Attach Directory does not navigate to target directory and behaves similarly to Attach Container when using SAS direct link

[v-xianya]

Storage Explorer Version

1.42.0

Regression From

Not a regression

Architecture

x64

Storage Explorer Build Number

20260327.4

Platform

All

OS Version

Windows 11 arm64/MacOS Sequoia 15.6.1/Linux Ubuntu 22.04

Bug Description

When opening a SAS-based direct link that targets a directory, the Attach Directory option does not navigate to the target directory as expected. Instead, it behaves similarly to Attach Container, resulting in no observable difference in user experience.

Although there is a minor difference in the generated attachment URL (trailing “/”), this distinction is not visible or meaningful to users.

Resource Types

Blobs, ADLS Gen2 blobs

Authentication Method

None

Connection Type

None

Steps to Reproduce

1. Launch Storage Explorer -> Expand one storage account.
2. Open one blob container -> Upload a directory.
3. Generate a SAS URL for the blob container.
4. Convert it to a SAS direct link (storageexplorer://...) -> Add the directory path to it.
5. Go to File -> Open Direct Link.
6. Paste the SAS direct link.
7. In the dialog, select Attach Directory.
8. Observe the attached resource.
9. Repeat the steps and select Attach Container.

Actual Experience

Both Attach Directory and Attach Container:

• Attach the container at root level
• Do not navigate to the target directory
• Show no meaningful difference in behavior

The only difference observed:

• Attach Container → URL does not end with /
• Attach Directory → URL ends with /

Expected Experience

Attach Container:

• Attaches the container at root level

Attach Directory:

• Attaches the resource
• Navigates directly to the target directory specified in the SAS link
• Provides a distinct behavior from Attach Container

Additional Context

1. The description “Navigate to existing directory attachment” is misleading:

• No navigation to the directory occurs
• No existing attachment is required

2. For a directory SAS direct link, the descriptions of Download and Download & Open may also be confusing:

• These options appear to assume a file-based target
• Expected behavior for directory targets is not clearly defined

3. Here is the dialog: <Directory SAS direct link format: storageexplorer://0327testy.blob.core.windows.net/test/f1?sv=2025-07-05***>