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Wake Forest University

Connect to a file share using Windows

Modified on: Mon, Aug 12, 2024 4:26 PM


File shares may be accessed by faculty and staff using an on-campus connection to eduroam or WFUWireless-Legacy wireless networks, or off-campus while connected to VPNFile shares are not accessible on mobile devices. 

On a WFU issued Windows computer


  • Open the Run menu by pressing the "Windows Key" + "R" on your keyboard
  • Enter the server address you are trying to access - several options are listed below
    • \\admin2
    • \\acad1
    • \\acfiles
  • If prompted, enter your WFU username (without @wfu.edu) and password to gain access


To permanently add a file share


Due to concerns surrounding data safety on our network drives, it is recommended to use either of the following methods to access network drive content:


Pin to Quick Access 

  • Open File Explorer.
  • Navigate to the network share location by typing in the location and pressing Enter in the File Explorer address bar (e.g., \\acad1\).
  • Select the 3 dots for menu options and choose “Pin to Quick access”.


Create a Shortcut

  • Go to an empty location on the Desktop.
  • Right-click on the desktop, choose “New” from the menu, and then select “Shortcut”.
  • Type in the location of the item (e.g., \\acad1\).
  • Press “Next”, name the shortcut appropriately, and finish.


If you need to map a network drive, please submit a request by emailing help@wfu.edu for review and approval.


On a personal Windows Computer

  • Open the Run menu by pressing the "Windows Key" + "R" on your keyboard
  • Enter the server address you are trying to access - several options are listed below
    • \\admin2
    • \\acad1
    • \\acfiles
  • If \\acad1 or \\admin2 do not work, try adding .deacnet.wfu.edu after the server name. Example: \\acad1.deacnet.wfu.edu
  • Authenticate as “deacnet\YourUsername” and current deacnet password (you may need to indicate to use a different account).  Do not authenticate as YourUsername@wfu.edu.

How to enter network credentials

Current network server IP addresses

  • \\admin2 - 10.4.13.4
  • \\acad1 - 10.4.6.5
  • \\acfiles - 10.4.4.195

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