How to Add Network Location in Windows 10: A Detailed Guide

Adding a network location in Windows 10 allows IT teams and IT managers to create direct access to shared files, folders, or servers.

Instead of repeatedly entering a network path, they can add a network location for quick and seamless access. This is especially useful in corporate environments, where multiple users need to work with shared resources.

This guide will teach you how to add network locations in Windows 10. You'll also learn about common use cases and benefits.

What Is a Network Location in Windows 10?

A network location in Windows 10 is a shortcut that connects a computer device to a shared folder, network drive, or FTP site.

Unlike a mapped drive, which assigns a drive letter, a network location functions as a direct link without consuming local storage.

You can add a custom network location to Windows File Explorer. Doing so gives you access to shared resources without manually entering network paths or managing network devices.

How to Add Network Location in Windows 10? A Step-by-Step Guide

Here are six simple steps to add network locations to your Windows 10 computer.

Step 1: Launch File Explorer

First, you need to open the Windows File Explorer. There are several ways to do this:

• Simply click its icon (yellow folder) on the taskbar.
• Open the Start menu (the Windows logo) and find File Explorer.
• Press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard.

Next, go to the Computer tab, which you can find on the upper left of the Windows Explorer window. Tap the Add a network location button.

Alternatively, you can hover over the This PC option in the navigation pane. Right-click this button and select the Add a network location button.

Step 2: Set Up the Network Location Wizard

After clicking the network location button, you'll have access to a new pop-up window. This refers to the Add Network Location Wizard.

You can use this wizard to sign up for a service that offers online storage space. You can also create a shortcut to a website, a file transfer protocol (FTP) client, or any network place through this wizard.

To set up the network location wizard, click the Next button at the bottom right of the window. Select Choose a custom network location and tap Next again.

Step 3: Enter the Network Address

You can now specify the location of the website, FTP site, or network location where the shortcut will open.

Enter the network address in the empty blank space. For example, if you want to add a shortcut to a shared folder, you can enter: \\ServerName\NameOfSharedFolder.

To access FTP servers, you can input the following instead: ftp://ftp.server.com.

Alternatively, you can select the Browse button instead of manually entering the network address. A new window will appear where you can discover Windows file shares, connected cloud networks, and HTTP servers.

Click Next to continue to the next step.

Step 4: Input Network Credentials

You need to log on to the network location before adding it as a shortcut.

You can sign in anonymously by checking the Log on anonymously box.

If this action is not allowed, you can uncheck the Log on anonymously box.

Then, enter the required network credentials (username and password) when asked. Tick the Save password box to avoid entering the same credentials when connecting to the same network.

Tap Next to move on.

Step 5: Name the Network Location

The Network Location Wizard will ask you to name the location. Enter the name you want for this network address and click Next.

Step 6: Complete the Setup

You will see a prompt that the wizard has successfully created a network location in your Windows device.

Check if the shortcut refers to the same network you want to add.

After verifying if the details are correct, click the Finish button to complete the setup.

You can now access the new network location under This PC > Network Locations in Windows File Explorer.

Use Cases for Adding Network Locations

After learning how to add a Windows network location, let's discuss its common applications or use cases.

• Centralized file storage: Adding a network location ensures that different users can access important documents in one location. This improves accessibility for teams and reduces the need to search for cluttered files.
• Remote access to company servers: Employees working off-site need secure remote access to network resources. IT teams can configure advanced sharing settings to control permissions. This helps remote users connect safely to company networks without exposing sensitive data.
• Cloud storage connection: Organizations using full or hybrid cloud services can integrate them as network locations. For example, businesses can add a shortcut to Microsoft Azure to access cloud files easily.
• Data backups: Backing up critical data to a network location adds an extra layer of protection. IT teams can enable network discovery to automatically locate backup destinations. This ensures files are stored securely and can be restored if needed.

Why Is It Important to Add a Network Location in Windows?

Adding a network location is important for several reasons. Here's why it matters:

Enjoy Quick Access to Networks

Adding a network location saves time and improves IT efficiency. Instead of entering a long network path in the empty folder box, you can access shared resources instantly.

You can also organize and store multiple files in one secure network. This makes document access even more efficient.

Simplify IT Management

Managing shared resources becomes easier with network locations. You no longer need to map a network drive in the My Computer tab and configure mapping settings.

Instead, adding network locations is a set-and-forget-it process. You can quickly access files or folders thanks to the shortcut address.

Improve Security

Adding a network location allows your IT team to control who can access shared files.

Permissions can be adjusted to prevent unauthorized users from viewing or modifying sensitive data. This reduces security risks in company networks.

Enhance Collaboration

Your employees need shared access to files without confusion.

A network location makes sure employees work with the latest data. It also eliminates the need for local copies, which prevents outdated or duplicate files.

When Do You Need to Remove a Network Location?

There are times when removing a network location is necessary if you're managing shared resources.

For example, if a network is no longer available (whether it's no longer in use or the network path becomes inaccessible), you need to remove it under the Network Locations section of your computer.

You should also remove outdated network paths when updating or changing configurations. Failing to remove old or obsolete network locations can cause confusion and slow down workflows.

Connection errors, performance issues, or security threats may also require removing a network location. This minimizes security risks, especially if a network path is compromised.

Lastly, when migrating to a new server or cloud storage, you need to eliminate and upgrade old locations to ensure users connect to the correct resources.

How to Remove Network Location in Windows 10?

Removing network locations in Windows computers can be done in three simple steps.

First, open the File Explorer by clicking its icon or pressing the Windows logo key + E.

Next, navigate to This PC option on the left sidebar. This is where you'll find the network locations you added.

Then, hover over the network location you want to remove. Right-click on it and select Delete. And that's it—you just removed a network location.

Simplify Network Management with Level

If you need help managing Windows networks, consider using Level's remote monitoring and management (RMM) solution.

It offers a browser-based dashboard that consolidates all Windows servers, devices, and IoT gadgets in your IT environment. This simplifies network management, as you no longer need to switch between different tools.

Level also provides real-time insights into several key metrics, like network health, connection status, and CPU usage. These help you stay ahead of network issues and resolve them quickly.

On top of these capabilities, Level offers automation tools that can reduce manual workload. This saves significant time and allows your IT teams to focus on business-critical activities.

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FAQs About Add Network Location Windows 10

How do I manually add a network location in Windows 10?

Open File Explorer, right-click This PC and select Add a network location. Next, enter the network address and input the necessary credentials (username and password) when asked. Then, name the network location and click Finish to add a new network location.

How do I add a trusted network location in Windows 10?

Go to Control Panel > Internet Options > Security tab. Select Trusted sites and click Sites. Finally, add your network path to the list and save changes. This prevents Windows from blocking access to shared resources.

How do I add a network drive in Windows 10?

Open File Explorer, click This PC, and select Map network drive. Choose a drive letter, enter the network folder path, and check the Reconnect at sign-in box if needed. Tap Finish to complete the process. The mapped drive will now appear in Windows File Explorer.