Are you frustrated when a correctly mapped drive is not appearing in File Explorer, My Computer, or Applications despite the mapping having been correctly done? You obviously cannot operate on a drive that is not visible. In this guide, we will tell you about various methods which will fix the issue that Mapped Network Drives are not showing in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Mapping creates a drive letter for a folder, giving it access just like other computer drives. If you want permanent access to a folder on another computer, network, or server, you may map its folders. There are times when mapped drives fail to work as expected, and some people encounter problems such as mapped network drives that are not showing.
What causes Network Drives to be invisible?
A problem with network drives not showing up in File Explorer occurs because of an elevated File Explorer session created by the Jet Scheduler while running in an elevated state (administrator state).
A registry setting must be changed to allow you to see network drives when UAC is enabled, and the program is run as an Administrator (elevated). That is because the mapped drives were created under a login that differs from the administrator login.
Fix: Mapped Network Drives are Not Showing in Windows 11/10
Network folders and files can be accessed easily using mapped drives, just as they can be accessed using local disks. In most cases, this is convenient, but there are some errors. To fix these errors, you are required to follow these methods:
- Repair Network Drive not showing in File Explorer
- Configure Proxy and SMB
- Make Mapped drives persistent
- Network Drives not showing all Folders/Files
- Troubleshoot Network Issues
Let’s use these methods to fix the Mapped Network drive not showing in Windows 10.
1] Repair Network Drive not showing in File Explorer
Microsoft advises users on whether to use system file authorization or hard drive authorization for applications. This helps prevent the system from being damaged by malicious programs.
A mapped drive configured by a program running with administrative rights cannot be seen by the UAC and Shell because their permissions are standard. Therefore, you will get an error that the mapped network drive not showing in the application. Follow these steps to repair the issue:
- Click the Start button > Type Regedit > Press Enter key to open Registry Editor.
- Locate and then right-click the registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
- Right-click in the blank space and select New > Click DWORD
- Type EnableLinkedConnections > Press
- Right-click EnableLinkedConnections > Click
- Type 1 in the value data box > Click OK.
- Exit Registry Editor > Restart the computer.
As a result, the user can type “Administrator in Admin Approval Mode” and other UAC policies. Now check to see if the issue is fixed.
Secondly, two workarounds will help Windows recognize a network drive connection and make it appear in the network drive location.
2] Configure Proxy and SMB
If the above method did not work, you could try the other two methods to see your Windows recognize the network drive better:
- Configure the Network Proxy Settings
- Turn on the SMB Features
Configure the Network Proxy Settings
In Windows 11:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. Here you can add a script to manually configure the proxy so it can be managed easily.
In Windows 10
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings window > Choose Network & Internet.
- Select Change adapter options in status.
- Right-click on the Ethernet > Select Properties.
- Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the Networking tab > Click Properties.
- In the pop-up window, make sure you’re currently in Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
- Return to the Status tab > Click Sharing options under the Change adapter options.
- Expand the Private section in the new Window to make sure the Network discovery section is turned
- Click Save changes.
Turn on the SMB Features
- Type Programs and features in the search box and open it.
- On the left pane, select Turn Windows features on or off. A mini window will open where all Windows features are demonstrated.
- Scroll down to find the features that started with You need to make sure that all SMB folders were checked here > Click OK.
- Reboot the computer.
Now see if the changes affected the issue.
3] Make Mapped drives persistent
The default setting for any mapped drive is they will not reconnect automatically when the PC restarts. If you want them to ready as soon as you log in, you can use the Persistent switch using Windows Terminal or PowerShell, or Command Prompt.
net use Z: \\rcomp\sharefiles /user:Nayan /persistent:Yes
/persistent:Yes: Makes the connection you’re currently creating persistent. Future connections you make using the command during the same session are also persistent (you don’t need to keep using the switch) until you use the /persistent:No switch to turn it off
4] Network Drives not showing all Folders/Files
The user will not be able to view hidden files, folders, or subfolders. Because the files and folders on the NAS drives, including the mapped network drive and network drive, were hidden, they are not showing normally. To clear the NAS drive not showing on network Windows 10, you must follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click on the View tab.
- Click on the box in front of Hidden items.
Check if you were able to resolve the issue.
5] Troubleshoot Network Issues
At times Network can also be a problem. If you are not able to connect the network on which the drives are available, it will not show up.
Follow our detailed guide on how to fix network connection issues on Windows 11/10. You can fix ethernet and wifi issues.
These methods will help you in alleviating the mapped network drives not showing. I hope this post will help you fix the mapped network drive not showing Windows 11/10.
Why Do Mapped Drives Disappear in Windows?
It is usually a network issue. When Windows on your PC cannot connect or authenticate the drives, it will disappear from the File Explorer. You can either restart or add those drives again, especially if a password was associated with them.
How Do I Make a Mapped Drive Persistent?
If you want drives to be instantly there, ensure using a fixed IP address. Another way is to use the /persistent:Yes switch when configuring the driver from the terminal.
How Do I See Where a Drive Is Mapped To?
You can find the full UNC path of any mapped drive using the Net Use command. Once you execute it, a list of drives will be revealed, including the full path along with it.
