How do I map a Synology shared folder as a network drive in Windows?

Mapping a Synology folder to a drive letter makes it appear as a normal drive in Windows. The steps are simple; the details that matter are using a real account and the hostname.

Steps

1. Open File Explorer, right-click This PC, choose Map network drive.
2. Pick a drive letter.
3. In Folder, enter \\DiskStation\SharedFolder — the NAS hostname and the shared folder name.
4. Tick Reconnect at sign-in so it persists, and Connect using different credentials.
5. Click Finish, then enter your Synology username and password; tick "Remember my credentials" if you want it saved.

Why use the hostname and a real account

Connecting by hostname (not the IP address) lets Windows use stronger authentication and avoids NTLM-by-IP errors. Using a real NAS account (not guest) is necessary because Windows blocks unauthenticated guest access by default. On the Synology side, make sure SMB2/SMB3 is enabled and, for Windows 11 24H2, SMB signing is on.

If the mapping fails

A failure here usually means the same security mismatch behind the other Windows-NAS errors: guest access blocked, SMB signing required, or SMB1-only. Fix those on the NAS. Once mapped, the folder behaves like a local drive — and remember it's only as safe as the NAS's RAID and your backups.