How to Map a Synology Drive on Windows 11 (Network Drive Guide)

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Mapping a Synology NAS shared folder as a network drive in Windows 11 gives it a drive letter (like Z:) in File Explorer, so you can open, save, and back up files to the NAS as easily as a local disk. It takes a few minutes: make sure SMB file sharing is on in DSM, find the NAS address, and use Windows’ Map network drive wizard. This guide covers each step plus fixes for the most common connection errors.

Quick Answer

Open File Explorer, click This PC, then click the three-dot menu (…) and choose Map network drive. Pick a drive letter, enter \\NAS-name\share or \\192.168.1.50\share, check Reconnect at sign-in, click Finish, and sign in with your Synology (DSM) username and password.

Windows Map Network Drive dialog with drive letter Z, a NAS shared folder path highlighted, and the Finish button highlighted
(1) Enter the NAS name or IP address and shared folder, then (2) click Finish and sign in with your DSM account.

Before You Start

  • Your PC and the Synology NAS must be on the same network (or connected via VPN).
  • You need a DSM user account with permission to the shared folder.
  • Know the shared folder name (for example, Photos, Documents, or home).

Step 1: Make Sure SMB Is Enabled in DSM

  1. Sign in to DSM in a web browser (for example, http://find.synology.com or the NAS IP address with port 5000).
  2. Open Control Panel > File Services.
  3. On the SMB tab, check Enable SMB service and click Apply.
  4. Under Advanced Settings, keep the minimum SMB protocol at SMB2 or higher. Windows 11 doesn’t use SMB1 by default, and it’s insecure.
  5. Check the shared folder’s permissions in Control Panel > Shared Folder > Edit > Permissions so your user has Read/Write access.

Step 2: Find the NAS Address

  • Server name: shown in DSM under Control Panel > Info Center > General (for example, DS220).
  • IP address: shown in Info Center > Network, in your router’s device list, or with Synology Assistant.
  • Using the IP address is more reliable. Consider reserving it in your router (DHCP reservation) so it doesn’t change.

Step 3: Map the Drive in Windows 11

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer and click This PC in the left pane.
  2. Click the three-dot menu (…) on the toolbar and choose Map network drive. (You can also right-click This PC and choose Show more options > Map network drive.)
  3. Choose a Drive letter.
  4. In Folder, type the path, for example \\192.168.1.50\Photos, or click Browse to find it under Network.
  5. Check Reconnect at sign-in so the drive returns after a restart.
  6. If your Windows account name differs from your DSM account, check Connect using different credentials.
  7. Click Finish. Enter your DSM username and password, check Remember my credentials, and click OK.

The drive appears under This PC > Network locations.

Alternative: Map with a Command

Open Terminal and run:

net use Z: \\192.168.1.50\Photos /user:yourDSMuser /persistent:yes

Windows prompts for the password. To remove it later: net use Z: /delete.

Troubleshooting

  • “Windows cannot access \\NAS”: check the IP address, confirm SMB is enabled, and try pinging the NAS: ping 192.168.1.50.
  • NAS doesn’t appear under Network: in DSM, enable WS-Discovery under File Services > SMB > Advanced, or just type the IP path directly.
  • Credentials keep being rejected: use the format NASname\username, and check the account isn’t disabled in DSM. Remove old saved logins in Credential Manager > Windows Credentials.
  • “Multiple connections to a server by the same user”: disconnect existing mappings to the NAS (net use * /delete), then map again.
  • Drive shows a red X after restart: the NAS may not be ready when you sign in, or Wi-Fi connects late. Double-click the drive to reconnect.
  • Remote access: don’t expose SMB to the internet. Use Synology’s VPN Server, QuickConnect with Synology Drive, or another secure method.

Mapped Drive vs. Synology Drive Client

A mapped drive reads files directly from the NAS and needs a network connection. Synology Drive Client syncs selected folders to your PC so they work offline and sync changes later. Many people use both: a mapped drive for large archives and Drive Client for everyday documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I disconnect the mapped drive?

Right-click it in This PC and choose Disconnect.

Can I map the NAS on multiple PCs?

Yes. Repeat the steps on each PC; each user can sign in with their own DSM account.

Why is transfer slow?

Use a wired Ethernet connection where possible, and check that your router and NAS support gigabit (or faster) speeds.

Summary

  1. Enable SMB in DSM and confirm folder permissions.
  2. Find the NAS IP address or name.
  3. In File Explorer, choose Map network drive and enter \\IP\share.
  4. Check Reconnect at sign-in and sign in with your DSM account.

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