Due to the overhauled redesign, macOS’ System Settings app (formerly System Preferences” has left many scratching their head out of chaos. Frankly speaking, I got entangled in this mess a few times after upgrading to the macOS 13 Ventura. Recently, a good many users are confused about how to use network locations on Mac. If you are also unsure about it, you have arrived at the right spot. Keep reading as I show you how to add and use network locations on Mac in macOS 13 Ventura or later.
Add, Use, and Remove Network Locations on Mac
For those unfamiliar, a network location is a path to a folder on a shared network drive. It comes in handy in letting you connect to a particular folder on a network drive or server without any hindrance. macOS allows you to add different network settings profiles.
For instance, you can create one network location for your work and the other for your home. Moreover, the latest iteration of macOS also offers a quick way to switch network locations without having to dig into the settings every single time the need arrives.
Add a Network Location on Mac
- First off, click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of the screen and choose “System Settings”.
- After that, select “Network”.
- Next, click on the triple-dot aka ellipsis “…” button in the bottom right corner of the Network window.
- Next up, choose “Locations” in the popup menu.
- Up next, select “Edit Locations” in the menu.
- Then, click on the + plus button to create a new Network Location.
- After that, give the network location a suitable name and also customize your network settings as per your needs.
- In the end, make sure to click on Done in the menu to confirm the action.
And that’s pretty much it! You have successfully added a new network location on your Mac. Note that you can repeat the same steps to add more network locations.
Sticky Note:
- At any time, you want to duplicate or rename a network location, go to the Apple menu -> System Settings -> Network -> triple-dot icon in the Network window -> select network location -> triple-dot icon in the menu -> then choose Duplicate Location or Rename Location and then do the needful.
Switch Network Locations on Mac
Switching network locations on Mac is just as simple.
Switch Network Locations from the Network Setting
- Head over to the Apple menu at the top left corner of the screen -> System Settings in the menu -> click on the triple-dot button in the Network window.
- After that, click on Location in the menu -> choose the Network Location you want to use.
Switch Network Locations from the Apple Menu on Mac
It’s worth pointing out that if you have added more than one network location, macOS will add a dedicated “Location” section to the Apple Menu to let you instantly switch to any network location.
- To do so, click on the Apple menu at the upper left corner of the screen -> Choose Locations in the drop menu.
- Next, select the preferred network in the contextual menu and you are good to go!
Remove a Specific Network Location on Mac
If you no longer wish to have a particular network location, you can delete it with ease.
- Navigate to the Apple menu -> Network -> triple-dot icon in the bottom right corner of the window -> Locations.
- Now, select the network in question and then hit the “-“ minus button to remove it. Do not forget to click on Done in the menu to confirm the deletion.
Wrapping up…
So, that wraps up this guide about adding, switching, and removing network locations in macOS Ventura or later. Hopefully, all your related questions have been sorted out.
Read more: 20 Ways to Fix FaceTime Handoff Not Working in iOS 16 and macOS 13 Ventura
