Merge branch 'main' into release-automation-separate-troubleshooting-section

Author: v-alje

articles/azure-vmware/configure-storage-policy.md

@@ -171,6 +171,84 @@ Run the `Update-StoragePolicyOfUnassociatedVsanObjects` cmdlet to modify curre
 
    3. Check **Notifications** to see the progress.
 
+## Delete unassociated vSAN objects using Run Command
+ 
+Unassociated vSAN objects can remain in a cluster due to interrupted operations, policy mismatches, or failed workflows. These objects consume storage capacity and may block certain cluster operations.
+ 
+This article explains how to **list** and **delete** unassociated vSAN objects in **Azure VMware Solution (AVS)** using **Run Command**.
+ 
+### Prerequisites
+ 
+Before listing or deleting unassociated vSAN objects, ensure that:
+ 
+- You have access to the Azure portal with permissions equivalent to the **cloudadmin** role for the AVS private cloud.
+- The cluster meets the minimum host requirements for its vSAN configuration (OSA or ESA).
+- You are using the latest supported version of the **Microsoft.AVS.Management** Run Command package.
+- You have validated that the objects to be deleted are **not required** by any workload, management VM, or system component.
+ 
+### List unassociated vSAN objects
+ 
+Before deleting any objects, list and review them to confirm that they are truly unassociated.
+ 
+Use the **Get‑UnassociatedVsanObjectsWithPolicy** Run Command to list unassociated vSAN objects and obtain their UUIDs.
+ 
+For detailed steps, see:
+
+- [List storage policies for Unassociated objects](configure-storage-policy.md#list-storage-policies-for-unassociated-objects)
+ 
+The output of this command includes the **UUID** of each unassociated vSAN object, which is required for deletion.
+ 
+ 
+### Delete unassociated vSAN objects
+ 
+After reviewing the list of unassociated objects, delete them **individually** by specifying their UUID and ClusterName.
+ 
+> [!IMPORTANT]  
+> Deleting a vSAN object is irreversible. Ensure that the object is not associated with any VM, management component, or system service before proceeding.
+ 
+### Run Command parameters: `Remove-AvsUnassociatedObject`
+  
+| Field | Description |
+|------|-------------|
+| **UUID** | UUID of the unassociated vSAN object to delete. Obtain this value from the output of `Get‑UnassociatedVsanObjectsWithPolicy`. |
+| **ClusterName** | Name of the vSAN cluster that contains the unassociated object. |
+| **Retain up to** | Retention period for the Run Command output. |
+| **Specify name for execution** | Alphanumeric name used to identify this Run Command execution. |
+| **Timeout** | Time after which the command exits if it does not complete. |
+
+1. Navigate to your AVS private cloud in the Azure portal.
+2. Select **Run command** > **Packages** > **Microsoft.AVS.Management**.
+3. Select **Remove-AvsUnassociatedObject**.
+
+  :::image type="content" source="media/run-command/run-command-overview-remove-unassociated-object.png" alt-text="Screenshot showing the Remove-AvsUnassociatedObject Run Command in the Azure portal." lightbox="media/run-command/run-command-overview-remove-unassociated-object.png":::
+ 
+4. Provide the **UUID** and **ClusterName** of the unassociated object you want to remove.
+
+ :::image type="content" source="media/run-command/run-command-remove-unassociated-object.png" alt-text="Screenshot of the Remove-AvsUnassociatedObject Run Command execution." lightbox="media/run-command/run-command-remove-unassociated-object.png":::
+ 
+5. Select **Run** and monitor execution progress.
+ 
+Once the command completes successfully, the specified vSAN object is permanently removed from the cluster.
+ 
+### Best practices and safety guidance
+ 
+- Always **list objects first** and review them carefully before deletion.
+- Delete objects **one at a time** to minimize risk.
+- Avoid deleting objects with names or attributes associated with:
+  - Management VMs
+  - vCenter
+  - NSX
+  - HCX
+  - SRM
+  - Backup or replication components
+- If you are unsure about an object, do not delete it and investigate further.
+ 
+### Next steps
+ 
+- Review storage policy assignments to prevent future unassociated objects.
+- Monitor vSAN health checks regularly.
+- Use Run Command outputs and retention settings to maintain auditability.
+
 ## Specify a storage policy for a cluster
 
 Run the `Set-ClusterDefaultStoragePolicy` cmdlet to specify a default storage policy for a cluster.

articles/azure-vmware/media/run-command/run-command-overview-remove-unassociated-object.png

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 title: About Azure Files backup
 description: Learn how to back up Azure Files in the Recovery Services vault
 ms.topic: overview
-ms.date: 09/26/2025
+ms.date: 02/17/2026
 ms.service: azure-backup
 ms.custom:
   - engagement-fy23
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ Azure Files backup is a native cloud solution that protects your data and elimin
 
 Azure Backup now offers general availability of Vaulted Backup for Azure Files, enabling secure, long-term protection with ransomware defense, cross-region recovery, and compliance-ready retention—all managed through a unified backup policy. For more insights, see the [Microsoft Community Hub blog](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurestorageblog/general-availability-vaulted-backup-for-azure-files---boost-your-data-security-a/4395344). To know the latest product enhancements and feature updates in Azure, see [Microsoft Azure Updates](https://azure.microsoft.com/updates?id=482659).
 
+To learn about the supported Azure Files backup and restore scenarios, region availability, and limitations, see the [support matrix](azure-file-share-support-matrix.md). For common questions, see the [frequently asked questions](backup-azure-files-faq.yml).
+
 ## Key benefits of Azure Files backup
 
 Protection of Azure Files provides the following benefits by using *Snapshot* and *Vaulted* backup tiers:

articles/azure-vmware/media/run-command/run-command-remove-unassociated-object.png

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 title: Support Matrix for Azure Files backup by using Azure Backup
 description: Provides a summary of support settings and limitations when backing up Azure Files.
 ms.topic: reference
-ms.date: 09/26/2025
+ms.date: 02/17/2026
 ms.custom: references_regions, engagement-fy24
 ms.service: azure-backup
 author: AbhishekMallick-MS
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ ms.author: v-mallicka
 
 This article summarizes the supported settings and limitations when backing up Azure Files by using Azure Backup.
 
-You can use the [Azure Backup service](./backup-overview.md) to back up Azure Files. This article summarizes support settings when you back up Azure Files with Azure Backup.
+You can use the [Azure Backup service](./backup-overview.md) to back up Azure Files. This article summarizes support settings when you back up Azure Files with Azure Backup. For common questions, see the [frequently asked questions](backup-azure-files-faq.yml).
 
 Azure Backup now offers general availability of Vaulted Backup for Azure Files (Standard tier), enabling secure, long-term protection with ransomware defense, cross-region recovery, and compliance-ready retention—all managed through a unified backup policy. For more insights, see the [Microsoft Community Hub blog](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurestorageblog/general-availability-vaulted-backup-for-azure-files---boost-your-data-security-a/4395344). To know the latest product enhancements and feature updates in Azure, see [Microsoft Azure Updates](https://azure.microsoft.com/updates?id=482659).
 

articles/backup/azure-file-share-backup-overview.md

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ title: Back up Azure Files with Azure CLI
 description: Learn how to use Azure CLI to back up Azure Files in the Recovery Services vault
 ms.topic: how-to
 ms.custom: devx-track-azurecli, engagement-fy24
-ms.date: 05/22/2025
+ms.date: 02/17/2026
 author: AbhishekMallick-MS
 ms.author: v-mallicka
 # Customer intent: As an IT administrator, I want to back up Azure Files using Azure CLI, so that I can automate the backup process and ensure data protection effectively.

articles/backup/azure-file-share-support-matrix.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 title: Back up Azure files using PowerShell
 description: Learn how to use Azure PowerShell to back up Azure Files through an Azure Backup Recovery Services vault.
 ms.topic: how-to
-ms.date: 05/22/2025
+ms.date: 02/17/2026
 ms.custom: devx-track-azurepowershell
 ms.service: azure-backup
 author: AbhishekMallick-MS
@@ -12,7 +12,8 @@ ms.author: v-mallicka
 
 # Back up Azure Files using Azure PowerShell
 
-This article describes how to use Azure PowerShell to back up Azure Files through an [Azure Backup](backup-overview.md) Recovery Services vault.
+This article describes how to use Azure PowerShell to back up Azure Files through an [Azure Backup](backup-overview.md) Recovery Services vault. You can also back up Azure Files using [Azure portal](backup-azure-files.md), [CLI](backup-afs-cli.md), and [REST API](backup-azure-file-share-rest-api.md).
+
 
 ## Prerequisites
 

articles/backup/backup-afs-cli.md

@@ -2,15 +2,15 @@
 title: Back up Azure Files with REST API
 description: Learn how to use REST API to back up Azure Files in the Recovery Services vault
 ms.topic: how-to
-ms.date: 05/22/2025
+ms.date: 02/17/2026
 author: AbhishekMallick-MS
 ms.author: v-mallicka
 # Customer intent: As a cloud administrator, I want to use the REST API to backup Azure Files stored in a Recovery Services vault, so that I can automate the protection and management of file shares without relying solely on graphical interfaces.
 ---
 
 # Backup Azure Files using Azure Backup via REST API
 
-This article describes how to back up an Azure Files using Azure Backup via REST API.
+This article describes how to back up an Azure Files using Azure Backup via REST API. You can also back up Azure Files using [Azure portal](backup-azure-files.md), [CLI](backup-afs-cli.md), and [Azure PowerShell](backup-azure-afs-automation.md).
 
 This article assumes you've already created a Recovery Services vault and policy for configuring backup for your File Share. If you haven’t, refer to the [create vault](./backup-azure-arm-userestapi-createorupdatevault.md) and [create policy](./backup-azure-arm-userestapi-createorupdatepolicy.md) REST API tutorials for creating new vaults and policies.
 
@@ -26,6 +26,9 @@ For this article, we'll use the following resources:
 
 - **File Share**: `testshare`
 
+To learn about the supported Azure Files backup and restore scenarios, region availability, and limitations, see the [support matrix](azure-file-share-support-matrix.md). For common questions, see the [frequently asked questions](backup-azure-files-faq.yml).
+
+
 ## Configure backup for an unprotected Azure Files using REST API
 
 ### Discover storage accounts with unprotected Azure Files

articles/backup/backup-azure-afs-automation.md

@@ -2,14 +2,14 @@
 metadata:
   title: Back up Azure Files FAQ
   description: In this article, discover answers to common questions about how to protect your Azure file shares with the Azure Backup service.
-  ms.date: 06/11/2025
+  ms.date: 02/17/2026
   ms.topic: faq
   ms.service: azure-backup
   author: AbhishekMallick-MS
   ms.author: v-mallicka
 title: Frequently asked questions about backing up Azure Files
 summary: |
-  This article answers common questions about backing up Azure Files. In some of the answers, there are links to the articles that have comprehensive information. You can also post questions about the Azure Backup service in the [Microsoft Q&A question page for discussion](/answers/topics/azure-backup.html).
+  This article answers common questions about backing up Azure Files. In some of the answers, there are links to the articles that have comprehensive information. You can also post questions about the Azure Backup service in the [Microsoft Q&A question page for discussion](/answers/topics/azure-backup.html). To learn about the supported Azure Files backup and restore scenarios, region availability, and limitations, see the [support matrix](azure-file-share-support-matrix.md).
   
   To quickly scan the sections in this article, use the links to the right, under **In this article**.
   

articles/backup/backup-azure-file-share-rest-api.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 title: Back up Azure Files in the Azure portal
 description: Learn how to use the Azure portal to back up Azure Files in the Recovery Services vault
 ms.topic: how-to
-ms.date: 07/09/2025
+ms.date: 02/17/2026
 ms.service: azure-backup
 ms.custom: engagement-fy23
 author: AbhishekMallick-MS
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ ms.author: v-mallicka
 
 # Back up Azure Files
 
-This article describes how to back up [Azure Files](../storage/files/storage-files-introduction.md) from the Azure portal.
+This article describes how to back up [Azure Files](../storage/files/storage-files-introduction.md) from the Azure portal. You can also back up Azure Files using [CLI](backup-afs-cli.md), [Azure PowerShell](backup-azure-afs-automation.md), and [REST API](backup-azure-file-share-rest-api.md).
 
 Azure Files backup is a native cloud solution that protects your data and eliminates on-premises maintenance overheads. Azure Backup seamlessly integrates with Azure File Sync, centralizing your file share data and backups. The simple, reliable, and secure solution allows you to protect your enterprise file shares using [snapshot](azure-file-share-backup-overview.md?tabs=snapshot) and [vaulted](azure-file-share-backup-overview.md?tabs=vault-standard) backups, ensuring data recovery for accidental or malicious deletion.
 
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ Azure Files backup is a native cloud solution that protects your data and elimin
 >[!IMPORTANT]
 >To perform [Cross Subscription Backup (CSB) for protecting Azure Files](azure-file-share-backup-overview.md#how-cross-subscription-backup-for-azure-files-works) in another subscription, ensure you register `Microsoft.RecoveryServices` in the **subscription of the file share** in addition to the given prerequisites.
 
+To learn about the supported Azure Files backup and restore scenarios, region availability, and limitations, see the [support matrix](azure-file-share-support-matrix.md). For common questions, see the [frequently asked questions](backup-azure-files-faq.yml).
 
 ## Configure the backup