The command: "NET HELP USE" is on Windows 12, 11, 10, .. , MS Server 2025, 2022, 2019, .. available
The examples for the command "NET HELP USE"
The
`NET USE` command on the Windows command line is used to connect or disconnect network drives. Here are some examples of using this command:
Example 1: Connecting to a network drive with credentials
net use Z: \\Server\Share /user:User password
Description:
This command connects the Z: network drive to the \\Server\Share using the specified credentials (user and password).
Example 2: Connecting to a network drive with persistent mapping
net use Z: \\Server\Share /persistent:yes
Description:
Here the network drive Z: is mapped to the \\Server\share and the mapping is set as persistent so that it is retained after a reboot.
Example 3: Connect to a network drive and assign a drive name
net use X: \\Server\Share
Description:
This command maps the network drive X: to the share \\Server\Share. A free drive letter is automatically assigned.
Example 4: Disconnecting a network drive
net use Z: /delete
Description:
Here the network drive Z: is separated.
Example 5: View all connected network drives
net use
Description:
This command lists all currently connected network drives.
Example 6: Connecting to a network drive using certificates
net use Z: \\Server\Share /smartcard
Description:
Here the network drive Z: is connected to the share \\Server\Share using a smart card certificate for authentication.
Example 7: Connecting to an FTP server as a drive
net use Z: "ftp://username:password@ftp-server/path"
Description:
This command connects the Z: drive to an FTP server using username and password.
Please note that the exact syntax and available options may vary depending on your system configuration. Use
`NET USE /?` in the command prompt to check the specific options and syntax details for your version of Windows.
"NET HELP USE" Excerpt from Microsoft Windows Help
Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3693]
(c) Copyright 1985-2023 Microsoft Corp.
C:\\WINDOWS>
The syntax of this command is:
NET USE
[devicename | *] [\\computername\sharename[\volume] [password | *]]
[/USER:[domainname\]username]
[/USER:[dotted domain name\]username]
[/USER:[username@dotted domain name]
[/SMARTCARD]
[/SAVECRED]
[[/DELETE] | [/PERSISTENT:
NET USE [password | *] /HOME
NET USE [/PERSISTENT:
NET USE connects a computer to a shared resource or disconnects a
computer from a shared resource. When used without options, it lists
the computer's connections.
devicename Assigns a name to connect to the resource or specifies
the device to be disconnected. There are two kinds of
devicenames: disk drives (D: through Z:) and printers
(LPT1: through LPT3:). Type an asterisk instead of a
specific devicename to assign the next available
devicename.
\\computername Is the name of the computer controlling the shared
resource. If the computername contains blank characters,
enclose the double backslash (\\) and the computername
in quotation marks (" "). The computername may be from
1 to 15 characters long.
\sharename Is the network name of the shared resource.
\volume Specifies a NetWare volume on the server. You must have
Client Services for Netware (Windows Workstations)
or Gateway Service for Netware (Windows Server)
installed and running to connect to NetWare servers.
password Is the password needed to access the shared resource.
* Produces a prompt for the password. The password is
not displayed when you type it at the password prompt.
/USER Specifies a different username with which the connection
is made.
domainname Specifies another domain. If domain is omitted,
the current logged on domain is used.
username Specifies the username with which to logon.
/SMARTCARD Specifies that the connection is to use credentials on
a smart card.
/SAVECRED Specifies that the username and password are to be saved.
This switch is ignored unless the command prompts for username
and password. This option is not available on Windows XP
Home Edition and will be ignored.
/HOME Connects a user to their home directory.
/DELETE Cancels a network connection and removes the connection
from the list of persistent connections.
/PERSISTENT Controls the use of persistent network connections.
The default is the setting used last.
YES Saves connections as they are made, and restores
them at next logon.
NO Does not save the connection being made or subsequent
connections; existing connections will be restored at
next logon. Use the /DELETE switch to remove
persistent connections.
NET HELP command | MORE displays Help one screen at a time.
Important information, tips for the "NET HELP USE" command
There are a few important points to note when using the `NET USE` command on the Windows command line:
1. Administrative Privileges: The `NET USE` command requires administrative privileges, especially if you want to connect or disconnect network drives. Therefore, open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Credential security: Use credentials carefully, especially when specifying them in plain text in your command. It is safer to store and transmit credentials in a secure manner, such as over encrypted connections.
3. Persistent Mapping: If you want the network drive to be persisted after a reboot, use the `/persistent:yes` or `/persistent:no` option to set this explicitly.
4. Share names and paths: Make sure you use the correct share name and path when mapping a network drive. Also check that the share exists and is accessible on the server.
5. Drive Letters: Make sure the drive letter you select is not already in use before attempting to map a network drive to it.
6. Network Connectivity: Make sure your computer has active network connectivity before attempting to map network drives.
7. Automatic Restore: If a network drive is automatically restored during system boot and the credentials have been changed, this may cause problems. Disconnect and reconnect the network drive with the updated credentials.
8. Share and file system permissions: Check the permissions at the share and file system level to ensure that the user connecting the network drive has the required access rights.
9. Application Termination: If you try to disconnect a network drive and it is unsuccessful, an application could be accessing it. Make sure all applications accessing the network drive are closed before disconnecting it.
10. Version Compatibility: Note that the available options and behavior of the `NET USE` command may vary depending on the version of Windows. Make sure your commands are compatible with the specific version of the operating system.
By paying attention to these points, you can use the `NET USE` command effectively and safely.
