How to Search Network Drives on Windows 11

Network Drives Are Handled Differently Than Local Drives

Windows Search indexes your local files automatically — but network drives (shared folders, NAS devices, mapped drives) are not indexed by default. This means searching a network location works differently and requires a few extra steps.

Why Network Drives Don't Show Up in Windows Search

The Windows Search index only covers your local drives (C:, D:, etc.) and connected cloud storage (OneDrive). Network locations are excluded because indexing a network drive requires a constant connection and can be slow.

How to Search a Network Drive in File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer
2. Navigate to the network drive or shared folder (under Network in the left panel, or via a mapped drive letter)
3. Click in the search bar in the top-right corner
4. Type your search query

File Explorer will search the network location — but without an index, it scans files one by one. This is slower than local search, especially on large network shares. Be patient.

Speed It Up: Add Network Locations to the Index

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Searching Windows → Advanced indexing options
2. Click Modify
3. Click Show all locations
4. Expand Network and check the network folders you want indexed
5. Click OK — Windows will begin indexing those locations

Note: The network location must be accessible and online when indexing runs. Indexing speed depends on network speed and folder size.

Searching UNC Paths Directly

You can navigate directly to a network location by typing its UNC path in the File Explorer address bar: \\servername\sharename — then use the search bar from there.