How to Map a Network Drive in Windows 11

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How to Map a Network Drive in Windows 11

Mapping a network drive gives a shared folder - on another PC, a NAS box or an office server - its own drive letter, such as Z:, in File Explorer. You can then open it like a USB drive, without typing its network address every time.

Before You Start

You need:

The network path of the shared folder, in the form \\computer-name\share-name (for example \\OFFICE-PC\Documents or \\192.168.1.20\Backup).
A user name and password that the other computer or NAS accepts, unless the share is open to everyone.
Your PC on the same network, with the network set to Private (Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet > your network > Network profile type). Public networks hide other devices on purpose.

At work, your IT team usually gives you the path. At home, the NAS maker's app or the other PC's sharing settings show it.

Method 1: Map a Drive in File Explorer

These are Microsoft's steps:

Open File Explorer (press Windows + E).
Select This PC in the left pane.
On the toolbar, select See more (the three dots) > Map network drive. If you don't see it there, right-click This PC in the left pane and choose Map network drive.
In Drive, pick any free letter.
In Folder, type the network path, or select Browse to find it.
Tick Reconnect at sign-in if you want the drive every time you sign in.
If the share needs a different account from the one you use on this PC, tick Connect using different credentials.
Select Finish, and enter the user name and password if asked. Tick Remember my credentials only on a PC you alone use.

The drive now appears under This PC > Network locations.

Method 2: Map a Drive With a Command

Handy if you set up several PCs, or Explorer's dialog keeps failing. Open Command Prompt (no administrator rights needed - in fact, run it as your normal user so the drive shows up for you) and type:

net use Z: \\OFFICE-PC\Documents /persistent:yes

Replace Z: with a free letter and the path with your share.
/persistent:yes reconnects the drive at every sign-in.
To connect with another account, add /user:OFFICE-PC\username and Windows will ask for the password.

If it works, you'll see The command completed successfully. To list your mapped drives, type net use on its own.

Tip: a drive mapped from an administrator Command Prompt or PowerShell window may not appear in your normal File Explorer, because Windows keeps the two sessions separate. Map drives from a normal window.

Disconnect a Mapped Drive

File Explorer: right-click the drive under This PC and select Disconnect.
Command Prompt: net use Z: /delete

Disconnecting only removes the shortcut letter. The files on the other computer or NAS are not touched.

Mapped Drive Not Working?

Work through these in order:

Red X after restart: open the drive. Windows often reconnects as soon as you use it.
Is the other device on? A PC that is asleep or a NAS that is off can't share anything. Try opening the path directly by typing it in File Explorer's address bar.
Try the IP address instead of the name (for example \\192.168.1.20\Backup). If the IP works but the name doesn't, it's a name-lookup problem on your network; the IP path is a fine workaround.
Wrong password: open Credential Manager (search for it in Start) > Windows Credentials, remove the saved entry for that computer, and connect again.
Network set to Public: switch it to Private as described above.
"You do not have permission": the share's owner has to give your account access. On a work network, ask your IT team.

Don't turn on old file-sharing protocols such as SMB 1.0 to make an old NAS work - they are switched off for security reasons. Update the NAS firmware instead, or ask its maker.

Related Guides

If you're moving files to a new computer rather than sharing them long term, see how to transfer files from an old PC to a new PC. To get files from your phone onto the PC, see how to share files between Android and Windows PC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What path do I type for a network drive?

Use the form \\\\computer-name\\share-name, for example \\\\OFFICE-PC\\Documents or \\\\192.168.1.20\\Backup. The share name is the name given to the shared folder, not its local path.

Why does my mapped drive show a red X after restarting?

Windows often shows a red X until you open the drive, because the network wasn't ready at sign-in. Open it in File Explorer. If it still won't connect, check that the other computer or NAS is on and reachable.

Can I map a drive to a folder on another PC in my home?

Yes, if that folder is shared and both PCs are on a network marked as Private. You'll need a user name and password that the other PC accepts.

How do I remove a mapped drive?

In File Explorer, right-click the drive under This PC and select Disconnect, or run net use Z: /delete in Command Prompt, replacing Z: with your drive letter.