Blog

Network drives are a convenient way to access files stored on another computer or server within your local network. Sometimes, these drives can become disconnected or stop working properly. This guide will help you fix and reconnect network drives on Windows 10 with simple, clear steps.

Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, these instructions are designed to be easy to follow. You don’t need advanced technical knowledge to get your network drives working again. Just take your time and follow each step carefully.

By the end of this article, you will know how to troubleshoot common issues and reconnect your network drives successfully. We’ll also cover some helpful tips and FAQs to make sure you have all the information you need.

Let’s get started with the basics and work our way up to more advanced solutions if needed.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before attempting to fix or reconnect your network drives, make sure of the following:

• Your computer is connected to the same network as the device or server hosting the network drive.
• You have proper permissions to access the network drive. Sometimes network drives require a username and password.
• The device hosting the network drive is turned on and connected to the network.
• Windows File Sharing is enabled on the computer sharing the drive.

Verifying these points can save you time and avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

Step 1: Check Your Network Connection

Before reconnecting a network drive, you need to ensure your computer is properly connected to the network.

• Look at the network icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen (near the clock). It should show you’re connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• If you’re not connected, try reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network or plugging in an Ethernet cable.
• Open your web browser and visit a website to confirm internet access. Even if you don’t need internet, this confirms network connectivity.

Without a network connection, your computer cannot access shared drives.

Step 2: Reconnect the Network Drive Using File Explorer

This is the easiest and most common way to reconnect a network drive in Windows 10.

1. Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing Windows + E keys.
2. In the left sidebar, click on This PC.
3. At the top menu, click the Computer tab, then select Map network drive.
4. In the window that appears, choose a drive letter from the dropdown (like Z: or Y:).
5. In the Folder field, enter the path to the network drive. It usually looks like this: \ComputerNameSharedFolder. If you don’t know the exact path, check with your network administrator or the person who shared the drive.
6. If you want Windows to reconnect this drive every time you sign in, check the box that says Reconnect at sign-in.
7. Click Finish. If prompted, enter your username and password for the network drive.
8. The network drive should now appear under This PC in File Explorer.

This method works well when the network path and credentials are correct.

Step 3: Use Command Prompt to Reconnect a Network Drive

If the File Explorer method doesn’t work, you can use the Command Prompt for more control.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type cmd and press Enter.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
   net use Z: \ComputerNameSharedFolder /persistent:yes
   Replace Z: with the desired drive letter and \ComputerNameSharedFolder with the actual network path.
4. If the network drive requires a username and password, you can add them like this:
   net use Z: \ComputerNameSharedFolder /user:Username Password /persistent:yes
5. If the command is successful, your network drive will be connected and stay connected after restarting.

This method is useful for more advanced users or when troubleshooting scripted network drive connections.

Step 4: Disable and Re-enable Network Discovery

Network Discovery allows your computer to find other devices on the network. Sometimes disabling and re-enabling it can fix network drive issues.

1. Press Windows + S to open the search bar, type Control Panel, and open it.
2. Click on Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center.
3. On the left sidebar, click Change advanced sharing settings.
4. Under your current network profile (Private or Guest/Public), make sure Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing are selected.
5. If they are already on, toggle them off, click Save changes, then go back and turn them on again.
6. Try reconnecting your network drive again using Step 2 or 3.

This step ensures your computer can see and access other devices properly.

Step 5: Check Credentials Manager for Saved Network Passwords

Sometimes saved network credentials become outdated or corrupted, causing connection failures.

1. Press Windows + S, type Credential Manager, and open it.
2. Click on Windows Credentials.
3. Look for any entries related to your network drive or server.
4. Select the entry and click Remove to delete it.
5. Next time you reconnect the network drive, Windows will ask for your username and password again. Enter the correct details.

Refreshing credentials can resolve many access problems.

Alternative Method: Use PowerShell to Map Network Drives

PowerShell offers another way to map drives, especially useful for automation or scripting.

1. Press Windows + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   New-PSDrive -Name Z -PSProvider FileSystem -Root "\ComputerNameSharedFolder" -Persist
3. Replace Z with your preferred drive letter and update the network path accordingly.
4. This command maps the drive and makes it persistent across reboots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my network drive disconnect after restarting my computer?

This usually happens if the Reconnect at sign-in option wasn’t selected when mapping the drive, or if Windows is unable to authenticate automatically. Using persistent mapping methods and saving correct credentials can fix this.

What if I get an error saying “Network path not found”?

This means your computer can’t locate the device sharing the folder. Check that the device is turned on, connected to the network, and that you’ve entered the correct network path.

How do I find the network path for a shared folder?

On the computer sharing the folder, right-click the folder, select Properties, then go to the Sharing tab. The network path is usually listed there or can be constructed using the computer name and shared folder name.

Can I map a network drive over the internet?

Mapping a network drive is designed for local networks. To access files remotely, you would typically use VPNs or cloud storage services instead.

What if I don’t have permission to access the network drive?

You must contact the network administrator or the person who manages the shared folder to get access rights or credentials.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the steps above and still cannot reconnect your network drive, consider these final options:

• Restart your computer and the device hosting the network drive. Sometimes a simple reboot fixes temporary issues.
• Check for Windows updates. Running the latest updates can fix bugs related to networking.
• Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software that might be blocking network connections. Remember to turn them back on afterward.
• Consult the official Microsoft support pages: Microsoft Windows Support.
• Contact your network administrator for assistance if you are on a work or school network.

Conclusion

Fixing and reconnecting network drives on Windows 10 is usually straightforward when you follow the right steps. Start by checking your network connection and then try reconnecting through File Explorer or Command Prompt.

Remember to verify your network discovery settings and clear any outdated credentials if needed. For advanced users, PowerShell offers another way to manage network drives.

If issues persist, don’t hesitate to restart devices, check for updates, or seek help from official resources and administrators. With patience and the right approach, you’ll have your network drives working smoothly again in no time.