How To Map A Network Drive In Windows 11 [3 Different Ways]

If you want to access a folder on another PC on your network, you can map a network drive in Windows 11. Network drives allow you to access shared files and folders from other computers. Fortunately, Windows offers multiple ways to map a network drive and quickly access shared files on your network. To map a network drive for all users, you need to create a special folder and script. Here’s how to do it.

These are the best ways to map network drives on Windows 11. Users who map network drives in Windows 11 can open and view shared folders with convenient File Explorer shortcuts. You can set up a mapped drive with the Map Network Drive utility on Windows 11. The Command Prompt can also come in handy as a utility for setting up a mapped network drive.

This guide also shows you how to disconnect the drives if they are no longer needed.

Table of Contents

What Is Network Drive?

A network drive serves as a destination or storage device where you can safeguard and distribute files as well as applications among individuals within the same network. This could be a Server drive within the network, a NAS drive (an independent network drive), or a physical drive linked to a router.

Accessing a network drive might prove slightly intricate as you must enter the network drive pathway each time. To rapidly reach the network drive, you have the option to associate it with your local computer, as it won’t occupy much space on your local disk.

And this is precisely why we’re here. We’ll guide you through the complete process of how to link a network drive in Windows 11. Let’s get started.

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What Are The Benefits Of Mapping A Network Drive?

Upon sharing a folder across a local network, you can locate it by inputting its network address (path) within the File Explorer.

Nevertheless, opting to establish a network drive mapping proves more advantageous. This approach enables you to conveniently reach shared folders on other computers in a manner akin to accessing local ones.

Mapped drives provide convenient shortcuts for reaching shared folders residing on a distinct PC within the local network. Upon configuring a mapped drive for a shared folder, it becomes visible within the “This PC” section of the File Explorer, ensuring swift and effortless accessibility.

Moreover, the act of mapping a network drive facilitates your ability to reach shared folders and files on a network. It permits you to engage with these resources as if they were located on your own computer, streamlining the process of working with network-stored files.

This functionality proves especially valuable for enterprises or institutions equipped with numerous computers or servers, aiming to facilitate seamless file and resource sharing amongst them.

There are other use cases why people need to map a network drive on their computer depending on their individual requirements. Essentially, it is based on the advantages one can extract from network drives. Here is a list of benefits you can get when mapping a network to a local disk on a PC Windows:

Free up the local disk space to expand local computer storage.
Fast file share or transfer onto the network drive.
Protect losing personal and important data as a result of unexpected operating system crashes or system failure errors.
Easier to access and use shared files anywhere without the source computer nearby.

But is it really that simple to set up mapping? Keep reading to learn how to map a network drive in Windows 11 using different methods.

Windows 11 includes the same Map Network Drive tool as its predecessors with which you can set up mapped drives.

You can also set up a mapped drive via PowerShell and Command Prompt in Windows 11. This is how you can map a network drive in Windows 11 with those methods.

How To Enable Network Discovery For Mapping Devices In Windows:

When connected to a secure shared network, you have the ability to retrieve files and directories from other PCs within the network, provided you possess the PC’s and the desired folder’s addresses.

However, the prospect of memorizing the precise address for every instance might appear daunting.

Fortunately, you can simplify this process by creating a network drive mapping in Windows 11. Windows has a network discovery feature that enables your computer to discover and connect with other devices on the same network, such as desktop computers, laptops, servers, and printers.

This will streamline access whenever you require it. It also simplifies the process of sharing files or folders with other devices on the same network.

So of course, before you begin, ensure that your PCs are discoverable on the network. Typically, this is the default configuration for secure networks. Nonetheless, if this option is deactivated, we’ll guide you through the steps to do that as well.

Configure Network Discovery For Mapping Devices

You’ll need to enable network discovery on both your own PC and the one that has the shared folders.

Additionally, you must make sure to turn on network discovery in Windows 11 to map a drive. Basically, network discovery makes devices linked to your local network discoverable so they can locate and communicate with each other. This show you can enable that feature.

Step 1 – Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2 – Select Network & Internet on the left pane.

Step 3 – Click the Advanced sharing settings option under the More Settings category.

Step 4 – Now open the Private networks settings and turn on the toggle switch next to Network discovery.

Step 5 – Also, enable File and printer sharing if you’re looking to access a printer on the network.

Step 6 – That’s it.

Once you switch on network discovery, other devices on the same network can see your computer and access it.

Tip: If you’re connected to a trusted network, such as your home network, select Private networks. But if you’re connected to a unfamiliar network, select the Public networks options.

Also, keep in mind enabling network discovery exposes your computer to security risks associated with devices having access to yours.

Therefore, it’s imperative to set up a strong password and use a trusted Windows 11 antivirus to protect your device in case something wrong happens.

How To Set Up A Shared Folder

You can only include shared folders for mapped devices. When a folder is shared, it will have a local network path you can enter in File Explorer to view it. This is how you can set up a shared folder in Windows 11:

Step 1 – Press the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut to open File Explorer.

Step 2 – Right-click a folder you want to share and select Properties.

Step 3 – Now click the Sharing tab.

Step 4 – Hit the Advanced Sharing button.

Step 5 – Then click the Share this folder checkbox to confirm its selection.

Step 6 – Click on the Apply button to finalize changes.

Step 7 – And finally click the OK button to close the window.

Remember that you should see a network path specified on the folder’s Sharing Tab when it’s shared.

How To Map Network Drive On Windows 11:

Windows 11 offers multiple methods for linking a network drive to your PC, which encompasses utilizing File Explorer or employing commands through PowerShell or Command Prompt. This tutorial will explain the process, including the steps to disconnect a network drive in the following section.

During the process of network drive mapping, the system essentially establishes a “shortcut” or “reference point” that empowers Windows 11 to pinpoint the shared folder and access its contents, replicating the experience of a physically connected drive.

Once the mapping is done, the storage will become visible within “This PC,” housed under the “Network locations” category in File Explorer.

In this guide, you can learn step-by-step how to use File Explorer, Command Prompt, and PowerShell to map a network drive in Windows 11. Instructions below also work to map a network drive in Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP and Windows Server devices.

Map Network Drive In Windows 11 Using File Explorer

To map a network drive on Windows 11 with File Explorer, use these steps:

Step 1 – Open File Explorer in Windows 11.

Step 2 – On the left pane, click This PC.

Step 3 – In the command bar, click the See more (three-dotted) button and select the Map network drive option.

Step 4 – Use the “Drive” drop-down menu and choose a letter to assign the drive.

Step 5 – Now in the “Folder” field, enter the network path to the shared folder. (Or click the Browse button to browse the folder to map as a network drive, and click the OK button.)

Step 6 – To make the connection permanent, check the Reconnect at sign-in option.

Step 7 – If the credentials are different from the account your are currently using, check the Connect using different credentials.

Step 8 – Hit the Finish button.

Step 9 – Confirm the network account credentials (if applicable) to map the network drive to Windows 11.

Step 10 – Click the OK button.

Step 11 – That’s it.

Upon completing the steps, the network drive will be accessible within File Explorer.

In the event that you encounter difficulty connecting to the shared folder, consider utilizing the IP address instead of the computer’s name. However, if the remote device configuration is set to a dynamic IP address, there’s a possibility it could change in the future, and thus requiring your to reconnect.

In addition, if the resource-providing device is linked to a Microsoft account utilizing the passwordless feature, you will need to create a local account for a successful connection. Failure to do so will result in an unsuccessful mapping process.

Map Network Drive In Windows 11 Using PowerShell

To map a network drive with PowerShell commands, use these steps:

Step 1 – Open Start.

Step 2 – Search for PowerShell and click the top result to open the utility.

Step 3 – Type the following command to map a network drive assigning letter manually and hit Enter:

New-PSDrive -Name "DRIVER-LETTER" -PSProvider "FileSystem" -Root "\\DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDER" -Persist

In the command, replace DRIVER-LETTER with a drive letter not already in use. Then change DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP and SHARED-FOLDER for the computer name or IP address of the computer hosting the shared folder and the name of the share.

For example, this command maps the ShareFiles folder to the computer with the “Z” drive letter:

New-PSDrive -Name "Z" -PSProvider "FileSystem" -Root "\\vm-10v21h2\ShareFiles" -Persist

Step 4 – That’s it.

Once you finish the steps, the shared folder will appear a network drive on the computer, and it will appear in the File Explorer.

Map Network Drive In Windows 11 Using Command Prompt

To map a shared folder with Command Prompton Windows 11, use these steps:

Step 1 – Open Start.

Step 2 – Search for Command Prompt and click the top search result to open the tool.

Step 3 – Type the following command to map a network drive assigning drive letter manually and hit Enter:

net use Z: \\DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDER

In the command, replace “Z” with the drive letter not already in use. Then replace DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP and SHARED-FOLDER for the computer name or IP address of the device hosting the shared folder and the name of the share.

For example, this command maps the ShareFiles folder to the computer with the “Z” drive letter:

net use Z: \\vm-10v21h2\ShareFiles

Step 4 – Now type the following command to map a drive assigning letter automatically and press Enter:

net use * \\DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDER

In the command, the (*) is the option that automatically assigns a random available drive letter. Then replace DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP and SHARED-FOLDER for the computer name or IP address of the device hosting the shared folder and the name of the share.

For example, this command maps the ShareOne folder to the computer:

net use * \\vm-10v21h2\ShareFiles

Step 5 – Type the following command to map a drive providing the authentication information and press Enter:

net use Z: \\DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP\SHARED-FOLDER PASSWORD /user:USERNAME /persistent:yes

In the command, replace “Z” with the drive letter not already in use. Then change DEVICE-NAME-OR-IP and SHARED-FOLDER for the computer name or IP address of the device hosting the shared folder and the name of the share. The PASSWORD and USERNAME have to be replaced with the credentials to authenticate with the remote machine. The “persistent” option allows the folder to stay mapped after reboot.

For example, this command maps the ShareFiles folder providing the user credentials and making the mapping persistent:

net use Z: \\vm-10v21h2\ShareFiles password /user:admin /persistent:yes

Step 6 – That’s it.

Once you complete the steps, the network shared folder will map on the device, appearing in File Explorer.

How To Disconnect Mapped Network Drive In Windows 11:

And should access to network resources be no longer necessary or needed, Windows 11 provides quick methods to disconnect the network drive via the same tools.

Disconnect Network Drive On Windows 11 With File Explorer

To disconnect a network drive on Windows 11, use these steps:

Step 1 – Open File Explorer.

Step 2 – Click on This PC from the left pane.

Step 3 – Under the Network Locations section, right-click the network drive (select See more options) and choose the Disconnect option.

Step 4 – That’s all.

After you complete these steps, the network drive will no longer be available on the computer.

Disconnect Network Drive In Windows 11 With PowerShell

To disconnect and completely remove a mapped network drive on Windows 11 using PowerShell, use these steps:

Step 1 – Open Start.

Step 2 – Search for PowerShell and click the top search result to open the tool.

Step 3 – To view all the mapped drives, Type the following command and press Enter:

Get-PSDrive -PSProvider "FileSystem"

Step 4 – Now type the following command to disconnect the mapped network drive and press Enter:

Remove-PSDrive -Name DRIVE-LETTER

In the command, replace DRIVE-LETTER for the drive letter of the mapping.

For example, this command disconnects the “X” drive:

Remove-PSDrive -Name X

Step 5 – (Optional) You can also remove multiple mapped drives. For that, type the command and press Enter:

Get-PSDrive DRIVER-LETTER-1, DRIVE-LETTER-2 | Remove-PSDrive

In the command, replace DRIVER-LETTER-1 and DRIVE-LETTER-2 with the drive letters you want to disconnect.

For example, this command disconnects the “E” and “F” drives:

Get-PSDrive E, F | Remove-PSDrive

Step 6 – That’s it.

Once you complete the steps, the network mapping will no longer be available on the computer.

Disconnect Network Drive In Windows 11 With Command Prompt

Step 1 – Open Start.

Step 2 – Search for Command Prompt and click the top search result to open the tool.

Step 3 – Now type the following command to remove a mapped network drive and press Enter:

net use z: /Delete

In the command, replace “Z” with the drive letter of the map you want to remove.

Step 4 – (Optional) Type the following command to remove all the mapped network drives and press Enter:

net use * /Delete

Step 5 – That’s it.

After you complete the steps, the mapped drives will be disconnected and no longer accessible from File Explorer.

[FIX]: Windows Can’t Access The Network Location

If Windows fails to access the mapped driver’s location with network discovery enabled, you might need to enable Server Message Block (SMB). SMB protocol facilitates drive mapping. This is how you can enable SMB in Windows 11:

Press Windows Key + R to launch Run.
In Run’s command box, type: appwiz.cpl
Click OK to launch the Programs and Features window.
Now click Turn Windows features on or off on the left pane.
Next, select the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support checkbox.
Plus, click the SMB 1.0/CIFS Server checkbox if not selected already.
Hit the OK button to apply the selected changes.
Click the Restart now button.
All done.

Bonus Tips For Using Network Drive On Windows 11:

After setting up network drive mapping on your Windows 11 PC, you can utilize the drive for exchanging and transferring files across both your computer and the network. Keep in mind that understanding how to leverage the network drive for storing and sharing computer files is equally crucial.

Here are some helpful tips that can assist you maximize the network drive potential while keeping your files protected:

Ensure a stable network connection to avoid losing your network drive.
Share a copy of files to a network drive rather than cutting them from the local drive on your Windows 11 computer.
Never forget to set a password for allowing access to important data on the network drive.
Make sure the local drive connected to the network drive has ample space available on it.

Bear in mind that while a network drive doesn’t consume substantial physical space on the local disk, maintaining a designated amount of free space on the disk remains vital for seamless file sharing and transferring.

Conclusion:

Creating mapped drives on Windows 11 using the Map Network Drive utility is a fairly uncomplicated process. This tool is equally applicable on the Windows 10 and Windows 7 platforms, and it’s worth noting that you can also establish mapped network drives over VPN connections.

The Map Network Drive utility maintains a familiar interface in the most recent platform iteration. For those who frequently employ the Command Prompt, that method might hold preference. Besides, a variety of other commands can be used to configure and set up mapped drives.

In essence, drive mapping is a practical network feature within the Windows environment. By configuring a mapped drive, you gain more direct access to its shared folder through File Explorer.

Consequently, setting up mapped drives proves advantageous when you need to share files among two or more local PCs. Feel free to share your insights in the comments section below.