On Windows 10, you can map a network drive to quickly access files stored in a shared folder on another computer (or server) connected to the network.
When you connect to a drive using the “Map Network Drive” option on Windows 10, the system essentially creates a “shortcut” that points to the network shared folder with a drive letter and access credentials. The mapped drive then appears on “This PC” under the “Network locations” section to give you quick access to those files stored on the remote computer.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to map a network drive on Windows 10. In addition, we look at instructions to disconnect it using the options available in File Explorer.
- Map a network drive using File Explorer on Windows 10
- Disconnect a network drive using File Explorer on Windows 10
Map a network drive using File Explorer on Windows 10
Use the following steps to map a network drive using File Explorer:
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Open File Explorer on Windows 10.
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Click on This PC from the left pane.
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Click the Map network drive option from the “Computer” tab.
File Explorer map network drive -
Use the “Drive” drop-down menu and select an unused letter to assign the drive. (Or you can use the default selection.)
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In the “Folder” field, enter the network path to the shared folder. (Or click the Browse button to browse to the folder to map as a network drive, and click the OK button.)
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Check the Reconnect at sign-in option if you want to permanently connect to the network location.
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Check the Connect using different credentials option if the credentials are different from the account you are already using to sign in to Windows 10.
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Click the Finish button.
Map network drive settings -
Confirm the network account credentials (if applicable).
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Click the OK button.
Once you complete the steps, the drive will map and it will become available through File Explorer.
If you cannot connect to the shared folder, instead of the computer name, use the IP address. However, if the remote computer is using a dynamic IP address configuration, it may change in the future, and you may need to reconnect again.
Disconnect a network drive using File Explorer on Windows 10
Use the following steps to disconnect a network drive on Windows 10:
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Open File Explorer.
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Click on This PC from the left pane.
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Under the “Network Locations” section, right-click the network drive, and select the Disconnect option.
Disconnect network map drive Quick tip: Alternatively, you can select the network drive, and on the “Computer” tab, click the Map network driver sub-button and select the Disconnect network drive option.
After you complete the steps, the network drive will no longer be available on Windows 10.
Alternatively, you can also use Command Prompt or PowerShell to connect and disconnect a networked drive on your computer.
While this guide focuses on Windows 10, you can use these steps to map a network drive on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.
Update March 30, 2021: This guide was originally in February 2017, and it’s been revised for the latest version of Windows 10.