Staff Map Network Drives and Shared Folders Easily in Windows 10/11

[Luckyy]

Mapping a network drive allows you to assign a shared folder from another computer (or a NAS) as a drive letter on your system (e.g. Z:\). This is useful for file sharing, backups, or centralized data storage.

Method 1: Map Network Drive via File Explorer​

1. Open File Explorer
2. In the left pane, click on This PC
3. Click the three dots (...) menu at the top (Windows 11) or right-click in the window → choose Map network drive
4. Choose a drive letter (e.g., Z
5. In the Folder field, enter the network path to the shared folder:
\\ComputerName\SharedFolder
6. Check Reconnect at sign-in if you want it to stay mapped after restart
7. If prompted, enter the network credentials (username & password of the other PC)
8. Click Finish

Method 2: Map Drive Using Command Prompt​

You can also map it with a command:

net use Z: \\ComputerName\SharedFolder /persistent:yes

Use `/user:Username` if you need to specify a user:

net use Z: \\ComputerName\SharedFolder /user:YourUserName /persistent:yes

To remove a mapped drive:

net use Z: /delete

Finding the Share Path​

On the PC that is sharing the folder:

1. Right-click the folder you want to share → Properties
2. Go to the Sharing tab → Click Share or Advanced Sharing
3. Note the network path shown (e.g., \\MyPC\Movies)

When to Use This​

• Access files on another PC in the same network
• Set up shared folders for media streaming or backups
• Access NAS (Network Attached Storage) drives
• Centralize shared work files or tools

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Tip: Make sure both PCs are on the same network and "File and Printer Sharing" is enabled in the Network and Sharing Center.

That's it! You've now mapped a network drive that will behave just like a local disk.