How to map a Synology NAS network drive on Windows 10

How-to
By Rich Edmonds
published

Synology DiskStation DS1621+
Synology DiskStation DS1621+ (Image credit: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central)

The best NAS for home are fantastic for storing files, and the easiest way to access them on Windows 10 is to map a network drive within the OS. Instead of connecting to the NAS via a browser, a mapped drive can act much like a local SSD or HDD and allow for quick access.

How to map a network drive

The top reason for mapping network drives to your Windows 10 installation is easy access. It's far more convenient to simply open Windows Explorer and click on a mapped drive rather than logging into a browser to connect to a NAS.

If you're using the Synology Assistant suite, it's possible to map a network drive using the official software, but it requires a similar number of steps and I recommend doing it through Windows Explorer.

Windows Explorer

  1. On your Windows 10 PC, open Windows Explorer.
  2. Click on This Computer.
  3. Click on Map network drive.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Select a drive letter from the drop-down menu.
  2. Enter \\SERVER\SHARE into the folder field, replacing SERVER with the NAS IP address and SHARE with the shared folder name.
  3. Click Finish.
  4. Enter your Synology NAS username and password in the Windows credentials pop-up prompt.

The mapped network drive will now appear within Windows Explorer as local storage, allowing you to quickly transfer files.

Synology Assistant

  1. On your Windows 10 PC, open Synology Assistant.

Synology Assistant

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click on This Computer.
  2. Click on your Synology NAS.
  3. Click on Map Drive.
  4. Enter your NAS credentials.
  5. Select the Shared folder to map as a drive.
  6. Select an available drive letter.Tip: Check the "Reconnect at login" box to have the drive automatically mounted at boot.
  7. Click on Finish.

Synology DS220+Best Overall
Synology DiskStation DS220+

The best overall Synology NAS

The latest two-bay Intel-powered NAS from Synology is a cracking example of value. The newer Intel processor is more than capable of handling some transcoding (just not 4K), as well as other tasks you wish to run on the NAS.

Rich Edmonds
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.