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If you have a drive share with your family members or often use a networked drive from a NAS, there's no need to manually type the drive path each time. Instead, we're going to show you how to map a network drive in Windows 11 and Windows 10 so that it gets its own letter in your File Explorer.
Mapping a network drive in Windows 11 or Windows 10 will make it show up as any other drive does in your File Explorer sidebar. As a result, you'll be able to seamlessly access it in a single click.
First, though, you need to get everything set up. Here's how to map your shared drive via the UI:
How to Map a Network Drive in Windows 11 or Windows 10
⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in Windows 11 as it is in Windows 10. However, bear in mind that we'll be using screenshots from Windows 11, so your UI may look a little different. We'll point out any changes you need to be aware of as they come up.
- Right-click “This PC” in your File Explorer sidebar and press “Show more options”
If you're in Windows 10, you won't have the “Show more options” button, and can instead skip straight to the next step.
- Choose “Map network drive…” from the list
- Select a drive letter from the “Drive:” dropdown
We recommend picking something related to the contents of your drive if you can for memory's sake. For example, “M:” for a movies drive.
- Type the path to your network drive in the “Folder:” field (or browse to it)
Press “Finish” to apply the configuration. The drive will show in your File Explorer.
- OR: Click “Connect to a Web site…” to map an FTP site or website
- Press “Next” in the Network Location Wizard
- Click “Choose a custom network location”
- Enter your FTP url
- Create a username
- Name the network location
- Tick “Open this network location…” and press “Finish”
- Enter the FTP username and password and click “Log On”
You should also tick “Save password” if you want to quickly access the FTP in the future. Just be aware that this could represent a security risk if somebody else gets access to your device.
- Your newly mapped drive/FTP site will appear in File Explorer
Extra: How to Change a Drive Letter in Windows 10 or Windows 11
If you decide that you'd like a different drive letter in the future, that's okay. You can change it quite easily by following our how to change drive letter tutorial.
Extra: How to Create a Virtual Hard Drive in Windows 10 or Windows 11
If you'd like the experience of having a different drive without needing additional hardware, you can instead follow our how to create a virtual hard drive tutorial. This can help with the organization of your media or other files.
