Command Line To Map Network Drive Verified May 2026

net use Z: \\server\share /user:jdoil * Or use cmdkey to store credentials securely:

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the using Windows net use , including key features and options. Basic Syntax net use [driveletter:] \\server\share [password] /user:username [options] Most Common Example net use Z: \\fileserver\projects /persistent:yes Maps \\fileserver\projects to drive Z: and remembers it after reboot. Detailed Features & Options | Feature | Command Example | Explanation | |---------|----------------|-------------| | Specify user credentials | net use Z: \\server\share /user:DOMAIN\jdoil P@ssw0rd | Use specific domain account | | Prompt for password (secure) | net use Z: \\server\share /user:jdoil * | Asterisk prompts for hidden password input | | Map without drive letter | net use \\server\share | Connects but no letter assigned (use UNC path) | | Use different port (SMB) | net use Z: \\server\share /user:jdoil /p:445 | SMB port (rarely needed manually) | | Reconnect at logon | net use Z: \\server\share /persistent:yes | Remembers mapping after reboot | | Temporary mapping (session only) | net use Z: \\server\share /persistent:no | Disappears after reboot | | Save credentials | net use Z: \\server\share /savecred | Stores password (less secure) | | Map as different user (Run as) | runas /user:otherdomain\jdoil "net use Z: \\server\share" | Maps with alternate account context | | Force disconnect existing | net use Z: \\server\share /persistent:yes /force | Overwrites if Z: already mapped elsewhere | Advanced Features 1. Map without a drive letter (pure UNC) net use \\fileserver\share /persistent:yes Useful for applications that only need network path, not a letter. 2. Delete existing mapping before creating net use Z: /delete net use Z: \\server\share 3. Map using current logged-on user (no password) net use Z: \\server\share Uses your Windows login credentials automatically. 4. Map with alternate credentials but no saved password net use Z: \\server\share /user:backupadmin * Type password when prompted, not stored in command history. 5. Map multiple shares in one line (with &) net use Z: \\server\share1 & net use Y: \\server\share2 View & Manage Existing Mappings | Action | Command | |--------|---------| | List all current connections | net use | | List with detailed info | net use /verbose | | Delete specific mapping | net use Z: /delete | | Delete all mappings | net use * /delete | | Disconnect without deleting | net use Z: /persistent:no then reboot | Scripting & Automation Batch file example @echo off net use Z: /delete /yes 2>nul net use Z: \\server\share /persistent:yes /user:DOMAIN\user * if %errorlevel% equ 0 ( echo Mapped successfully ) else ( echo Failed with error %errorlevel% ) PowerShell alternative (more control) New-PSDrive -Name Z -PSProvider FileSystem -Root \\server\share -Persist -Credential (Get-Credential) Common Error Codes | Code | Meaning | Fix | |------|---------|-----| | 53 | Network path not found | Check server name, DNS, connectivity | | 86 | Wrong password | Re-enter credentials | | 1219 | Multiple connections with different creds | Disconnect existing first | | 1312 | Logon failure: unknown user | Verify username/domain format | | 5 | Access denied | Check share/NTFS permissions | Security Best Practices ❌ Avoid (password visible in history): command line to map network drive

net use Z: \\server\share /user:jdoil P@ssw0rd ✅ : net use Z: \\server\share /user:jdoil * Or use