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🔗 How to Map a Network Drive in Windows

Mapping a network drive allows you to access shared folders on another computer or server as if they were a local disk on your PC. This is useful for accessing shared files, backups, or central storage resources in your network.



🧰 Requirements


  • A shared folder accessible over your network (e.g., \\ServerName\ShareName)
  • Valid credentials to access the share (if required)
  • Windows 10, 11, or Server OS



🪜 Step-by-Step Instructions


Option 1: Using File Explorer


  1. Open File Explorer

Press Win + E to open File Explorer.

  1. Click “This PC”

In the left-hand navigation panel, select This PC.

  1. Click “Map network drive”

In the top menu bar, click Map network drive > Map network drive again from the dropdown.

  1. Choose a Drive Letter

Select a drive letter from the dropdown (e.g., Z:).

  1. Enter the Folder Path

Type the shared folder path in the format:

\\ServerName\ShareName

  1. Optional: Reconnect at sign-in

Check this box if you want the drive to reconnect automatically each time you log in.

  1. Optional: Connect using different credentials

Check this box if you're using a different username/password to access the share.

  1. Click “Finish”
  2. Enter Credentials (if prompted)

Enter the username and password that has access to the shared folder.


✅ Your network drive should now appear in This PC under Network locations.



Option 2: Using Command Line (Advanced)


For scripting or automation, you can use the net use command:


net use Z: \\ServerName\ShareName /user:DOMAIN\username password /persistent:yes


  • Replace Z: with your desired drive letter.
  • Replace DOMAIN\username and password with valid credentials.
  • Use /persistent:no if you don't want it to reconnect on reboot.



❗ Troubleshooting Tips


  • Make sure the server is online and accessible from your PC.
  • Ensure file sharing is enabled on the host machine.
  • Verify that Windows Defender Firewall or third-party firewalls are not blocking access.
  • Use ping ServerName to verify connectivity.



🧽 To Remove a Mapped Drive


  • Right-click the mapped drive in This PC > click Disconnect

OR

  • Run this command:


net use Z: /delete


Updated on: 10/12/2025

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