Network File Share Drive Mapping for Windows

Introduction

Connecting to a File Share, or mapping a Network Drive, allows a user to connect to shared files or folders or the user's own network space. Mapping a network drive is simply connecting to a folder share on the local network. The process varies depending on your version of Windows and whether you are in a peer-to-peer or client/server environment..

Note:

• Mapping a Pace network drive must be done only on a Pace domain computer signed in with Pace credentials.
• Pace-owned computers must be on the Pace network, either on-campus or connected via the Virtual Private Network (VPN), to access Pace's network drive.
• Pace network drives should not be mapped on personal computers. 

If you cannot open the network share, it might be because the Pace account you are using does not have permission to read the folder. Please submit a Help Desk ticket to Technical Services for the end user to gain access to the share. Use the File Share (Network Drive) request for the end user to get access to the share. Usually the end-user's supervisor needs to make the request.

This article is divided into different sections. Please click on the desired link to jump to that section:

• Map a Network Drive
  • Windows 10 
  • Windows 11
• Using the Mapped Network Drive
  • Windows 10 
  • Windows 11

Instructions

Map a Network Drive

Windows 10

1. Click Start button
   

2. Type This PC in search window and click This PC
   

3. Click Map network drive

   

4.  Click down arrow and select letter drive (e.g. Y) next to Drive
   

   • Note: If you uncheck Reconnect at login and the drive mapping will not be retained each time the computer reboots.

5. Type server folder name (e.g. \\pace.edu\shares\) next to Folder
   

6. Click Finish

Windows 11

1. Open File Explorer from the task bar or Start menu
2. Select This PC from the left pane
3. Select  on the File Explorer ribbon at the top. Select Map network drive
   
4. Click down arrow and select letter drive (e.g. P) next to Drive
   Note:  If you uncheck Reconnect at login, the drive mapping will not be retained each time the computer reboots.
   
5. Type server folder name (e.g. \\pace.edu\shares\) next to Folder
   
6. Click Finish
    

Using the Mapped Network Drive

Windows 10

1. Click Start button
   
2. Type This PC in search window and click This PC
   
3. Double-click mapped letter drive (the letter mapped in the above steps, e.g. Y:)
   

Windows 11

1. Open File Explorer from the task bar or Start menu
2. Select This PC from the left pane
3. Double-click mapped letter drive (the letter mapped in the above steps, e.g. Z:)