- Fixing “Map Network Drive Missing” in Windows 11 After Recent Updates
- Why Does Map Network Drive Disappear in Windows 11?
- Why is my Network Drive acting up windows 11?
- How to fix mapped network drive not showing in Windows 11/10/8/7?
- Showing Hidden Items in File Explorer
- Enabling File and Printer Sharing
- Updating Drivers
- How do I find a network drive in Windows 10?
- Why are my files missing after Windows 11 update?
- Restarting Your Device
- Modifying the Registry
- How to map a network drive in Windows 11?
- How do I create a network drive in Windows 10?
- How to fix mapped network drives not working Windows 10?
- Preventing Recurrence of the Problem
- How do I map a shared drive in Windows 10?
- How do I fix a network error in Windows 11?
- Is map network drive available after Windows 11 22h2 update?
- What is network file sharing in Windows 11?
- References
Fixing “Map Network Drive Missing” in Windows 11 After Recent Updates
Recent Windows 11 updates, including the 22H2 update, have caused the "Map Network Drive" option to go missing for some users when right-clicking on This PC. As a commonly used feature for mapping drives, this can be frustrating. But there are several potential solutions to restore this capability. Let’s examine why this occurs and how to get Map Network Drive back in Windows 11.
Why Does Map Network Drive Disappear in Windows 11?
The root cause of Map Network Drive vanishing isn’t entirely clear. Microsoft has not provided specifics on what causes the option to disappear from File Explorer’s context menu. Based on user reports, the problem seems most prevalent after major Windows 11 updates like 22H2.
Some speculate that changes to the Registry during installation of updates may inadvertently remove keys relied on by the Map Network Drive feature. Additionally, bugs introduced in updated system files or drivers could also be responsible.
Why is my Network Drive acting up windows 11?
If you’re trying to map a network drive on Windows 11 and it’s acting up, it could be because the network discovery feature isn’t enabled. One of the most common problems with home networks is that they don’t work how you want them to.
How to fix mapped network drive not showing in Windows 11/10/8/7?
Today we’ll help teach you how to fix mapped network drive not showing in Windows 11/10/8/7. If your application is running with admin rights, you may not be able to see it on your mapped drives. Here’s how to get around this: Step 1. Click on “Start” and in the program box type in “regedit”. Click Enter. Step 2.
Showing Hidden Items in File Explorer
One straightforward step is ensuring that hidden items are being displayed in File Explorer. The Map Network Drive option is hidden by default, so showing these items can make it visible once again.
To display hidden items:
- Open File Explorer.
- Select the "View" tab.
- Check the box next to "Hidden items".
After enabling viewing of hidden items, you should now see the Map Network Drive option when right-clicking This PC.
Enabling File and Printer Sharing
Another potential factor is that the File and Printer Sharing feature has become disabled. This provides the core networking capability necessary for mapping drives.
To check and re-enable this:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
- Under the Advanced sharing settings section, ensure File and printer sharing is toggled On.
With file sharing enabled, you may now find Map Network Drive available again.
Updating Drivers
Outdated or buggy drivers could also be at fault. Drivers provide the core software interface between Windows and your hardware. Problems in network-related drivers like those for your network adapter may lead to networking features like drive mapping not working correctly.
How do I find a network drive in Windows 10?
Open File Explorer ( WIN+E ). Right-click This PC from the left column, and select Map network drive. If you don’t see anything in a left column, go to View > Show > Navigation pane. Pick a letter from the menu you want the network drive to be identified as. This can be any letter in the list.
Why are my files missing after Windows 11 update?
There are a few things that could have caused your files to go missing after the Windows 11 update. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take: Check the Recycle Bin: It’s possible that the files were accidentally deleted or moved to the Recycle Bin. Check there to see if the files are still available.
Manually updating drivers can potentially fix the issue:
- Open Device Manager using Windows Search or Run (devmgmt.msc).
- Expand the Network adapters section.
- Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
Be sure to repeat this process for any other networking adapters or controllers listed in Device Manager. After updating your networking drivers, check if Map Network Drive is now available.
Restarting Your Device
One of the simplest fixes to try is restarting your PC. A reboot can clear out any temporary glitches caused by Windows updates or other software changes.
To restart:
- Click the Start button and select the Power icon near the top-right.
- Choose Restart to reboot your device.
After your PC restarts, Map Network Drive may be restored.
Modifying the Registry
For users still missing the Map Network Drive feature after trying other solutions, modifying the Windows Registry may help. Caution should be taken here, as incorrectly editing the Registry can cause system instability.
How to map a network drive in Windows 11?
Select Map network drive. Check Reconnect at sign-in to automatically remap the drive at each login. To map a network drive for all users, you need to create a special folder and script. This article explains how to map a network drive in Windows 11, so you can easily access shared files from another computer on your network.
How do I create a network drive in Windows 10?
You will be able to have one-click easy access to your files on networked locations via the Windows File Explorer. You can create or map a drive directly to your FTP site from within Windows. Next select Map network drive. The wizard will open. Open File Explorer > Computer (This PC). Right-click and select Map Network Drive.
How to fix mapped network drives not working Windows 10?
On the Conditions tab, select the Start only if the following network connection is available option, select Any connection, and then select OK. Log off, and then log back on to the device to run the scheduled task. An article provides a workaround to resolve mapped network drives not working in Windows 10, version 1809.
To add a Registry fix:
- Backup the Registry in case anything goes wrong.
- Launch Registry Editor using Run (regedit).
- Navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. - Add a new DWORD value named
NoNetConnectDisconnectand set to 0. - Restart your device for changes to take effect.
This Registry modification has resolved the missing Map Network Drive issue for many affected Windows 11 users.
Preventing Recurrence of the Problem
While the solutions discussed can restore Map Network Drive in Windows 11, the issue may recur after future system updates. To prevent this, be proactive:
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Carefully review changes introduced in each Windows Update. Monitoring Microsoft support forums can help identify potential problems to watch out for.
How do I map a shared drive in Windows 10?
Open the ‘Network’ page in the File Explorer and navigate to the shared folder or drive you want to map to your computer. Then, right-click on the folder and choose the option ‘Map network drive‘. In the ‘Map Network Drive’ window, select a drive letter that you want to assign in File Explorer for the folder.
How do I fix a network error in Windows 11?
Disconnect the Network Drives If you know which drive is causing the error, a simple disconnect and reconnect can help you resolve the error. Press Win + E to open File Explorer. In the left pane, right-click on This PC and select Disconnect Network Drive. In Windows 11, select Show more options to view the disconnect drive option.
Is map network drive available after Windows 11 22h2 update?
“Map Network Drive” is no longer an option under This PC after the Windows 11 22H2 update. I’m using a Dell XPS 9710 if that matters. Was this reply helpful? Hello,”Map Network Drive” is no longer an option under This PC after the Windows 11 22H2 update. I’m using a Dell XPS 9710 if that matters.
What is network file sharing in Windows 11?
Aside from mapping a network drive, there are other network file sharing options in Windows 11. These include sharing files in the cloud with OneDrive, Windows public folder sharing, and third-party sharing solutions. Was this page helpful? Map a network drive in Windows 11 to access files from another computer on the network.
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Wait to install major updates like feature updates until teething issues are resolved in subsequent patches.
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Maintain regular backups of your Registry so you can easily revert changes if needed.
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Keep drivers updated proactively rather than waiting for problems to occur. Use tools like Driver Booster to automate this.
With proper diligence, you can avoid this and other issues caused by Windows updates. Paying close attention to what each update changes and maintaining robust system backups are key.
We hope these troubleshooting steps get Map Network Drive working again after Windows 11 updates. Let us know in the comments if you have any other tips for resolving the problem. And share this article if it helped you or someone else fix the missing Map Network Drive option.
