Setting Up Your NAS:

Setting up a NAS (Network Attached Storage) on your home network is like adding a private cloud storage that all your devices can access. Here’s a step-by-step guide, including how to add it to your File Explorer on Windows:

1. Connect NAS to Your Router:

   • First, plug your NAS into a power source and connect it to your home router using an Ethernet cable. This cable allows your NAS to communicate with your router, which is like the traffic controller for your internet and home devices.

2. Turn On Your NAS:

   • Once connected, turn on your NAS device. It will boot up like a small computer.

3. Access NAS Settings:

   • Open a web browser on your computer (like Chrome or Edge) and type in the IP address of your NAS. You can find this in the instructions that came with your NAS. This brings up the setup page where you can create a login and set up how your NAS will work. If your router gave your NAS an IP when it was connected via Ethernet, you may need to use Advanced IP scanner tool in order to locate that IP. 

4. Set Up User Accounts (Optional):

   • You might want to create user accounts on your NAS to control who can access what files. This is like creating different keys for different doors in your house.

5. Transfer Files to Your NAS:

   • Once set up, you can start transferring files to your NAS. This could be pictures, videos, documents, or even backups of your computer. Think of your NAS like a big external hard drive that everyone in your home can use.

Adding NAS to File Explorer in Windows:

1. Open File Explorer:

   • On your Windows computer, open File Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the folder icon on your taskbar or by pressing Win + E on your keyboard.

2. Find Network Location:

   • Look for "Network" or "This PC" on the left-hand side of the File Explorer window. Click on it to see all the devices connected to your network.

3. Add a Network Location:

   • At the top of the File Explorer window, click on "Map network drive" or "Add a network location." This starts a wizard that helps you connect to your NAS.

4. Enter NAS Address:

   • Follow the wizard’s instructions to enter the address of your NAS. This could be something like \[NAS-Name]\ or \192.168.x.x, depending on your NAS setup. The NAS name and IP address can usually be found in the NAS settings or manual. If your router gave your NAS an IP when it was connected via Ethernet, you may need to use Advanced IP scanner tool in order to locate that IP. 

5. Enter Credentials (if prompted):

   • If you set up user accounts on your NAS, you might need to enter your username and password. This ensures that only authorized users can access your NAS.

6. Finish Setup:

   • Once connected, you’ll see your NAS listed under "Network Locations" in File Explorer. You can now open, copy, paste, and organize files on your NAS just like you do with files on your computer’s hard drive.

Setting up a NAS and adding it to your home network might seem a bit technical at first, but following these steps should help you get up and running smoothly. It’s a convenient way to centralize and share files across all your devices in your home network. One NAS option is the 4-Bay Synology NAS. Synology is a reputable company, known for providing quality products at an affordable rate. See the link below!

**I Bear no affiliation, and stand to gain no profit nor discount for presenting a 4-Bay Synology from Newegg. This is purely my own opinion on product quality, company trust, and ease of setup.**