Map a Network Drive in Windows 11
Mapping a network drive gives a shared folder on a NAS, server or another computer its own drive letter, so it shows in File Explorer like a local drive. Here's how to set one up, and how to fix it when it won't connect.
Map a drive in File Explorer
- Open This PC Open File Explorer and click This PC on the left.
- Choose Map network drive Click ··· on the command bar, then Map network drive.
- Pick a letter and folder Choose a drive letter, then type the folder's address, such as \\nas\documents or \\192.168.1.10\documents.
- Reconnect at sign-in Tick this so the drive comes back every time you log in. Tick Connect using different credentials if the share has its own username and password.
Map a drive from the command line
net use Z: \\nas\documents /persistent:yesCommand Prompt: maps the documents share to Z: and reconnects it at sign-in.
net use Z: \\nas\documents /user:roger /persistent:yesConnects with a specific username. You'll be asked for the password.
net useLists your mapped drives and whether they are connected.
net use Z: /deleteDisconnects and removes the Z: drive.
When the drive won't connect
- Try the IP address If \\nas doesn't work, use the device's IP address instead, such as \\192.168.1.10.
- Check the saved password Search the Start menu for Credential Manager, open Windows Credentials, and remove or edit the entry for the NAS or server.
- Red cross on the drive Windows sometimes shows a red cross at sign-in before the network is ready. Double-click the drive and it usually reconnects.
- Stopped after the 24H2 update Windows 11 24H2 blocks some older shares. See 24H2 Update and SMB Shares.
Quick reference
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
net use Z: \\server\share | Map a drive |
/persistent:yes | Reconnect at sign-in |
/user:name | Connect with a different username |
net use | List mapped drives |
net use Z: /delete | Remove a mapped drive |