On a Windows computer, a network path may resemble the example below. Unless mapped (explained below), the network drive is only accessible by entering the network path. c:\WindowsĪ network drive is any drive only accessible over a network.
Below is a good example of a local drive path of the Windows directory on the C: drive ( primary hard drive). Although these drives could be shared, by default, they're only accessible to the user of the computer.
Local drive, network drive, and mapped driveĪlthough a local drive, network drive, and mapped drive are all considered drives, they each have unique differences.Ī local drive is a drive ( internal or external) that is connected to your computer.