Mapping a Network Drive

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated April 13, 2020)

1

It's easy to associate an unused drive letter with a network drive, so you can have access to up to 26 drives by using the letters A through Z. Probably the simplest way to map a network drive is through Windows Explorer. Launch Windows Explorer and, from its menu, select Tools | Map Network Drive. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Mapping a network drive in Windows 7.

In Windows 8 and Windows 10 you can accomplish the same thing by launching a File Explorer window, clicking This PC in the navigation pane, and then clicking the Map Network Drive tool in the Network group of the ribbon. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Mapping a network drive in Windows 8 and 10.

Windows displays the Map Network Drive dialog box. In this dialog box you can specify a drive letter you want used for the network drive and the folder on the network that you want associated with that drive letter. (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. The Map Network Drive dialog box.

Note that you have the option to have this mapping remembered (reconnected) each time you log in to your system. To accommodate different security environments, you can also click the "Connect using different credentials" checkbox. If you do check this checkbox, you'll be prompted to enter a username and password to be used for the connection.

Once you have the settings for the mapping configured the way you want, click the Finish button. You now have the specified drive letter associated with the given folder and you can immediately start to use it.

 This tip (11898) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Pinning a File to the Taskbar

In an effort to make your computer use more efficient you can pin non-executable files to the taskbar for easy access. ...

Discover More

Understanding Windows Aero

Windows Aero, first introduced with Windows Vista, provides a nice visual experience when working on your computer. And ...

Discover More

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a popular technology that frees you from dealing with wires and cables, and it makes you a bit more mobile. ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Defragmenting a Hard Drive

As files are added, removed, and edited on a hard drive, the files and the disk itself become fragmented. This causes ...

Discover More

Adding File Types to the Search Index

You can fine-tune Indexed Searches by adding file types to the search index. This tip tells you how.

Discover More

Determining How Much Space the Files in a Folder Require

Want to know how much space is required by all the files in a folder? There are a couple of very easy ways to get this ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is one less than 7?

2020-04-13 08:04:54

Tom

Another way to map the drive is to click the right mouse button on this PC and the mapping option is shown there also.

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.