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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 ideal for saving documents, research files, and other personal work files. It is available by default on KAUST-managed devices and can also be accessed from personal laptops using your KAUST login.

Network Access Required:
To connect to the P-Drive, you must be on the KAUST network. If you are off-campus or working from home within KAUST, you will still need to connect using the KAUST VPN for security purposes.

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

KAUST-Provided Devices

Windows

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

Mac

  • The P-Drive mounts on your desktop automatically.
  • Double-click the drive icon labeled with your KAUST username to access it.

Personal Devices

Windows

  1. Connect to the KAUST network or VPN.
  2. Open File Explorer.
  3. Click Map network drive.
  4. Select 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 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. Select Registered User and enter your KAUST login.
  6. The drive will appear on your desktop.

Linux

  1. Connect to the KAUST network or 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. Log in with your KAUST credentials.
  8. The drive will mount as a network drive on your desktop.

Tip: Replace yourusername with your actual KAUST Portal ID.

 

When Should I Use the P-Drive or Microsoft 365?

Both options offer storage for your work at KAUST, but they serve different purposes. Use the comparison below to decide which one fits your needs.

Feature or Use CaseP-Drive (Personal Storage)Microsoft 365 (OneDrive or SharePoint)
PrivacyOnly accessible to youShareable with others (you control access)
CollaborationNot supportedReal-time collaboration and sharing supported
LocationOn-campus only (VPN required off-campus or from KAUST housing)Accessible from anywhere via cloud
Mobile AccessNot availableAvailable through mobile apps
Automatic Setup on KAUST DevicesYesYes
Integration with Microsoft TeamsNoFully integrated
Version History or File RecoveryNot availableBuilt-in version control and file recovery
Best ForPrivate, local storage or legacy softwareSharing, syncing, teamwork, and cloud access
Data LocationOn-premises at KAUSTCloud-based (Microsoft Azure)
Legacy Software CompatibilitySupports mapped drivesMay not support direct file paths

 

Need help deciding?
Use the P-Drive when you want private, on-campus storage or need compatibility with older applications.
Use Microsoft 365 when you need collaboration, cloud access, or integration with tools like Teams, Planner, or OneNote.