How to Map a Network Drive on Windows 11

Mapping a network drive means connecting to a shared network folder, such as a server or another computer, and accessing it like a part of your computer. This allows you to access files on the remote computer without being physically present at that location. There are also some other benefits to mapping a network drive, such as:

• Faster access to files because you are not copying them from the remote computer to your computer.
• The files are always backed up on the remote computer, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.
• You can access the files from any computer on the network, as long as you have the necessary permissions.

This guide shows you how to map a network drive on Windows 11.

Step 1: Turn On Network Discovery

Before starting, you need to ensure that network discovery is turned on. This will allow your computer to see other computers and devices on the network.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Under Network and Intenet, click View network status and tasks.

   

3. In the left panel, click Change advanced sharing settings.

   

4. Under the Network discovery section, select the Turn on network discovery radio button.

   

5. Click Save changes.

   

Step 2: Map the Network Drive

After network discovery is turned on, we can map the network drive.

1. Click the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Click This PC in the left panel.

   

3. At the top, click the three dots button to open the drop-down menu and select Map network drive.

   

4. In the Drive drop-down menu, select the drive letter you want to use for the network drive.

   

5. In the Folder field, type in the path of the shared folder you want to map. You can also click the Browse button to create one.

   

6. If you want to connect to the network drive each time you sign in, select the Reconnect at sign-in checkbox.

   

7. Click Finish. You should now see the network drive in the This PC section of File Explorer.