How to - Setting Up and Re-Mapping Network Drives on Windows

Overview

This article explains how to use File Explorer on your Windows device to map a network drive. This method applies whether it is your first time mapping a network drive on this device, or if a previously mapped drive needs to be re-mapped.

Applies to: Faculty Staff

Step-by-Step Guide

Instructions

1 Open File Explorer

Launch File Explorer from the Windows Start Menu.

●Right-click the Start Menu and select File Explorer from the context menu.

2 Navigate to Map Network Drive

Access the Map Network Drive option from the File Explorer toolbar.

●Select This PC in the left-hand pane.

●Click the three dots (…) in the top panel toolbar, then select Map network drive from the menu.

File Explorer toolbar showing Map network drive option
3 Choose a Drive Letter and Enter the Folder Path

Assign a drive letter and enter the correct network folder path for the drive you are mapping.

●You can assign any available drive letter. For example, use D: as a neutral placeholder if you are unsure which letter to assign.

●In the Folder field, enter the correct network path for your drive. Refer to the Network Drive Folder Paths article for a full list of paths by location.

●What is a folder path? It is the address shown in the File Explorer address bar. Click inside that bar to reveal the full path.

Map Network Drive dialog box showing drive letter and folder path fields File Explorer address bar showing full folder path
4 Complete the Mapping

Finalize the network drive setup and confirm it appears in File Explorer.

●Click Finish. Your network drive should now be mapped and ready to use under This PC in File Explorer.

Reference

Common Network Drive Folder Paths

The following are the most commonly used network drive paths at Columbia College's main campus. For location-specific paths (including the I: and Z: drives), refer to the full Network Drive Paths article.

X

X: Drive — Departments

\\ccis.edu\homecampus\departments

W

W: Drive — Shared Files

\\ccis.edu\HomeCampus\Share

I

I: Drive — Personal Home Folder

\\ccis.edu\homecampus\home\username

Replace username with your Columbia College username.

⚠ Location-Specific Drives

The I: and Z: drive paths vary depending on your campus location. Please refer to the Network Drive Paths article for the correct path for your location.

Support & Assistance

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Need help mapping a network drive or finding the correct folder path for your location?

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