Published 2022-11-30 by TechNet New England
Mapping a network drive gives you quick access to a shared folder on another computer or server. Once mapped, it appears in File Explorer as a regular drive letter (like Z: or S:). ## Method 1: Through File Explorer 1. Open **File Explorer** (press **Win + E**). 2. Click **This PC** in the left sidebar. 3. Click the three dots (**...**) in the toolbar at the top and select **Map network drive**. 4. Choose a **Drive letter** from the dropdown (any available letter works). 5. In the **Folder** field, enter the network path. For example: ``` \\ServerName\SharedFolder ``` or by IP address: ``` \\192.168.1.10\SharedFolder ``` 6. Check **Reconnect at sign-in** if you want this drive to be available every time you log in. 7. Check **Connect using different credentials** if the shared folder requires a different username and password than what you are logged in with. 8. Click **Finish**. 9. If prompted, enter the username and password for the share. Check "Remember my credentials" to avoid entering them again. ## Method 2: Using Command Prompt Open Command Prompt and run: ```cmd net use Z: \\ServerName\SharedFolder /persistent:yes ``` Replace `Z:` with your preferred drive letter and update the server name and folder path. If credentials are required: ```cmd net use Z: \\ServerName\SharedFolder /user:username password /persistent:yes ``` ## How to Disconnect a Mapped Drive 1. Open **File Explorer**. 2. Right-click the mapped drive under **This PC**. 3. Select **Disconnect**. Or via command line: ```cmd net use Z: /delete ``` ## Troubleshooting **"Windows cannot access" error:** Make sure the server or computer sharing the folder is powered on and connected to the same network. Verify the share name is spelled correctly. **"Access is denied" error:** You may not have permission to access the share. Contact your IT support to verify your access rights. **Drive disconnects after restart:** Make sure "Reconnect at sign-in" was checked. Also verify that the server is available when your computer starts. If the server starts slower than your computer, the drive may fail to reconnect on the first try. **Drive shows red X but still works:** This is a Windows display bug. The drive is connected but Windows shows it as disconnected. It usually resolves after you click on it.