40 Group Policy to Map Network Drive at User Logon Using Logon Script

Group Policy to Map Network Drive at User Logon Using Logon Script
Overview: Mapping network drives at user logon using a logon script is a common practice in Windows environments. This allows users to automatically connect to shared network resources when they log in, enhancing productivity and streamlining access to necessary files. Group Policy can be used to deploy these scripts efficiently across multiple users or computers within an Active Directory environment.

Purpose of Mapping Network Drives
Centralized Access: Provides users with immediate access to shared files and folders stored on network servers.
Enhanced Productivity: Reduces the time spent navigating to network resources, allowing users to focus on their tasks.
Consistent User Experience: Ensures that all users have access to the same network drives regardless of the workstation they log in from.
Steps to Set Up Group Policy for Mapping Network Drives
Prepare the Logon Script

Create a Batch File: Write a simple batch file (e.g., map_drives.bat) that includes commands to map the network drives. For example:
batch
Copy code
@echo off
net use Z: \\server\share
net use Y: \\server\another_share
Save the Script: Store the batch file in a network location accessible by all users, such as a shared folder on the server.
Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)

Access GPMC: On a server or workstation with administrative privileges, open the Group Policy Management Console. You can do this by searching for gpmc.msc in the Start menu or running it through the Run dialog.
Create or Edit a Group Policy Object (GPO)

New GPO: Right-click on the desired Organizational Unit (OU) or domain where you want to apply the policy and select "Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here."
Name the GPO: Provide a meaningful name (e.g., "Map Network Drives").
Edit the GPO

Right-click the GPO: Select "Edit" to open the Group Policy Management Editor.
Navigate to User Configuration: Go to User Configuration - Policies - Windows Settings - Scripts (Logon/Logoff).
Add the Logon Script

Double-click on "Logon": In the right pane, click on "Logon" to open the properties.
Add the Script: Click "Add" to open the dialog where you can specify the logon script. Use the “Browse” button to navigate to the location of your batch file and select it.
Optional Parameters: If you need to pass parameters to the script, you can do so in the "Script Parameters" box.
Set Permissions (if needed)

Ensure that users have the necessary permissions to access the shared folder where the script is located. This typically involves setting read permissions for the user group.
Apply the GPO

Close the GPO Editor: After configuring the logon script, close the Group Policy Management Editor.
Link the GPO: Ensure the GPO is linked to the appropriate OU or domain where the target user accounts reside.
Testing

Log in as a User: Have a user from the targeted OU log in to a workstation.
Verify Mapping: Check that the network drives specified in the script are correctly mapped upon logon.
Best Practices
Script Testing: Test the logon script manually to ensure it works before deploying it through Group Policy.
Documentation: Document any changes made to Group Policies for future reference and troubleshooting.
Error Handling: Consider adding error handling in your batch script to manage situations where the network share might be unavailable.
Conclusion
Using Group Policy to map network drives at user logon through logon scripts is an effective way to streamline access to shared resources in a Windows environment. By following the outlined steps, administrators can ensure that users have the necessary drives mapped automatically, improving their efficiency and experience. Proper testing and documentation are crucial for a successful deployment.