Disconnecting

How to remove network drive on Windows 10

If you no longer need access to a mapped network drive, use these steps to properly disconnect it on Windows 10.

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@pureinfotech
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Remove network drive on Windows 10

On Windows 10, the ability to map a drive allows you to create a quick access to files stored on another device connected to the network.

However, it’ll come the time when you may need to remove a mapped network drive because you no longer need it, settings are changing in the network, or disconnect and reconnect to troubleshoot a mapping problem.

Whatever the reason it may be, Windows 10 includes the ability to map as well as the means to disconnect (unmap) a network drive using File Explorer, Command Prompt, and even the Registry (if the first two methods don’t work).

In this guide, you’ll learn three ways to remove a network drive on Windows 10.

How to disconnect mapped network drive using File Explorer

Use these steps to delete a mapped network drive using File Explorer:

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Click on This PC from the left pane.

  3. Under the “Network locations” section, right-click the mapped drive and select the Disconnect option.

    Disconnect mapped network drive using File Explorer
    Disconnect mapped network drive using File Explorer

Once you complete the steps, the network drive will be removed from your computer.

How to disconnect mapped network drive using Command Prompt

Use these steps to remove a mapped network drive using Command Prompt:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

  3. Type the following command to delete the mapped network drive and press Enter: net use d: /delete In the command, replace the “d” for the drive letter of the mapped drive you’re trying to remove.

     net use d: /delete

    In the command, replace the “d” for the drive letter of the mapped drive you’re trying to remove.

    Delete mapped network drive using Command Prompt
    Delete mapped network drive using Command Prompt

  4. Restart your computer.

After you complete the steps, the mapped network drive should not longer be available on your device.

How to disconnect mapped network drive using Registry

Alternatively, if you’re having issues disconnecting the mapped drive (such as error message “This network connection doesn’t exist”), then you can use the Registry with the steps:

Warning: Modifying system files can damage your Windows installation if it’s not done correctly. It’s assumed that you know what you’re doing and that you have previously created a full backup of your computer. Proceed with caution and use this as the last course of action.

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.

  3. Browse the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MountPoints2

  4. Right-click the mapped drive that you want to remove. For instance, right-click ##Server_Name#Share_Name, and then click the Delete option.

    Remove mapped network drive using Registry
    Remove mapped network drive using Registry

  5. Click the Yes button.

  6. Browse the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Network

  7. Right-click and delete network share that refers to the mapped drive. For example, in this case, the Z key.

    Delete mapped network drive from File Explorer using Registry
    Delete mapped network drive from File Explorer using Registry

  8. Click the Yes button.

  9. Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, the network drive should disappear from File Explorer enabling you to map the drive again or continue without it.