How to Remove a Network Drive from Windows 11?

Windows 11 lets users add a folder or drive on a connected network as a Network Drive. As a result, they can access the drive or folder easily instead of locating it on the network and then accessing its contents. But, once you’re done with these network folders, you should better remove them and continue using your PC as usual. Here’s how to remove a network drive in Windows 11. 

How To Remove A Network Drive?

Windows 11 users can try multiple ways to remove a network drive. Let’s find out how each method works. 

Removing Network Drive From The File Explorer

You can remove the network drive from the file explorer using the steps below:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click the three dots button and select the “Disconnect Network Drive” option
3. The “Disconnect Network Drives” Window will appear, locate the network drive you want to disconnect, and select it
4. Click OK to disconnect

There is another option to remove the connected network drive from File Explorer. For this:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click Network or This PC
3. Right-click the mapped network drive
4. Click “Show More options”
5. Click Disconnect

The drive will be removed and won’t show up in This PC.  

Removing Network Drive From Command Prompt Or Windows Terminal

The second method you can use is to remove the mapped drive using your Windows Terminal or command prompt. Follow the steps below for this: 

1. Go to the File Explorer and note down the letter used by the drive you intend to remove
2. Launch Command Prompt or Windows Terminal with admin privileges (Win + X)
3. In the Command Prompt, type the command below and hit enter:

net use z: /delete

1. Go to the File Explorer again and check, the mapped drive won’t appear. 

Removing Network Drive From Registry

It is also possible to remove the connected network drive from the registry. However, before you proceed with this method, ensure that you have created a registry backup or a restore point. In case something is accidentally deleted, you’ll be able to bring your system back to its previous working state using that backup or restore point. Below are the steps to follow:

1. Press Win + R to launch the Run Prompt
2. Type regedit and press Shift+Enter for launching the registry editor as an admin
3. Go to the path below:

##Server_Name#Share_Name

1. That’s where all your mapped network entries exist, just right-click the folder and hit delete
2. Confirm by clicking Yes

You can now go to the File Explorer or refresh it if already opened, and you won’t see the Network Drive anymore. 

Removing Network Drive By Clearing Mapped Network Drive Cache

In Windows 11, a cache is maintained for all the drives connected from a network. It helps ensure that they load quickly and there is no wait whatsoever. You can clear this cache using the command prompt. Follow the steps below: 

1. Open Command Prompt 
2. Type the following command and hit enter:

.net use D: /delete

You can replace D with the letter used by your Network Drive. This method may not work for network location mappings like web servers or FTP servers. 

So, if you have to remove a network drive in Windows 11, follow any of the methods described above. You’ll be able to do it successfully.