1. Create the Shared Folder
First create the network share on your file server.
Example:
D:\Shares\Finance
Share path:
\\FileServer\Finance
Set permissions so the correct users/groups can access it.
2. Open Group Policy Management
On your domain controller:
- Open Group Policy Management
- Navigate to your Users OU
- Right-click → Create a GPO
Example name:
Mapped Drives Policy
3. Edit the GPO
Open the policy and navigate to:
User Configuration
Preferences
Windows Settings
Drive Maps
Right-click Drive Maps → New → Mapped Drive
4. Configure the Drive Mapping
Example settings:
General Tab
|
Setting |
Value |
|
Action |
Update |
|
Location |
\FileServer\Finance |
|
Drive Letter |
F: |
|
Label |
Finance Share |
Recommended options:
✔ Reconnect
✔ Hide/Show drive based on preference
5. (Optional) Target Specific Users or Groups
If the drive should only apply to certain users:
- Go to Common Tab
- Enable Item-level targeting
- Click Targeting
Add:
Security Group → Finance Users
Now only that group receives the drive mapping.
6. Link the GPO
Link the GPO to the OU containing your users.
7. Apply Policy on Client
On a client machine run:
gpupdate /force
Or log out and log back in.
8. Verify the Mapping
Open File Explorer → This PC
You should see something like:
F: Finance Share
pointing to:
\\FileServer\Finance
Example Enterprise Setup
Many organizations map multiple drives:
|
Drive |
Share |
|
H: |
Home Folder |
|
S: |
Shared Department |
|
P: |
Public |
Example:
H: \\FileServer\Home\%USERNAME%
S: \\FileServer\Shared
P: \\FileServer\Public
%USERNAME% automatically creates a personal drive for each user.
Best Practices
✔ Use Update action instead of Create
✔ Use Security Groups for targeting
✔ Keep drive letters consistent across the company
✔ Avoid mapping too many drives (3–5 max)
💡 Pro tip: Many admins also enable:
Computer Configuration
Policies
Administrative Templates
System
Logon
Enable:
Always wait for the network at computer startup and logon
This prevents drives not mapping during login.
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