Breaking a Network Drive Mapping Association

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated May 4, 2020)

Just as you can associate an unused drive letter with a network drive, so too can you break that association. Probably the simplest way to do it—if you are using Windows 7—is through Windows Explorer. Launch Windows Explorer and, from its menu, select Tools | Disconnect Network Drive: (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Disconnecting a network drive in Windows 7.

In Windows 8 or Windows 10 you can accomplish the same thing by launching a File Explorer window. At the left side of the window click the Computer group or This PC group. At the top of the window, in the ribbon area, make sure the Computer tab is selected. Click the down-arrow next to the Map Network Drive tool and then click Disconnect Network Drive. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Disconnecting a network drive in Windows 810.

Regardless of the version of Windows you are using, you are presented with a dialog box that shows all of the mapped drives on your system. Click the one you want to disconnect and then click OK. The association is immediately broken.

 This tip (12677) 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

Controlling the Size of the Windows Page File

The Windows page file is crucial to optimal system performance. This tip shows you how to control its size.

Discover More

Removing a File Type Program Association

Removing a file type program association is a task for third-party utilities. You can, however, change the association ...

Discover More

Creating an XPS Document

Creating an XPS document is as easy as printing a document. This tip explains how.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding Storage Spaces

Need to add some additional drive space to your system? Why not consider adding what Microsoft calls a "storage space?" ...

Discover More

Creating a List of Files in a Directory

Do you need a list of all the files in a directory? It's easy to create if you use the proper command-line commands.

Discover More

Copying Files or Folders

A common operation within Windows is to copy files and folders from one location to another. Here are the two major ways ...

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 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2023 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.