.
 
1. Using Qwinsta:

Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
Run the command “qwinsta” to list all active sessions.
Identify sessions that have not signed out correctly.

 
2. Using Task Manager:

Open Task Manager and go to the Users tab.
Check for any active sessions that should be closed.

 
3. Using Computer Management:

Open Computer Management (compmgmt.msc).
Navigate to Shared Folders > Open Files.
Look for open files related to the user’s profile container and close them.

 
 
Fixing Open File Handle Issues:
 
Once you have identified open file handles, follow these steps to resolve the issues:
 
1. Log Out Users:

Ensure that users have successfully signed out from all sessions using their profile container.

 
2. Close Open Files:

In Computer Management, right-click on the open file and select “Close Open File.”

 
3. Restart Services:

Restart any relevant services that may be holding onto open file handles.

 
 
If everything goes well, the lock should be lifted, if not we can force it with CloudShell: 
 
Open Azure Cloudshell from the portal and select the Sub ID
Select-AzSubscription -subscriptionid <Sub ID>
 
#Create azure storage account context
$Context = New-AzStorageContext -StorageAccountName <replacewithstorageaccountname> -StorageAccountKey <replace with storage key>
 
#List handles
Get-AzStorageFileHandle -ShareName “your-share-name”  -Recursive -Context $Context
Get-AzStorageFileHandle -Context $Context -ShareName “your-share-name” -Recursive | Sort-Object ClientIP,OpenTime
 
#Close a specific handle, use the Close-AzStorageFileHandle cmdlet with the handle ID:Close-AzStorageFileHandle -ShareName “your-share-name” -HandleId “your-handle-id”
  
#Close all handles
Close-AzStorageFileHandle -ShareName “your-share-name”   -CloseAll -Context $Context -Recursive -Verbose
 
 #Additionally, you can close all the file handles of the particular folder in the share:
Close-AzStorageFileHandle -Context $Context -ShareName <replacewithsharename> -Path <‘Sharedfolder/SIDuserfolder’>  -Recursive -CloseAll
 
 
Preventive Measures:
 
To minimize the occurrence of open file handles, consider the following best practices:
 

Proper Session Management:

Ensure users properly sign out of their sessions to avoid leaving open file handles.

Regular Monitoring:

Regularly monitor open file handles and take proactive steps to close them.

Regular Session Host Reboot:

Regularly reboot session Host servers to reduce the possibility of open handles.

 
 
Open file handles on Azure file shares can cause significant issues with FSLogix Profile Containers. By understanding the causes, identifying open handles, and implementing effective solutions, you can ensure a smoother and more reliable virtual desktop environment.
 
Resources:
Issues with SMB file share open handles – FSLogix | Microsoft Learn
Troubleshoot Azure Files SMB connectivity and access issues – Azure | Microsoft Learn
Get-AzStorageFileHandle (Az.Storage) | Microsoft Learn
 
 
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