Mapping a network drive using File Explorer is a convenient way to access files and folders on a remote server or storage device as if they were on your own computer. You can assign a drive letter to a network shared folder and reconnect to it automatically every time you sign in to Windows 11. Here are the steps to map a network drive using File Explorer:

• Open File Explorer from the taskbar, the Start menu, or by pressing Windows logo key + E.
• Select This PC from the left pane, then click the ellipses button (three dots) in the toolbar and select Map network drive. ¹
• In the Map Network Drive window, choose a drive letter from the Drive drop-down menu. You can use any letter that is not already assigned to a local or network drive. ^{2 5}
• In the Folder field, type the network path of the shared folder that you want to map, or click Browse to find and select it. The network path should be in the format of \\\\\\\\Computer-Name\\\\Shared-Folder or \\\\\\\\Computer-IP-Address\\\\Shared-Folder, where Computer-Name or Computer-IP-Address is the name or IP address of the device that hosts the shared folder, and Shared-Folder is the name of the folder. ^{2 9}
• If you want Windows 11 to reconnect to the network drive every time you sign in, check the box next to Reconnect at sign-in. If you need to use different credentials (username and password) to access the network drive, check the box next to Connect using different credentials. ^{1 2}
• Click Finish. Windows 11 will try to connect to the network drive and map it to the drive letter you selected. If you checked Connect using different credentials, you will be prompted to enter the username and password for the network drive. You can also check Remember my credentials if you don't want to enter them again. ^{1 2 5}
• Once the connection is successful, you will see the network drive appear under Network locations in This PC. You can also access it from the Network section in the File Explorer sidebar. You can use the network drive almost like a local drive, but keep in mind that the performance may depend on the network speed and reliability. ^{1 2 5 9}