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How to open a UNC path

If you have permission and a network route to the server, a UNC path can be opened directly—no mapped drive required.

Windows Explorer or Run

Press Windows + R, paste the path, and press Enter. You can also paste it into the address bar in File Explorer.

\\fileserver\team\projects

Command Prompt

Commands such as dir, copy, and robocopy accept UNC paths. Quote paths containing spaces.

dir "\\fileserver\team files\projects"

PowerShell

PowerShell cmdlets accept UNC paths directly. Single quotes are often the clearest choice for a literal path.

Get-ChildItem '\\fileserver\team\projects'

macOS and Linux

Graphical clients commonly use an SMB URL such as smb://fileserver/team. Linux can also mount an SMB share with CIFS tools when they are installed and configured.

If it does not open

Check the name, permissions, current network or VPN, name resolution, and whether SMB traffic can reach the server. Use the troubleshooting flow on the UNC.US home page for an ordered checklist.

Analyze or convert a path →Troubleshoot a connection →