November 26, 2025

How Do I Map A Network Drive

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, efficient data management and seamless collaboration are pivotal for business success—especially for Australian organisations with 20 to 250 staff. Network drives act as centralised storage locations that allow teams to securely share, access, and collaborate on files. Whether your business operates on Windows 11, Windows 10, or earlier versions like Windows 8 or Windows 7, understanding how to map a network drive is essential for improving productivity, streamlining workflows, and maintaining secure access to business data.

This guide has been written by Enabla Technology, your trusted Australian Managed Services Provider, to help you effectively map network drives across your organisation—and understand when to call in expert support.

What is a Network Drive?

A network drive is a shared storage location hosted on a file server or a network-attached storage (NAS) device that can be accessed by multiple users across your business network. Unlike local drives tied to a single device, network drives create a central hub for documents, shared project folders, and business applications.

Common Australian business use cases include:

  • Department-based shared folders (HR, Finance, Operations)
  • Shared file repositories on a NAS or Windows Server
  • Virtual network drives on Azure Virtual Desktop environments

Whether it’s a shared network folder on a Synology/QNAP NAS or a mapped drive on a cloud-hosted server, network drives significantly improve file accessibility, security, and version control.

Pre‑Requisites Before Mapping

Network Discovery & Folder Sharing

Before mapping a network drive, ensure that Network Discovery and File Sharing are enabled. These features allow your device to locate shared folders on the business network.

How to Enable Network Discovery

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Go to Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Click Change advanced sharing settings.
  4. Enable Turn on network discovery.
  5. Enable File and printer sharing.
  6. Save your changes.
Network Discovery Effects
On Devices and shared folders are visible on the network.
Off Devices and folders will not appear, preventing drive mapping.

Services to Check

To ensure smooth mapping:

  • SSDP Discovery and UPnP Device Host should be running.
  • SMB protocol (Server Message Block) must be enabled—especially important for Windows 10/11 users in Australia using modern NAS devices.

Methods to Map a Network Drive

Method 1: Using Windows File Explorer (Graphical Interface)

  1. Open Windows File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to This PC.
  3. Select Map Network Drive from the top menu.
  4. Choose a drive letter.
  5. Enter the shared folder path (UNC path), such as: 
    \\server\sharedfolder
  6. Tick Reconnect at sign-in to keep the drive persistent.
  7. Click Finish.

Tip: If the shared folder doesn’t appear, revisit your Network Discovery and Sharing settings.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Ideal for IT administrators or those who prefer fast, scriptable methods.

  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Use this command: 
    net use [drive letter]: \\server\sharedfolder

    Example:

    net use Z: \\192.168.1.100\documents
Command Parameter Description
/persistent:yes Keeps the mapped drive after reboot.
/delete Removes the mapped drive.

Method 3: Using PowerShell

PowerShell is powerful for automation, especially in businesses using Active Directory.

  1. Open PowerShell.
  2. Run the following cmdlet: 
    New-PSDrive -Name "X" -PSProvider FileSystem -Root "\\server\\sharedfolder" -Persist
  3. Confirm the drive appears in File Explorer.

PowerShell scripts can also automate mapping for multiple users—great for onboarding or replacing outdated logon scripts.

Additional Tips and Troubleshooting

Disconnecting or Unmapping a Network Drive

In File Explorer:

  • Right‑click the drive under This PC → Disconnect.

In Command Prompt:

net use [drive letter]: /delete

Common Issues & Resolutions

  • Shared folders not visible → Check NTFS & share permissions on the server.
  • Network discovery issues → Ensure Function Discovery services are running.
  • Drives not reconnecting → Use the persistent yes flag when mapping.
Error Message Solution
Network path not found Verify server name or IP, ensure network discovery is on.

Advanced Options for Australian Businesses

  • Group Policy Drive Mapping – perfect for managing all staff drives centrally.
  • Automated Deployment Scripts – recommended for remote teams or hybrid workplaces.
  • Security Best Practices – ensure least‑privilege access and proper role‑based permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the difference between mapping using a server name vs. an IP address?

Using the server name is user‑friendly and easier to maintain. Using the IP address can be more reliable in networks without proper DNS settings.

2. Can Mac or Linux users map a network drive?

  • Mac: Finder → Go → Connect to Server (or press Command + K)
  • Linux: Use the mount command via terminal.

3. What permissions are required?

Users need read or read/write permissions depending on their role.

4. Can network drives be accessed remotely?

Yes—commonly done through VPN, secure firewalls, or remote desktop services.

5. Why won’t my mapped drive reconnect on login?

Ensure Reconnect at sign‑in is selected and review network policies.

Conclusion

Mapping a network drive is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve collaboration and data management within your Australian business. Whether you’re an office manager, IT coordinator, or business owner, the steps in this guide will help you streamline your workflow.

If you need help setting up shared drives, fixing permissions, or migrating from on‑premise servers to cloud storage, Enabla Technology is here to support you.

Need expert IT support or Managed Services? Contact Enabla Technology for a free consultation.

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