How do I map a network drive in Windows? (2024)

Mapping a network drive is a method to connect to a shared network folder,such asa share on a ReadyNAS storage system. This article explains how to map a network drive using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, or XP. For Mac instructions, seeHow do I map a network drive in Mac OS X?

To map a network drive in Windows 10 or Windows 8:

1. Click the Start button.
2. In the search box, type This PC, then select This PC from the search results.
3. Click Computer and then click Map network drive.
   
4. In the window that opens, choose an available letter from the Drive list.
5. In the Folder box, type the pathto the shared network folder (the format is \hostnamesharename, where hostname is the name or IP addressof the network deviceand sharename is the name of the shared network folder).
   You can alsoclick Browse to find the folder you want to map on the network.
6. Click Finish.
   

Your mapped driveis now available under This PC.

To map a network drive in Windows 7 or Windows Vista:

1. Click Start > Computer > Map network drive.
   
2. In the window that opens, choose an available letter from the Drive list.
3. In the Folder box, type the pathto the shared network folder (the format is \hostnamesharename, where hostname is the name or IP addressof the network deviceand sharename is the name of the shared network folder).
   You can alsoclick Browse to find the folder you want to map on the network.
4. Click Finish.
   

Your mapped drive is now available under Computer.

To map a network drive in Windows XP:

1. ClickStart.
2. Right-click My Computer and select Map Network Drive.
3. In the window that opens, choose an available letter from the Drive list.
4. In the Folder box, type the pathto the shared network folder (the format is \hostnamesharename, where hostname is the name or IP addressnetwork deviceand sharename is the name of the shared network folder).
   You can alsoclick Browse to find the folder you want to map on the network.
5. Click Finish.
   Your mapped drive is now available under My Computer.