What is the UNC path of a mapped drive?

In Windows, if you have mapped network drives and you don’t know the UNC path for them, you can start a command prompt (Start → Run → cmd.exe) and use the net use command to list your mapped drives and their UNC paths: C:\>net use New connections will be remembered.

What is UNC mapping?

UNC is short for Universal Naming Convention, a Windows format for specifying the location of resources on a local-area network (LAN). UNC uses the following format: \\server-name\shared-resource-pathname. The shared resource pathname can be a single name, or a longer directory path.

What happens when you map a network drive?

You can easily create a shortcut to another drive or folder shared on your network by mapping that location. When you map a network drive, it will show up as a new drive under This PC in File Explorer, so you can quickly access the shared files you need, just like you would your local hard drive.

Are mapped drives a security risk?

If you happen to get hit with something that only looks for “drive letters”, the impact is completely isolated to the local system. So, while it may be far from foolproof, there is still some security value in staying away from mapping network drives.

How do I find the path of a mapped network drive?

To check the path of a network drive using File Explorer, click on ‘This PC’ on the left panel in Explorer. Then double-click the mapped drive under ‘Network Locations’. The path of the mapped network drive can be seen at the top.

What is the main purpose of mapping network drives?

Drive mapping is used to locate directories, files or objects, and programs or apps, and is needed by end users, administrators, and various other operators or groups.

What is a standard UNC path?

A UNC path uses double slashes or backslashes to precede the name of the computer. The path (disk and directories) within the computer are separated with a single slash or backslash, as in the following examples. Note that in the DOS/Windows example, drive letters (c:, d:, etc.) are not used in UNC names.

What is UNC in networking?

Short for Universal Naming Convention or Uniform Naming Convention, UNC is a PC format for specifying the location of resources on a local area network (LAN). UNC uses the following format: \\server-name\shared-resource-pathname.

What is the difference between mapping a network drive and adding a network location?

Answers. According to the wizard’s explanation, “Add a network location” is used for storing files to an Internet storage provider / FTP. Map a network drive is usually used in cases where the locations is on the Local Area Network itself / through a VPN.