How do I find out in Windows 10 explorer if a shared folder is available.

Question

Hello to everybody,

we have three computers at home and we have shared folders on them. In case the computers are on, accessing the folders is fine. If we turn off a computer, the connection to the shared folder is also logically turned off.

Since the computers are not in the same room, I want to know if it is possible to somehow find out in the explorer that the given folder is not available. At the moment I only have the option to click on it and I get an error saying the folder cannot be opened.

Is there some way to display something for each share to indicate offline or online status. I've tried all the available columns, but nowhere is this information.

I accept possibly some serious additional application that would put it in the explorer.

Thanks for any advice

George

***moved from Windows / Windows 10 / Files, folders, and storage***

Answer 1

Hello,

Mapping network shares as network drives and setting them to reconnect at sign-in can give you a quick visual clue when a share is unavailable. When a share is offline, the drive letter will appear with a red X over it in File Explorer.

To map a network drive and set it to reconnect at sign-in:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on "This PC" in the left pane.
3. Click on the "Computer" tab in the ribbon menu, then click "Map network drive".
4. Choose a drive letter, enter the path of the shared folder, and check the box "Reconnect at sign-in".
5. Click "Finish".

Map a network drive in Windows - Microsoft Support

Best regards

Zunhui