How to Map an Existing Network Drive on Windows

Use this guide to map a shared network folder (e.g., from a file server or another PC) to your File Explorer so you can access it like a local drive.

What You’ll Need:

The network path (e.g., \\ServerName\SharedFolder or \\ent.core.medtronic.com\mit-msp01\)
Network access (connected to the same LAN or VPN)

What You Need to Know:

This is an example of what is not a network path:

Please note that the grayed out text above is only the name for that network drive and not the actual path

Steps to Map the Network Drive

1. Open File Explorer

Press Windows + E
Locate the “This PC” on the left-hand panel (usually located at the bottom of the list)

2. Start the Map Drive Wizard

Right click on “This PC”, a menu will pop up
Select the “Map network drive” option

3. Choose a Drive Letter

Select an available drive (they are shown as letters: A:, B:, F:, G: )

-Keep in mind not to select the C: drive since it is reserved for your system drive.

4. Enter the Network Path

In the Folder field, type the full path of the shared drive (The folder below is just for instructions purposes).
Check the Reconnect at sign-in.

Side note

Please note: The path is divided in two sections, the network host (or server) you are connecting to, and the shared folder name on that server.

The path you attempt to connect should be something like this:

\\ent.core.medtronic.com\mit-msp01\

Network host: ent.core.medtronic.com

Shared folder: mit-msp01

5. Click Finish

The shared drive will open in a new window
You’ll now see it under This PC as a new drive (e.g., Z:\)