Windows tip: integrate network drives in Explorer

Martin Jud

13.8.2025

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Pictures: Martin Jud

Thanks to SMB, you can integrate network drives in Explorer. This way, you can use them like local drives in Windows.

Want easy access to your NAS library, your router with a storage feature or a second computer with shared folders in the network? All while being just as convenient as you’re used to with local drives? Well, then the best way to connect your network storage is via the SMB protocol.

Before you start: find out the network address of the SMB target

To connect to a network drive, you need its network address. It’ll begin with two backslashes, then contain either the IP address or the device name (host name). This may be followed by a third backslash and a specific directory to be opened directly.

Here’s an example of a host name address with the target directory:

\\nirvaNAS\Martin

If you want to use the IP address, make sure your network storage receives a fixed IP from the router – either manually or via DHCP reservation.

If you’re using a NAS, you can find out the address by logging into its web interface then navigating to the file services in the settings. The information can be found there for both Synology and Ugreen; there are examples in the following screenshots. For the address to work, the SMB service of your NAS must of course also be activated.

If you’re using a router with a memory function, you’ll also find the address in its web interface. Below is a Fritz!Box screenshot. With that system, you’ll find it under Home Network > USB/Storage > Home Network Sharing.

```

the router name can also be used, the connection works in the same way:

\\Internetz-Fritz

If you’re using a shared Windows folder on another PC, you can find out the address by opening the folder properties and then clicking on the Sharing tab.

Integrate a network drive – it’s quick and easy

1. Open Windows search by clicking on Start or pressing the Windows key. Then enter the address. The following example uses a Synology NAS with the hostname address:

\\eidgeNAS

2. As soon as you press Enter, you’ll be asked for your username and password. You should know both for the device whose drive or folder you want to integrate. Remember to check the Save login data box here. Otherwise you’ll have to enter the data again the next time you access the site.

3. That’s really it. You’ll already have access. If you accidentally close Explorer, you’ll find the new network resource after reopening it if you click on Network at the bottom left (provided that Windows network detection and file sharing are activated).

4. You also have the option of adding the network resource to quick access. To do this, grab it with your mouse in the address bar, …

5. … and drag it to the desktop, for example, then release the mouse button.

You can also drag folders there. This doesn’t just speed up access from Explorer, but also from any other program. You can also access it directly from Word, Photoshop and the like.

If you don’t have network storage, I can recommend Ugreen NAS:

If you’d like another Windows tip, click here:

Martin Jud

Senior Editor

martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.ch

I find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.

These articles might also interest you