WiseCleaner Think Tank
Encounter difficult computer problems?
All about maintenance and optimization of your Windows System.
Jul 30, 2025
Mapping a network drive in Windows 11 allows you to access shared files and folders from other computers or servers in your local network as if they were part of your local drive system. This makes it easier to manage files, collaborate, and organize resources across multiple devices.
Whether you are in a home network or a business environment, here is how to map a network drive in Windows 11 step by step.
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, then click on This PC from the left navigation bar.
At the top toolbar, click the three-dot menu to see more, and then choose Map network drive.
Select a drive letter (e.g. Z:, Y:, etc.) from the drop-down menu of Drive: for identifying your mapped drive.
In the Folder box field, type or Browse the network folder path in the format below:
\\ComputerName\SharedFolderName
Note: If you are not sure about the path, ask the network administrator or check the shared computer.
Check the options under the Folder section according to your needs:
Reconnect at sign-in: Check this option if you want Windows to map the drive every time you log in.Connect using different credentials: Check this if the shared folder requires a different username/password.
Click on Finish to proceed.
Enter the Username and Password for the shared network location if prompted, and check Remember my credentials if you do not want to enter them again.
Note: Make sure file sharing is enabled on the host device, and both PCs are on the same network.
After successful connection, the new drive shows up with its drive letter under This PC in File Explorer. You can now access it like any other local folder.
By following these steps, you can quickly map and manage network drives in Windows 11 to collaborate, back up files, or access shared resources on a home or office network.
Additional Related Articles
