Solution Properties
Solution ID:
250507165407690
Last Modified Date:
Wed May 07 16:54:07 UTC 2025
Taxonomy Path:
Category//Setup and configuration
Author:
[email protected]
Difference between UNC path and mapped drive
Description
A UNC path is a standard way to reference files and folders on a network, using the format \server\share\file.txt.
A mapped drive assigns a drive letter (like C:, D:, etc.) to a network location, making it appear as a local drive.

UNC Path

  • Format: \\server_name\shared_folder\file.txt
  • Purpose: It provides a standard way to identify network resources, regardless of the operating system
  • Accessibility: Applications and command-line tools can use it directly without requiring a drive letter mapping
  • Example: \\server01\documents\shared\report.docx

Mapped Drive

  • Format: Assigns a drive letter to a network location (for example, Z:)
  • Purpose: Makes network resources appear as local drives, simplifying navigation for users
  • Accessibility: Available in File Explorer and other applications that recognize the drive letters
  • Example: Mapping \\server01\documents\shared to the drive letter Z: