17 - How to Map Network Drive Using Group Policy with Windows Server 2022 (Video Tutorial in Khmer)

Hello my friend! Today I show you step-by-step how to Map Network Drive Using Group Policy Preferences (GPP) in Windows Server 2022! Using Group Policy Preferences to map network drives is much more powerful and flexible than old logon scripts! You can automatically mount network shares (like Z:\ or S:\ drives), assign custom drive labels, and even target specific Active Directory department groups using Item-Level Targeting! Very easy to follow with video tutorial in Khmer! Let's get started!

Step 1: Ensure Shared Network Folder Exists

First, verify that your network share is created and accessible across the network:

1. Create folder on server data drive (example: D:\SharedData).
2. Share folder on network with Share Name SharedData (UNC path: \\SRV-DC01\SharedData).
3. Ensure appropriate Share & NTFS security permissions are set for domain users or groups.

💡 Tip: Test opening UNC path \\SRV-DC01\SharedData in File Explorer from client PC to verify users have read/write access before creating GPO!

Step 2: Create New Group Policy Object (GPO)

Now create new GPO in Group Policy Management Console:

1. Open Group Policy Management (gpmc.msc).
2. Right-click your target Organization Unit (OU) containing user accounts > select Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here....
3. Name GPO: GPO_Map_Network_Drive_Z > click OK.

Step 3: Configure Drive Maps Preference in GPO

Now edit GPO to add new Drive Mapping preference setting:

1. Right-click GPO_Map_Network_Drive_Z > select Edit....
2. Inside Group Policy Management Editor, navigate to: User Configuration → Preferences → Windows Settings → Drive Maps
3. Right-click empty area on right pane > select New > Mapped Drive.
4. On General tab, configure settings:
   • Action: Select Update (or Replace).
     • Update: Creates drive mapping or updates existing settings without deleting unmapped shares.
   • Location: Type full UNC network share path:

   \\SRV-DC01\SharedData
   

   • Check Reconnect ([x] Reconnect).
   • Label as: Type custom name for drive (example: Company Shared Data).
   • Drive Letter: Select Use > choose drive letter (example: Z:).
   • Hide/Show this drive: Select Show this drive.

💡 Tip: Always use Action Update for regular drive mapping! Avoid using Action Create if drive letter might already exist, as it will fail!

Step 4: Configure Item-Level Targeting for Specific Groups (Optional Tip)

If you want Z: drive to map ONLY for specific department users (like IT department):

1. Switch to Common tab inside New Mapped Drive window.
2. Check box [x] Item-level targeting.
3. Click Targeting... button > click New Item > select Security Group.
4. Click ... button > search and select your domain group (example: REAN\IT-Users).
5. Click OK > click Apply > click OK.

💡 Tip: Item-Level Targeting allows you to map different drive letters (HR H:, Finance F:, IT Z:) all inside single GPO!

Step 5: Test and Verify Mapped Drive on Client PC

Now test GPO on client PC (Windows 10 / Windows 11):

1. On client computer, open Command Prompt (cmd) and force GPO update:

gpupdate /force

2. Log off domain user account and log back in (or open File Explorer).
3. Open This PC (Win + E).
4. Under Network locations section, you will see your new mapped drive: Company Shared Data (Z:)!
5. Double-click Z:\ drive to test reading and writing files!

💡 Tip: If drive letter does not appear immediately after gpupdate /force, check if local physical drive or USB stick is already using letter Z:. GPO cannot overwrite existing physical drive letter!

Watch Video Tutorial (Khmer)

Watch full step-by-step video tutorial below to see how to map network drive using Group Policy in Khmer:

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Hope this tutorial help you map network drives using Group Policy easily! Practice setting up drive map GPO on your server today. Happy learning my friends! Sharing is caring!