Make sure the device is on the same network and has access rights; 2. Open File Explorer and enter "This Computer"; 3. Click "Map Network Drive"; 4. Select the drive letters and enter the shared folder path (such as \\ComputerName\SharedFolder or \\IP\SharedFolder), check "Reconnect when login" to persist the mapping, and select "Connect with different credentials" if necessary; 5. Enter the user name and password as prompted (such as ComputerName\Username) and select "Remember credentials"; 6. After the mapping is successful, the drive will be displayed in "This Computer" and can operate like a local disk. If it fails, please check the network path, enable network discovery, confirm sharing permissions, or turn off password-protected sharing. This process is consistent with the older version in Windows 11, and the key is the correct path and permission configuration.

Mapping a network drive in Windows 11 is a simple way to access shared folders on another computer, a server, or a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device as if they were a local drive. Here's how to do it step by step.

1. Make Sure You're on the Same Network

Before mapping a drive, ensure your Windows 11 PC is connected to the same local network as the computer or device hosting the shared folder. If you're connecting to a work or domain network, you may also need proper permissions.

2. Open File Explorer and Go to “This PC”

• Press Windows E to open File Explorer .
• In the left-hand pane, click on This PC .

3. Map a Network Drive

• In the top menu, click the "Computer" tab (or "Home" tab, depending on your view).

  

• Click Map network drive .

  This opens the "Map Network Drive" window.

  

4. Choose Drive Letter and Folder Path

• Drive : Pick a drive letter (eg, Z:, E:, etc.) that isn't already in use.

• Folder : Enter the network path to the shared folder using one of these formats:

  • \\ComputerName\SharedFolder
  • \\IPAddress\SharedFolder (eg, \\192.168.1.100\Documents )

  Tip: You can find the correct path by having the host computer share the folder and right-click > Properties > Share tab to see the network path.

• ? Check "Reconnect at sign-in" if you want the drive to appear every time you log in.

• Optional: Check "Connect using different credentials" if you need to log in with a username/password different from your current Windows account (common for NAS or work servers).

Click Finish .

5. Enter Credentials (If Prompted)

• If the folder requires a login:

  • Enter the username and password for the computer or device hosting the share.
  • For a local PC, use: ComputerName\Username (eg, DESKTOP-ABC123\John )
  • For a NAS, use the credentials you set up on that device.

• Check "Remember my credentials" to avoid re-entering them each time.

6. Access the Mapped Drive

• Once connected, the drive will appear under "This PC" in File Explorer with the letter you assigned.
• You can now open, copy, and save files just like on a local drive.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the drive doesn't map:

• ? Verify the network path – Double-check spelling and use IP if the computer name doesn't work.
• ? Turn on Network Discovery :
  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings
  • Turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing
• ? Check sharing permissions on the host computer or device.
• ?? Disable password-protected sharing (if on a trusted private network):
  • In Advanced sharing settings, turn off Password protected sharing — but only if security isn't a concern.

That's it. Your network drive should now be mapped and ready to use. Basically, it's the same process as older Windows versions — just slightly updated UI. The key is knowing the correct path and having the right access permissions.

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