This article explains how to map a network drive or folder in Windows. Network drives allow users to conveniently access shared resources, such as files on a file server or NAS storage, directly through Windows File Explorer as if they were a local drive.
Ways to Map a Network Drive
1. Through Windows File Explorer
2. Using Command Prompt or PowerShell
3. Via Group Policies
Mapping a Network Drive in Windows 11 File Explorer
1. Open Windows File Explorer.
2. Click the three dots in the top menu and select Map network drive.
3. Choose a drive letter to assign to the network folder.
4. Specify the path to the folder on the file server in UNC format (e.g., \\fs01\Docs\IT). If you don’t know the path, use the Browse button to select the folder manually.
5. To automatically connect the drive at system login, enable this option.
6. If you need to use different credentials for the connection, enable this option and enter the username and password.
After these steps, the network drive will appear in Windows File Explorer and be available for use.
To disconnect a network drive, right-click the drive and select Disconnect.
Mapping a Network Drive via Command Prompt
You can map a network drive using the net use command. Example:
net use P: \\fs01\Docs /PERSISTENT:YES
Where:
– P: — The drive letter for the network folder.
– \\fs01\Docs — The UNC path to the folder on the server.
– /PERSISTENT:YES — Makes the connection persistent, so the network drive remains after a reboot.
To use a specific account for the connection:
net use P: \\fs01\Docs /USER:WINITPRO\kbuldogov *
Where:
– /USER — Specifies the account.
– The asterisk (*) prompts the system to request the password interactively.
To delete a network drive:
net use P: /delete
Mapping a Network Drive via PowerShell
To map a network drive in PowerShell, use the New-SmbMapping command. Example:
New-SmbMapping -LocalPath P: -RemotePath \\fs01\docs -Persistent $true
To remove a network folder:
Remove-SmbMapping P: -UpdateProfile
To list network shares on a remote computer:
Get-SmbShare -CimSession "FS01"
Mapping a Network Drive Using Group Policies
Domain administrators can use Group Policies to automatically map network drives for all network users. This is particularly useful for centralized management of shared resources and simplifying user access.
Now you know how to map a network drive in Windows using multiple methods, whether through File Explorer, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Choose the method that best suits your needs.
