Azure Files - Mapped drive from AAD joined PC does not show in File Explorer

Question

The mapped drive does not show in File Explorer, but I can access the data via UNC path and via non-elevated CMD prompt. The same action performed from a domain joined Azure VM is successful with the mapped drive successfully listed in File Explorer.

Via CMD prompt the net use command returns that a drive is indeed mapped.

Via PS using the get-ciminstance command returns a remote connection is established and the path matches that of the mapped drive. The username matches what which was used to authenticate to the share.

Via the File Explorer mapped drive feature, I can map the drive without error, but no drive is listed in File Explorer. The folder structure is then available via UNC path/CMD. I tried a registry entry to add "EnableLinkedConnections" Dword with a value of 1. Restarted, but this did not help.

The environment:

• Azure Files using SMB file share. Identity-based access is enabled and configured with Entra Domain Services.
• Cloud only account used to authenticate when accessing the share. The authentication is accepted, and access granted.
• Azure VPN enabled to access the SMB share

I get the same results when mapping the drive using non-elevated CMD using the Storage account access key - the drive successfully maps, and I can navigate the folder structure via the CMD prompt and via UNC path, but there is no mapped drive listed in File Explorer.

I also tried mapping the drive via ps using the new-psdrive command with the Global scope. Same results as the other attempts.

Answer 1

Hi JohnE2,

Thank you for posting your query here!

I understand that you are experiencing an issue with mapped drives not showing in File Explorer on your computer.

And you have already checked that the mapped drive is visible in Command Prompt. The "net use" command lists the mapped drive on your device.

Based on the information you have provided; it seems that you have already tried some troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. However, there are still some other steps that you can try to fix the problem.

· Check if the mapped drives are visible in Disk Management. To do this, right-click on the Start button and select Disk Management. If the mapped drives are visible, right-click on them and select Change Drive Letter and Paths. Then, assign a drive letter to the mapped drives.

· Check if the mapped drives are visible in the Group Policy Editor. To do this, open the Group Policy Editor by typing "gpedit.msc" without the quotes in the Search box. Then, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer. Make sure that the "Hide these specified drives in My Computer" policy is not enabled.

· Check if the mapped drives are visible in the Registry Editor. To do this, open the Registry Editor by typing "regedit" without the quotes in the Search box. Then, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. Make sure that the "NoDrives" value is not set.      

Please note that by default, Windows File Explorer doesn't run as an administrator. If you run net use from an administrative command prompt, you map the network drive as an administrator. Because mapped drives are user-centric, the user account that is logged in doesn't display the drives if they're mounted under a different user account.

Mount the share from a non-administrator command line. Alternatively, you can follow this TechNet topic to configure the EnableLinkedConnections registry value.

Reference article: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/files/storage-troubleshoot-windows-file-connection-problems?tabs=azure-portal#no-folder-with-a-drive-letter-in-my-computer-or-this-pc

You may refer this discussion on the similar issue which might help: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1138115/cannot-connect-azure-files-share-as-z-drive

Other reference: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/67378256/azure-file-share-mapped-drive-is-not-visible-to-all-the-local-user-accounts-we

Do let us know if you have any further queries. I’m happy to assist you further.

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