Windows 11 · Windows
Map a Network Drive in Windows 11
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Open File Explorer, select This PC, choose Map network drive, enter the shared folder's UNC path, and connect only with credentials authorized for that share.
Confirm the network share
Connect to the trusted private network and obtain the folder path in the form \\server\share plus authorized credentials.
Open the mapping dialog
In File Explorer select This PC, open the More menu and choose Map network drive. You can also right-click This PC.
Choose the drive and folder
Select an unused drive letter, enter the UNC path, and choose Reconnect at sign-in only for a share you expect to remain available.
Authenticate safely
Select Connect using different credentials only when required. Do not enable SMB 1.0 or insecure guest access to make an obsolete device work.
Open the mapped drive
Select the new drive under This PC and open a folder you are authorized to access. If you enabled Reconnect at sign-in, restart or sign out once and confirm the mapping returns.
Disconnect an incorrect mapping
In This PC, right-click the mapped drive and choose Disconnect, then map the correct UNC path. Ask the share administrator to check permissions if Windows rejects valid authorized credentials.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the share opens by UNC path but the mapped drive fails, choose a different unused drive letter and map it again. If the UNC path itself fails, verify the server name, share name, network connection, and your permission with the share administrator.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform update.