How do I map a network drive in Windows?

Mapping a network drive is a method to connect to a shared network folder, such as a 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, see How 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 path to the shared network folder (the format is \hostnamesharename, where hostname is the name or IP address of the network device and sharename is the name of the shared network folder). 
   You can also click Browse to find the folder you want to map on the network.

6. Click Finish.
   

Your mapped drive is 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 path to the shared network folder (the format is \hostnamesharename, where hostname is the name or IP address of the network device and sharename is the name of the shared network folder). 
   You can also click 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. Click Start.
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 path to the shared network folder (the format is \hostnamesharename, where hostname is the name or IP address network device and sharename is the name of the shared network folder). 
   You can also click Browse to find the folder you want to map on the network.

5. Click Finish.
   Your mapped drive is now available under My Computer.