Mapping a network drive is a process of assigning a drive letter and a folder path to a shared network location, such as a server, a NAS device, or another computer. This allows you to access and share files and folders across a network more easily and conveniently. Here are the four methods to map a network drive in Windows 10 and their pros and cons:

• File Explorer: The simplest and most convenient way to map a network drive. You just need to open File Explorer, select More > Map network drive, choose a drive letter and a folder path, and optionally reconnect at sign-in and use different credentials. The downside is that you may not have much control over the advanced settings and features of the network drive. ⁵
• Command Prompt: A more flexible and powerful way to map a network drive. You can use the net use command to specify a drive letter, a folder path, a user name, a password, and a persistence option. You can also use an asterisk (*) to assign any available drive letter. The downside is that you need to type the commands correctly and remember them for future use. ^{9 10}
• PowerShell: Another flexible and powerful way to map a network drive. You can use the New-PSDrive cmdlet to specify a drive letter, a folder path, a credential variable, and a persistence switch. You can also use PowerShell to enable new SMB features, such as QUIC and Compression, for faster and more secure file transfers. The downside is that you need to know how to use PowerShell commands and scripts. ^{6 7 8}
• Logon Script: A way to map a network drive automatically for users when they log on to their computers. You can create a batch file or a PowerShell script that contains the commands to map the network drive, and then deploy it using Group Policy or Local Group Policy. The upside is that you can save time and effort for users who need to map the same network drive regularly. The downside is that you need to have administrative rights and access to the Group Policy Management Console or the Local Group Policy Editor. ^{11 12 13}