How to Map a Network Drive in Windows

What is a Mapped Network Drive?

A mapped network drive is a shortcut that connects a shared folder on your office server or NAS (network-attached storage) to a drive letter on your computer. Instead of navigating through multiple folders to find shared files, you get a drive letter (like S: or Z:) that takes you straight there.

For example:

• S: might connect to your shared company files
• P: might connect to your personal folder on the server
• A: might connect to the accounting department's folder

Mapping a Network Drive in Windows 11

Step 1: Open File Explorer

• Press Windows + E to open File Explorer
• Click This PC in the left sidebar

Step 2: Map the Drive

• Click the three dots (...) in the toolbar at the top
• Select Map network drive

Step 3: Choose Settings

• Drive letter: Pick a letter (e.g., S:, Z:, or any available letter)
• Folder: Enter the path to the shared folder, for example:

- `\\server-name\shared` (your IT team will provide this) - `\\192.168.1.100\files`

• Tick "Reconnect at sign-in" (so the drive reconnects every time you log in)
• Tick "Connect using different credentials" (only if the shared folder requires a different username and password)
• Click Finish

Step 4: Enter Credentials (If Prompted)

• Enter the username and password for the shared folder
• Tick Remember my credentials
• Click OK

The drive will now appear under This PC in File Explorer.

Mapping a Network Drive in Windows 10

Step 1: Open File Explorer

• Press Windows + E
• Click This PC

Step 2: Map the Drive

• Click Computer in the top menu
• Click Map network drive

Step 3: Follow the Same Settings

• Choose a drive letter
• Enter the folder path
• Tick "Reconnect at sign-in"
• Click Finish

Finding Your Network Path

If you do not know the network path to your shared folder, here are some ways to find it:

Ask your IT team. They will know the exact path to your server or NAS.

Browse the network:

• In File Explorer, click Network in the left sidebar
• You should see your office server or NAS listed
• Double-click to browse shared folders
• Right-click the folder you want and select Map network drive

Check an existing mapped drive:

• If a colleague already has the drive mapped, ask them to:

- Open File Explorer - Right-click the mapped drive - Click Properties - The path will be shown under Location

Mapping a Drive Using Command Prompt

For IT-savvy users, you can also map drives using the command line:

• Open Command Prompt (search for "cmd")
• Type: `net use S: \\server-name\shared /persistent:yes`
• Press Enter
• Enter credentials if prompted

Replace S: with your chosen drive letter and the path with your actual server path.

Disconnecting a Mapped Drive

If you need to remove a mapped drive:

Method 1: File Explorer

• Open File Explorer
• Click This PC
• Right-click the mapped drive
• Select Disconnect

Method 2: Command Prompt

• Open Command Prompt
• Type: `net use S: /delete`
• Press Enter

Common Issues and Fixes

"Windows cannot access \\server-name\shared"

Possible causes:

• The server is turned off or restarting
• You are not connected to the office network (or VPN if working remotely)
• The folder path is incorrect — double-check the spelling
• Your account does not have permission to access the folder

Steps to try:

• Check your network connection
• If working from home, connect to your office VPN first
• Ask your IT team to verify the path and your permissions

Drive shows a red X

This means the drive was previously connected but is currently unavailable.

• Check your network or VPN connection
• Right-click the drive and select Disconnect, then re-map it
• Restart your computer

"Access denied" when opening a mapped drive

• Your password may have changed — disconnect and re-map the drive with your new password
• Your account may not have permission to that folder — contact your IT team

Drive disappears after restarting

• You did not tick "Reconnect at sign-in" when mapping the drive
• Disconnect it and re-map it with that option ticked
• If it still disappears, your IT team may need to set up the mapping through a login script or Group Policy

Working from Home?

If you work remotely and need to access your office network drives:

• Connect to your office VPN first
• Then open the mapped drive in File Explorer
• If the drive does not reconnect automatically, disconnect and re-map it while connected to the VPN

Without a VPN connection, your computer cannot reach the office server, and mapped drives will show as unavailable.

Alternative: If your business uses OneDrive or SharePoint, your IT team may be able to sync shared folders through the cloud instead of using mapped network drives. This gives you access to files without needing a VPN.

Need Help?

For help mapping network drives or accessing shared folders, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.