Mapping a network drive gives a shared network folder a drive letter in File Explorer. You need the network path to the share and permission to access it.
Map a network drive
- Open File Explorer.
- Select This PC.
- Open the menu containing Map network drive.
- Choose an unused drive letter.
- Enter the folder path, such as \\server\share.
- Choose whether Windows should reconnect the drive when you sign in.
- Select Finish and provide authorized credentials if requested.
Use the correct network path
A mapped drive normally points to an SMB network share, not simply to another computer’s local C: path. The host must be reachable and the folder must actually be shared with your account.
Do not expose file sharing unnecessarily
File sharing should be limited to trusted networks and authorized users. Avoid opening SMB sharing directly to the public Internet. For remote access, use an organization’s approved VPN or secure remote-access solution.
If the mapping stops working
Confirm that the server or NAS is online, the network connection is active, the share name has not changed, and your credentials still have permission. On a workplace network, mapped drives may be deployed automatically by an administrator.
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