Having created network shares on our Synology NAS, we can now try mapping network drives to Windows. So in this video we take a look at three different methods for connecting to network shares, and two ways for mapping network drives to your PC.
The term mapping refers to the process of creating a connection between a local drive letter and a shared network folder or resource. The mapped drive then allows you to access the network resource on your NAS as if it were a local drive on your computer. So by mapping a network drive, you can easily access and work with files and folders from your network directly through File Explorer. This in turn makes it more convenient to access and manage your network resources.
- To open Run, on your keyboard press and hold down the Windows key and press R
- From within Run type:
//[the-ipaddress-of-your-NAS]/
Note: Depending on how you have your local Windows user account and your Synology NAS user account configured. You maybe prompted to enter a user name and password. If this is the case you will need to enter the credentials for your Synology NAS. However if the user profile you use to log into Windows matches the user account details you created on your Synology NAS. Windows will not prompt you for any user credentials when you connect to your network share.
- When you press enter File Explorer will open displaying a list of the network shares on your NAS
- From within File Explorer locate the address bar
- In the address bar type:
//[the-ipaddress-of-your-NAS]/
Note: By typing a back slash after the IP address of your NAS. A list of network shares that Windows can see will be displayed.
- Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
- In the ribbon select Show more, and click on the “Map network drive” button.
- The “Map Network Drive” window will appear. Choose a drive letter for the network drive.
- In the “Folder” field, enter the network path to the shared folder or drive. You can either type the path directly (e.g., \the-ipaddress-of-your-NAS\sharedfolder) or browse to the location by clicking on the “Browse” button.
- If you want the mapped drive to be available every time you start your computer, make sure to check the box next to “Reconnect at sign-in“. If you’re mapping a drive on a public computer or a computer you don’t own, it’s recommended to leave this box unchecked.
- If the shared folder requires authentication, click on the “Connect using different credentials” checkbox. This will prompt you to enter the username and password for the network resource.
- Once you’ve entered all the necessary information, click on the “Finish” button.
- If everything is set up correctly, you should now see the newly mapped network drive listed in File Explorer under “This PC” or “Computer”.
- Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
- In the ribbon elect Show more, and click on the “Disconnect network drive” button.
- A list of all mapped drives is displayed.
- Select the mapped drives you wish to dismount and choose OK.
- Select the Windows button and search for Terminal
- Open the Terminal application
- At the command prompt type:
net use P: \\the ip address of your nas\Public /persistent:n
- Open File Manager, you find a mapped drive called P:Public
- This confirmed that the network shares on your NAS will work
- Select the Windows button and search for Terminal
- Open the Terminal application
- At the command prompt type:
net use P: /delete
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