How to Connect to a Server on Windows 10

To connect to a server on Windows 10, open File Explorer, type two backslashes and the server name in the address bar, like \\CONTOSO-NAS, and press Enter. You’ll see its shared folders. To keep a shared folder handy, map it as a drive with Map network drive.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 28, 2026.

Before you start

• You need the server’s name or IP address, like \\CONTOSO-NAS or \\192.168.1.20. Ask the person who runs it, or check the server’s label or settings page.
• Your PC and the server must be on the same network, or connected through your work’s VPN.
• If Windows asks for a user name and password, use the account the server’s owner set up for you.

Open the server in File Explorer

1. Press Windows key + E.
2. Select the address bar, type \\ followed by the server name or IP address, and press Enter.
3. Double-click a shared folder to open it.

Map a shared folder as a drive

Mapping gives the folder a drive letter in This PC, so you don’t have to type the address each time.

1. In File Explorer, select This PC, then select Map network drive on the Computer tab.
2. Pick a Drive letter and type the folder address, like \\CONTOSO-NAS\Photos.
3. Keep Reconnect at sign-in checked, then select Finish.

For more options, see how to map a network drive in Windows 10.

Connect from Command Prompt

To map a drive in one line, open Command Prompt and run:

net use Z: \\CONTOSO-NAS\Photos /persistent:yes

Replace the letter and address with yours. Add /user:NAME to sign in as a different user. net use on its own lists your current connections, and net use Z: /delete removes one.

Connect to an FTP or web server

File Explorer can also open FTP servers. Type ftp:// followed by the server address in the address bar and press Enter. To keep it in This PC, select This PC, choose Add a network location on the Computer tab, and follow the wizard with the same address.

Save or fix the server password

Windows stores server passwords in Credential Manager. Search Start for it, open Windows Credentials, and look for the server’s name. Select Edit to update a changed password, or Remove to make Windows ask again.

Common connection errors

• 0x80070035 “The network path was not found.” Check the name for typos, then try the IP address instead. Make sure the server is on and on the same network or VPN.
• Error 1219 “Multiple connections to a server by the same user are not allowed.” You’re already connected with a different account. Run net use * /delete, then connect again with the right one.
• “Access is denied.” The account you signed in with doesn’t have permission for that folder. Ask the server’s owner.
• An old network drive won’t connect at all. It may only support SMB1, which Windows 10 turns off. Check for a firmware update for the drive.

Frequently asked questions

Why does it say Windows can’t access the server?

Check the name or IP address, make sure both are on the same network, and try the IP address instead of the name. To find addresses on your network, see how to find your IP address.

How do I control the server’s desktop instead of just its files?

That’s Remote Desktop. See how to set up Remote Desktop on Windows 10.

How do I share a folder from my own PC?

See how to share folders in Windows 10.

Can I connect to a server from outside the office?

Usually only through your organization’s VPN. Shared folders aren’t normally reachable over the internet, for security reasons. Connect to the VPN first, then use the same server address.

Why is the mapped drive marked with a red X?

Windows couldn’t reconnect it at sign-in, often because the network wasn’t ready yet. Double-click the drive to reconnect. If it stays red, the server is off or unreachable.

Microsoft’s reference is File sharing over a network in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.

Related: How to connect to an SMB share in Windows 11.