Exporting your Dynamics 365 Business Central database might sound intimidating, but with the Business Central Admin Center and a bit of Azure storage magic, it’s actually a straightforward process. Whether you’re doing this for backup, compliance, or migration purposes, here’s a quick walk-through of the exact steps I followed.
Why Would You Export a Database?
Sometimes you need a copy of your BC database outside Microsoft’s managed environment – maybe for archiving, regulatory reporting, or testing. Microsoft provides this export option, but it requires an Azure Blob Storage container and a Shared Access Signature (SAS) to securely handle the data transfer.
The 5 Steps to Export Your BC Database
Step 01 – Choose the Environment Database to Export
Head over to the Business Central Admin Center, pick the environment you want to export (Sandbox or Production), and select Export Database.
Step 02 – Generate a Shared Access Signature (SAS) from Azure
In your Azure portal, go to the Storage Account and generate a SAS token. This ensures secure access between Business Central and your Blob storage.
- On the Azure storage account, choose Shared access signature in the navigation pane.
- In the Allowed services section of the shared access signature pane, select Blob, and clear the other options.
- In the Allowed resource types section, select Container and Object, and clear the other options.
- In the Allowed permissions section, mark Read, Write, Delete, and Create, and clear the other options.
- Select a start and end date and time for the SAS. A minimum expiration window of 24 hours from the initiation of the export is required. TipIt’s a best practice to use near-term expiration for the account’s SAS. To reduce risk of a compromised storage account, set the end date and time no later than what is needed for you to complete the database export operation. However, the SAS must be valid for a minimum of 24 hours.
- In the Allowed protocols section, select HTTPS only.
- Select Generate SAS and connection string.
Step 03 – Copy the Blob Service SAS URL
Once generated, copy the Blob Service SAS URL carefully. This URL contains your temporary access credentials, so handle it with care.
Step 04 – Apply the Blob Service SAS URL in BC Admin Center
Go back to the Database Export screen in BC Admin Center and paste the Blob Service SAS URL. This connects Business Central to your storage container.
Step 05 – Your Database Export is on the Way
Click Export and wait for the process to complete. Depending on your database size, this can take some time. Once done, you’ll find the .bacpac file ready in your Azure Blob Storage.
🖼️ [Screenshot: Export in progress message]
⚠️ Important Notes
- Export Limits: For each environment, you can export the database a maximum of 10 times per month. When you create an export file, the Create Database Export pane will show you how many attempts remain for the current month.
- Supported Storage Accounts Only: Exporting an environment database is supported only to Standard general-purpose v2 Azure storage accounts. Using other types, such as V1 or Premium, isn’t supported.
- Security & Expiry: Your SAS URL acts like a password and comes with an expiry time. Make sure it’s valid long enough to complete the export process.
- Costs: Azure Blob Storage may incur charges depending on database size and retention period.
Final Thoughts
Exporting a Business Central database isn’t something you do daily, but when the need arises, this 5-step process makes it simple. With the right prep in Azure and careful handling of your SAS URL, you’ll have your data exported in no time.
👉 Thinking of going beyond just exports – like setting up migrations, integrations, or AppSource-ready solutions? That’s exactly where we at DynaExperts can help.