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Access Your KAUST P-Drive (Personal Storage)

Your P-Drive is your personal storage space on the KAUST network. It is a good option for saving documents, work files, and other personal university-related content. It is available by default on KAUST-managed devices and can also be accessed from personal devices using your KAUST login.

Important: To access the P-Drive, you must be connected to the KAUST network.

If you are off campus or in the KAUST residential areas, you will need to connect to the KAUST VPN first.

Need screenshots?

View the full step-by-step guide here:
P-Drive How-To Guide (PDF)

Access on KAUST-Managed Devices

Windows

  • Your P-Drive is usually mapped automatically when you sign in.
  • Open File Explorer and look under This PC for drive P:.
  • Server path: \\myfiles.kaust.edu.sa\yourusername

Mac

  • Your P-Drive usually appears automatically on your desktop.
  • Double-click the drive icon labeled with your KAUST username to open it.

Access on Personal Devices

Windows

  1. Connect to the KAUST network or KAUST VPN.
  2. Open File Explorer.
  3. Select Map network drive.
  4. Choose drive letter P:.
  5. Enter the folder path: \\myfiles.kaust.edu.sa\yourusername
  6. Check Reconnect at sign-in.
  7. Click Finish.
  8. Enter your KAUST credentials if prompted.

Mac

  1. Connect to the KAUST network or KAUST VPN.
  2. Press Command + K, or go to Finder > Go > Connect to Server.
  3. Enter: smb://myfiles.kaust.edu.sa/yourusername
  4. Click Connect.
  5. Choose Registered User and enter your KAUST login details.
  6. The drive should then appear on your desktop or in Finder.

Linux

  1. Connect to the KAUST network or KAUST VPN.
  2. Open your file browser and select Connect to Server.
  3. Set the service type to Windows share.
  4. Server: myfiles.kaust.edu.sa
  5. Folder: your username
  6. Domain: kaust
  7. Sign in using your KAUST credentials.
  8. The drive should mount as a network location on your desktop or in your file browser.

Tip: Replace yourusername with your actual KAUST username or Portal ID.

Should I Use the P-Drive or Microsoft 365?

Both options can store your work files, but they are designed for different needs. In general, use the P-Drive for private personal storage and Microsoft 365 for cloud access, file sharing, and collaboration.

Feature or Use CaseP-DriveMicrosoft 365
PrivacyOnly accessible to youCan be shared with others when needed
CollaborationNot designed for collaborationSupports real-time collaboration and sharing
Access LocationRequires KAUST network or VPNAccessible from anywhere with internet access
Mobile AccessNot availableAvailable through Microsoft mobile apps
Setup on KAUST DevicesAvailable by defaultAvailable by default
Teams IntegrationNoYes
Version History and File RecoveryLimited or not availableBuilt-in version history and file recovery
Best ForPrivate storage and older applications that rely on mapped drivesSharing, syncing, teamwork, and cloud-based work
Data LocationStored on KAUST infrastructureStored in Microsoft cloud services
Legacy Software CompatibilityOften works well with mapped-drive workflowsMay not support direct file path requirements in older software

Not sure which option to use?

Use the P-Drive when you need private storage on the KAUST network or need to work with older applications that rely on mapped drives.

Use Microsoft 365 when you need cloud access, easy sharing, version history, or collaboration through tools like Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.