Windows unable to map the network drive? Well, this issue is usually encountered when you’re trying to update the Windows OS. Mapping a network drive is a way to connect to the shared folders or locally stored data. If your device cannot map the network drive, then there’s a possibility that you may lose your data.
Don’t worry! This issue can easily be fixed by making a few changes in the Local Group Policy Editor, Registry Editor, and by simply using the Credential Manager on Windows. Let’s discuss the possible workarounds to fix the “Windows 10 can’t map the network drive” issue.
Also read: FIX: Windows 10 Could not Reconnect all Network Drives
How To Fix Windows 10 Can’t Map the Network Drive
1. Registry Editor
To make sure that your device maps the network drive without any hindrance, we will try to make some changes in the Registry Editor. Here’s what you need to do.
Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Regedit.exe” and hit Enter.
In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Network\
After the “Network\” path, add the drive letter that needs to be mapped.
Once you’re at the location, right-click on the “Provider Flags”, and create a new D-WORD file. (32-bit)
In the Value data box, enter 1. Press the OK button to save the recent changes.
Repeat the same set of steps for each local drive.
Once you’re done, reboot your device and check if you’re still facing the issue.
Also read: 10 Best Ways to Fix Unidentified Network No Internet Access – Windows 10
2. Local Group Policy Editor
In our next workaround to fix the “Windows 10 can’t map the network drive” issue, we will be making some changes in the Local Group Policy Editor. Follow these quick steps:
Press the Windows + R key combination, type “Gpedit.msc” in the textbox, and hit Enter.
In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path:
Local Computer Policy> Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates.
On the right side of the window, tap on the “System” folder.
Once the options are expanded, select “Logon”.
First, tap on the “Edit Policy Setting” option and then select the “Exclude External Credentials” file. Double-click on the file title to open Properties.
Check on the “Enabled” button. Hit the OK and Apply buttons to save the recent changes.
Also read: 9 Fixes For Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network
3. Use the Credential Manager
To use the Credential Manager on Windows 10, follow these steps.
Launch the Start menu search space, type “Control Panel” and hit Enter.
In the Control Panel window, tap on “User Accounts”. Select “Manage your Credentials”.
Tap on “Windows Credentials”.
Select the credential that you need to delete, and hit the “Remove” button placed underneath.
Windows will pop up a confirmation message asking whether you’re sure about removing this particular credential. Tap on “Yes” to proceed”.
Exit all Windows and head on to Desktop. Tap on the “This PC” icon. Select the drive on which you’re experiencing mapping troubles, right-click on it and select “Disconnect”.
Also read: How To Use The Credential Manager In Windows 10?
4. Update Windows
Tried the above-mentioned troubleshooting solutions and still no luck? Well, we would strongly recommend checking for any available updates of Windows OS.
To do so, open Windows Settings, select “Update and Security”.
Hit the “Check for Updates” button to see if any latest updates are available for your device.
If Windows lists any updates, install it right away to upgrade your device.
Download Advanced Disk Recovery to Restore Lost Data!
Lost data due to the “Windows can’t map the network drive” issue? Don’t worry! You can easily recover your lost/deleted/formatted data using the Advanced Disk Recovery tool. Advanced Disk Recovery is a nifty, easy-to-use data recovery software that allows you to restore lost data including photos, videos, music, documents, and other files.
Advanced Disk Recovery not just allows you to retrieve data from the disk drive but also removable storage media including portable disks, USB flash drive, memory card, and more.
Conclusion
We hope the above-mentioned solutions help you resolve the “Windows can’t map the Network drive” issue on Windows 10. By making few quick changes in your device settings can easily allow you to get past any hindrance. Do let us know which solution worked out the best for you!