We’re familiar with sharing specific files through the network with other users. Drive mapping is a similar process that allows you to share your complete disk drive. Since you’re making your whole drive discoverable to other users, they can simply get any data they need through their Windows explorer.There are a couple of ways to do this on your computer system. One being the generic network mapping program and another by using the command prompt. You can learn both of these ways in this article with us.
How to Map a Network Drive in Windows
Mapping a drive lets you access the data of other users in the same network. You can also write into the mapped drive if you wish to. You can also unmap the drive if you don’t need it anymore. Check the steps for both mapping and unmapping network drives below.
Using the Network Drive Wizard
Windows has a built-in wizard to help you set up a network drive. You can directly access the shared network drive from the root of Windows explorer or the ‘This PC’ root. Before setting up the network drive, you’ll need to turn on network discovery first. Here’s how you do it:After you turn on network discovery, follow these steps to learn how to map a network drive on your Windows computer.The Windows explorer will now show you the mapped drive path in the left panel along with your other drives and locations.
Using the Command Prompt
Apart from the wizard, Windows also allows you to map a network drive from the command prompt. Follow these easy steps to learn how to do it.
How to Disconnect Network Drive?
You can disconnect a network drive just as easily as connecting it. Here are the steps to disconnect the drive it:You can also disconnect your drive using the command prompt. Use the command /delete after the previously mapped drive to delete them. It should look something like : net use <Assigned_letter> \deleteIf you replace the drive letter with ‘ * ’, it will delete all the mapped drives at once.
How to Map Multiple Drives at Once?
You can make a batch file that automatically executes the commands when run. It’s very easy to make and convenient. You can simply execute it while starting the computer to map the drives. Here’s how you make the batch file:It’s better to save it on your desktop as you can click it as soon as you boot into your PC.