Network paths written as \\server\share. Microsoft Entra joined PCs can open those on Active Directory servers with single sign-on, provided a domain controller can be contacted.
Also called Universal Naming Convention.
Read more: Microsoft Learn
In the Ultra Transcenders books
Each book explains UNC in context, with comparison tables and the common traps.
Terms in this definition
- Share
In OpenSharing, the container you fill with tables, views, volumes, models and notebooks for recipients. You need
CREATE SHAREon the metastore to make one; add a schema and all its assets, including later ones, go with history. - Microsoft Entra
The umbrella brand covering Microsoft's identity and network access portfolio. Internet Access, Private Access, External ID and ID Governance all belong to it, built on top of the core directory service, Entra ID.
- AD
Short for Active Directory, the directory service built into Windows Server (AD DS). Entra Connect synchronises on-premises forests to Microsoft Entra ID.
- SSO
Signing in once to gain access to multiple applications.
- DC
A server running AD DS. Placing these servers in Azure as well as on-premises keeps synchronisation and user sign-in working if one location fails.
Related terms
- Migration table
When copying or importing policies into another forest or domain, this GPMC file swaps the referenced users, groups, computers and UNC paths for replacement values.
- UNC path
The Universal Naming Convention form of a Windows share address. Mapping an Azure Files share as a drive over SMB (TCP 445) uses
\\<account>.file.core.windows.net\<share>.