How to map a network drive in Win11

To access shared files over a network in Windows 11, map a network drive using File Explorer, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Assign a drive letter to a shared folder by providing its path or IP address, and enter credentials if needed. Choose to reconnect at sign-in for persistent access.

If you need to access files on another computer or server over a network, mapping a network drive in Windows 11 allows you to assign a drive letter to a shared folder. Here’s how to do it:

The operating environment of this tutorial: Dell XPS 13, Windows 11

1. Map a Network Drive via File Explorer

This method uses the built-in File Explorer interface to connect to a shared folder on the network. It is the most user-friendly approach for most users.

• Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
• Click on This PC in the left-hand navigation pane.
• Select the Computer tab at the top, then click Map network drive.
• Choose a drive letter from the dropdown menu.
• Enter the network path in the folder field, such as \\SERVER\SharedFolder.
• Check Reconnect at sign-in if you want the drive to appear every time you log in.
• Click Finish. If prompted, enter credentials for the remote computer or server.

2. Use Command Prompt to Map a Drive

Using the command line gives you more control and allows automation through scripts. The net use command is used to map drives in Command Prompt.

• Press Windows + S, type cmd, then open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type the following command, replacing Z: and \\SERVER\SharedFolder with your desired drive letter and network path:
• net use Z: \\SERVER\SharedFolder /persistent:yes
• Press Enter. If authentication is required, enter the username and password when prompted.
• To disconnect the drive later, use: net use Z: /delete

3. Map a Drive Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers advanced scripting capabilities and is ideal for IT administrators managing multiple systems. The New-PSDrive cmdlet creates a temporary mapped drive, while using net use within PowerShell can make it persistent.

• Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or open PowerShell with elevated privileges.
• Run this command to create a mapped drive that persists after reboot:
• New-PSDrive -Name "Z" -PSProvider "FileSystem" -Root "\\SERVER\SharedFolder" -Persist
• You will be prompted to enter credentials if needed.
• Verify the drive was created by running: Get-PSDrive Z

4. Connect to a Network Drive Using IP Address

When the network device does not have a hostname or DNS entry, you can use its IP address to map the drive.

• Ensure the target machine has file sharing enabled and a shared folder configured.
• Open File Explorer and click Map network drive as in Method 1.
• Use the format \\192.168.1.100\SharedFolder, replacing the IP with the actual address of the host.
• Check Connect using different credentials if logging in as a specific user.
• Click Finish and provide login details if prompted.

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