How to Add or Remove Network Locations in Windows 11

This article explains how to add or remove network locations in Windows 11.

What Is a Network Location?

A network location is a shortcut to network services. Think of it like a bookmark for websites or FTP sites. It lets you access FTP, sFTP, Windows file shares, and some websites directly from File Explorer without needing special software.

Why use a network location? Unlike a mapped network drive, a network location doesn’t take up a drive letter. It’s quick to set up and works with both external and internal resources.

Network locations are especially helpful if you work with FTP or sFTP servers. You can manage files right from File Explorer instead of using a separate FTP program.

Windows 11 is new, but network locations aren’t. They’ve been around since Windows XP.

How to Add a Network Location in Windows 11

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Click on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar to open it.

Step 2: Access the Network Location Menu

Right-click on This PC in the left sidebar. Click on Show more options.

Find Add a network location in the menu that appears.

Step 3: Start the Setup Wizard

A welcome page will appear. Click Next to begin.

Step 4: Choose a Custom Network Location

Click on the folder that says Choose a custom network location. Then click Next.

For this example, we’ll add an sFTP host.

Step 5: Type the Network Address

Enter the address of the resource you want to add. Use one of these formats:

• For FTP: ftp://example.com
• For file shares: \\userserver\resource
• For websites: http://example.com

Step 6: Log In Information

Choose whether you want to log in anonymously or use a username.

If the host allows anonymous access, select Log on anonymously. Otherwise, type in the username you were given.

Step 7: Name Your Location

Give your network location a name that’s easy to remember. This is what you’ll see in File Explorer.

Step 8: Finish Setup

Click Finish to complete the wizard.

Step 9: Log In to the Server

A login box will pop up. Type your username and password. You may see an option to save your password for next time. Click Log On.

After you log in successfully, you’ll see the files and folders on the server.

A new folder will appear under Network Location in File Explorer with the name you chose.

What happens next? The next time you want to connect, just click on the folder and log in. You can now copy, move, and manage files between your computer and the server using File Explorer.

How to Remove a Network Location in Windows 11

If you no longer need a network location, you can delete it easily.

Right-click on the network location folder you want to remove. Click Show more options, then select Delete.

Or select the folder and click the Delete button in the toolbar.

That’s it! The network location is now gone.

Summary

Adding and removing network locations in Windows 11 is simple and quick. Here’s what you need to know:

• Quick Access: Network locations let you reach FTP, sFTP, file shares, and websites straight from File Explorer.
• Easy Setup: The wizard walks you through it in just a few steps.
• No Drive Letters: Unlike mapped drives, network locations don’t need drive letters. This makes them flexible for many types of resources.
• Anonymous or Secure: You can choose to log in anonymously or with a username and password.
• Simple Removal: Deleting a network location is just as easy as creating one.

Now you have complete control over your network shortcuts on Windows 11. You can easily manage your connections and access the resources you need.