How Can You Easily Map a Secure Network Drive Over SSH in Windows? (Proven Solutions)

What Are the Most Reliable Steps to Map a Network Drive With SSHFS on Windows? (Essential Guide)

Mapping a network drive over SSH in Windows allows secure access to remote files without relying on traditional SMB or FTP protocols. This method uses SSHFS-Win, which leverages the SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to mount remote directories as local drives.

Key Benefits

• Enhanced security by using encrypted SSH connections
• Direct integration with Windows Explorer and command prompt
• Supports both password and SSH key authentication
• Compatible with both Linux and Windows remote hosts

Prerequisites

• Windows system with administrative privileges
• SSH access (username, host, and credentials) to the remote server
• Installation of WinFsp and SSHFS-Win

Installation Steps

Step 1: Install Required Packages

Download and install WinFsp and SSHFS-Win. Alternatively, use the command:

winget install SSHFS-Win.SSHFS-Win

Optionally, install SSHFS-Win Manager for a graphical interface.

Step 2: Map Network Drive Using Windows Explorer

1. Open File Explorer, right-click “This PC,” and select “Map network drive…”.
2. Choose a drive letter.
3. Enter the UNC path using one of the following formats:

\\sshfs\user@host[\path]
\\sshfs.r\user@host[\path] // For root directory
\\sshfs.k\user@host[\path] // For SSH key authentication
\\sshfs.kr\user@host[\path] // For root with SSH key

Example:

\\sshfs.r\[email protected]\ps

Enter your SSH password or use a saved credential.

Step 3: Map Network Drive Using Command Prompt

Use the net use command:

net use W: \\sshfs.r\[email protected]\var\www /user:sysops

For persistent mapping:

net use W: \\sshfs.r\[email protected]\var\www /user:sysops /persistent:yes

To delete a mapped drive:

net use W: /delete

Save credentials for automatic connection:

cmdkey /add:192.168.123.123 /user:admin /pass:YourPassword

SSH key authentication is recommended for improved security.

Step 4: Map Drives Using SSHFS-Win Manager (GUI)

1. Launch SSHFS-Win Manager.
2. Click “Add Connection” and fill in: Name, IP/Host, Port (default 22), User, Authentication method (password or OpenSSH key), Remote path, and Drive letter.
3. Save and connect; the drive appears in Windows Explorer.

Step 5: Automate Drive Mapping at Logon

Create a scheduled task to run a PowerShell script that mounts the drive using SSH key authentication.

Example PowerShell snippet:

$remoteUser = "admin"
$remoteHost = "fs01.example.com"
$remoteDir = "\Install"
$Drive = "M:"
$privSSHKey = "C:\secret\fs01-id_rsa"
cd 'C:\Program Files\SSHFS-Win\bin\'
$mountcmd = ".\sshfs-win.exe svc \sshfs.k\$remoteUser@$remoteHost$remoteDir $Drive -IdentityFile=$privSSHKey"
Invoke-Expression $mountcmd

This ensures the network drive is available at each login.

Tips and Best Practices

• Use SSH key authentication for better security and automation.
• Save credentials in Windows Credential Manager to avoid repeated prompts.
• Multiple drives can be mapped simultaneously using different drive letters.
• Use SSHFS-Win Manager for a user-friendly, graphical setup experience.
• Unmount drives easily via Windows Explorer or the net use /delete command.

Troubleshooting

• Ensure the SSH server is accessible and the firewall allows SSH connections.
• Double-check the UNC path format and authentication details.
• For key-based authentication, convert private keys to OpenSSH format if needed.
• If mapping fails, review permissions on the remote server and test SSH connectivity directly.

Mapping a network drive over SSH in Windows with SSHFS-Win provides a secure, flexible, and efficient way to access remote files. Both command-line and graphical methods are available, supporting password and SSH key authentication. Persistent and automated mappings are easily configured for seamless workflow integration.