Change notification in distributed file systems

Embodiments are directed to managing data in a file system over a network. A file system that includes a master node and client nodes may be provided. A master quorum value and a client quorum value having the same value may be provided. A profile catalog associated with the master node that includes parameters may be provided. Profile registers associated with the client nodes may be provided. Change actions may be executed on each client node based on change information provided by the master node. In response to errors, access to the file system may be suspended; the master quorum value may be modified to indicate that the file system is out of quorum; recovery actions may be executed; the client quorum value at each client node may be modified to correspond with the master quorum value; and access to the file system may be restored.