Here's how to map a network drive in Windows 10

Mapping a network drive in Windows 10 is a trick you should know if you need to share files over a network. With this, you will no longer need to send attachments by email or pass around USB sticks; you will be able to create a shared drive that will be accessible by multiple devices at the same time.

It's especially useful if you're working on a group project with people from different time zones or collaborating remotely. It's a vitally important tool that's only set to become more relevant in the current climate.

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While mapping a network drive might seem extremely complicated, it's actually quite simple on Windows 10. Once you've set it up, you'll automatically be logged in when you turn on your device, so you won't need to do it multiple times.

We'll show you step-by-step how to map a network drive in Windows 10 if you don't know how to do it:

1. Click on the Start button and select Settings

The Start Menu can be found in the bottom left corner of the toolbar in Windows 10. You can bring up the Start Menu by clicking the Windows logo, and then select Settings. You may also type 'settings' into the convenient search bar.

2. Choose a network and an Internet provider

Open the Settings Menu and select the Network and Internet option. Using the search bar at the top of the Settings Menu will also help you find it if you're having difficulty finding it.

3. Go to the Network and Internet menu and select Wi-Fi

Choose the Wi-Fi tab from the left-hand side of the Network and Internet menu. In case you have trouble finding the tab, there is a search bar.

4. Choose Change advanced sharing options

You can find the "Related settings" subheading under the Wi-Fi tab in the Settings Menu. Select the "Change advanced sharing options" option.

5. Select Turn on network discovery

After you've turned on network discovery in the settings, hit the "Save Changes" button in the bottom corner of the window. The button "Saving Changes" should be greyed out if network discovery is already enabled.

6. Click on the File Explorer icon

It is possible that File Explorer is pinned to your toolbar. You can easily locate it if it's not in the Start Menu's search bar.

7. Choose This PC and then Computer

Navigate to the This PC menu and then open up the Computer tab from the bar at the top of the window once File Explorer is open.

8. Navigate to the network drive

From the Computer tab, select Map network drive. A new window should appear.

9. Choose a drive letter

Select a drive letter using the dropdown menu on the Map Network Drive window. Any drive letter will work. Don't forget it!

10. Identify the folder

Use the browse tool to find the folder, or search for it in the prompt. The first time you set up a network drive you'll see a single drive on the list, but if you already have several you'll see them all when you click the Browse button.

11. During sign-in, select Reconnect (optional)

When you sign in, select Reconnect if you want your computer to automatically connect to the mapped drive when you turn on your device. Uncheck the box if you don't want this to happen.