How do I connect to a network drive or VPN on Windows?
Connecting a shared network drive or a VPN in Windows 11 takes about 5 minutes. You need the connection details from your IT admin first: the address of the drive, or the server address and sign-in details for the VPN. deeploi does not see or store anything you access through them.
If your company gave you a VPN app (for example FortiClient, Nebula, or Tailscale), use that app instead. The steps below are for the VPN that is built into Windows.
How do I add a network drive?
- Open File Explorer and click This PC in the left sidebar.
- Click the ⋯ (three dots) in the toolbar and choose Map network drive.
- Choose a drive letter. Pick one from the end of the list, for example
Z:, so it does not collide with USB drives. - In Folder, enter the address from your IT admin, for example
\\192.168.1.20\sharedor\\fileserver\team. - Tick Reconnect at sign-in so the drive comes back after every restart. If the drive needs a different user name, also tick Connect using different credentials.
- Click Finish and enter the sign-in details if asked.
The drive now appears under This PC like a normal folder.
How do I add a VPN connection?
- Open Settings → Network & internet → VPN and click Add VPN.
- Under VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in).
- Enter a Connection name (for example your company name), the Server name or address and the VPN type exactly as your IT admin gave them to you.
- Under Type of sign-in info, choose what your IT admin told you, usually User name and password, and enter them.
- Click Save.
- To connect, click the network icon at the bottom right of the taskbar, choose VPN, select the connection and click Connect. You can also connect from Settings → Network & internet → VPN.
If the connection fails right after you saved it, the VPN type or an advanced setting usually does not match what the server expects. Ask your IT admin for the exact values rather than guessing. On a work laptop, deeploi can also set the connection up for you remotely.