Can't Find your Network Files?

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If you've ever opened a file from a mapped network drive in File Explorer—only to find it mysteriously missing when you try to access it through an app running as Administrator—you’re not alone. This issue typically arises because Windows does not automatically share mapped drives between standard and elevated (admin) user sessions.

The good news? There’s a simple registry tweak that can fix it.

⚠️ This process involves editing your system registry. Please proceed carefully, and reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Making incorrect changes in the registry can affect your system.

✅ Fix: Let Windows Link Drives Between Standard and Elevated Sessions

Here’s how to make sure your mapped drives are visible across all user levels:

🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Open the Registry Editor:

    • Click the Windows Search bar in the lower-left corner of your screen.

    • Type regedit and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to this key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

  3. Create a new registry entry:

    • Right-click on the System folder.

    • Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

    • Name the new value:
      EnableLinkedConnections

  4. Set its value:

    • Double-click the new entry.

    • Set the Value data to 1.

    • Click OK.

  5. Restart your computer.

🔄 What This Does:

This change allows elevated applications (like Command Prompt or software run as Administrator) to access the same mapped drives that are created in your standard user session.

🧠 Still Not Seeing Your Network Files?

If you've completed the steps above and still can't access your files, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help troubleshoot further.