How to create a Symbolic Link on Windows 10?












74














Was reading http://www.dropboxwiki.com/tips-and-tricks/sync-game-saves-across-multiple-computers and I know junction/mklink worked in Windows 7 as well, but seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.



What's the correct way to make symlinks in Windows 10?










share|improve this question




















  • 2




    You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft).
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:53










  • That worked, thanks a lot! If you reply, I can accept it as the correct answer.
    – red
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:58












  • Great. I will write it up as an answer.
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:58






  • 8




    What’s wrong with mklink?
    – Daniel B
    Jan 2 '16 at 12:35
















74














Was reading http://www.dropboxwiki.com/tips-and-tricks/sync-game-saves-across-multiple-computers and I know junction/mklink worked in Windows 7 as well, but seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.



What's the correct way to make symlinks in Windows 10?










share|improve this question




















  • 2




    You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft).
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:53










  • That worked, thanks a lot! If you reply, I can accept it as the correct answer.
    – red
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:58












  • Great. I will write it up as an answer.
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:58






  • 8




    What’s wrong with mklink?
    – Daniel B
    Jan 2 '16 at 12:35














74












74








74


37





Was reading http://www.dropboxwiki.com/tips-and-tricks/sync-game-saves-across-multiple-computers and I know junction/mklink worked in Windows 7 as well, but seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.



What's the correct way to make symlinks in Windows 10?










share|improve this question















Was reading http://www.dropboxwiki.com/tips-and-tricks/sync-game-saves-across-multiple-computers and I know junction/mklink worked in Windows 7 as well, but seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.



What's the correct way to make symlinks in Windows 10?







windows-10 symbolic-link






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited May 7 '17 at 1:10









Steven M. Vascellaro

4,256144696




4,256144696










asked Jan 2 '16 at 11:43









redred

5871712




5871712








  • 2




    You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft).
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:53










  • That worked, thanks a lot! If you reply, I can accept it as the correct answer.
    – red
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:58












  • Great. I will write it up as an answer.
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:58






  • 8




    What’s wrong with mklink?
    – Daniel B
    Jan 2 '16 at 12:35














  • 2




    You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft).
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:53










  • That worked, thanks a lot! If you reply, I can accept it as the correct answer.
    – red
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:58












  • Great. I will write it up as an answer.
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 2 '16 at 11:58






  • 8




    What’s wrong with mklink?
    – Daniel B
    Jan 2 '16 at 12:35








2




2




You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft).
– DavidPostill
Jan 2 '16 at 11:53




You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft).
– DavidPostill
Jan 2 '16 at 11:53












That worked, thanks a lot! If you reply, I can accept it as the correct answer.
– red
Jan 2 '16 at 11:58






That worked, thanks a lot! If you reply, I can accept it as the correct answer.
– red
Jan 2 '16 at 11:58














Great. I will write it up as an answer.
– DavidPostill
Jan 2 '16 at 11:58




Great. I will write it up as an answer.
– DavidPostill
Jan 2 '16 at 11:58




8




8




What’s wrong with mklink?
– Daniel B
Jan 2 '16 at 12:35




What’s wrong with mklink?
– Daniel B
Jan 2 '16 at 12:35










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes


















92














It seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.



You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft):




Junction not only allows you to create NTFS junctions, it allows you to see if files or directories are actually reparse points. Reparse points are the mechanism on which NTFS junctions are based, and they are used by Windows' Remote Storage Service (RSS), as well as volume mount points.



Please read this Microsoft KB article for tips on using junctions.



Note that Windows does not support junctions to directories on remote shares.






So how do I create junctions or directory symbolic links in Windows 10?



Download junction as instructed above.



Now you can use the following commands.



Create a junction:



junction "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


Create a directory symbolic link:



mklink /D "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


You can use either mklink /j or junction in Windows 10 to create junctions.



You can use mklink /d in Windows 10 to create directory symbolic links.



Notes:




  • junction can also list junctions and determine if a file is a junction unlike mklink.


  • mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell.



  • By default Administrator privileges are required to create symbolic links.



    It can also be granted to other users. The security setting "Create symbolic links" can be granted at:



    ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment





Examples



Using mklink to create a directory symbolic link:



F:test>mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test
symbolic link created for test-dir-sym-link <<===>> test


Using mklink to create a junction:



F:test>mklink /j test-junction test
Junction created for test-junction <<===>> test


Using junction to create a junction:



F:test>C:appsNirSoftSysinternalsSuitejunction.exe test-junction test

Junction v1.06 - Windows junction creator and reparse point viewer
Copyright (C) 2000-2010 Mark Russinovich
Sysinternals - www.sysinternals.com

Created: F:testtest-junction
Targetted at: F:testtest




Further Reading





  • An A-Z Index of the Windows CMD command line - An excellent reference for all things Windows cmd line related.


  • mklink - Create a symbolic link to a directory or a file, or create a hard file link or directory junction.






share|improve this answer























  • Is this different to mklink /j?
    – Jonno
    Jan 2 '16 at 15:51






  • 1




    @Jonno As far as I know it is the same when creating junctions. junction will also list junctions unlike mklink
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 4 '16 at 9:31






  • 1




    As far as I can tell, you cannot use mklink inside PowerShell, so you must use cmd.exe. Also, you have to run it as Administrator. But don't take my word for it. I've been using a Windows computer for only about 40 hours.
    – Bruno Bronosky
    Jan 5 '16 at 18:52












  • @BrunoBronosky Correct. That is because mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell. Note some cmd internal commands have been implemented in PowerShell, for example dir.
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:12










  • @BrunoBronosky By default Administrator privileges are required. It can also be granted to other users: The security setting 'Create symbolic links' can be granted at: ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:13



















27














Open a PowerShell session as elevated administrator and type:



New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames"


or using less verbose syntax:



ni E:DataMyGames -i SymbolicLink -ta "C:usersUserNameMyGames" 


Surely in 2016 and with Windows 10 you don't want to fiddle around with cmd commands or external downloads.



Windows 10 comes with PowerShell 5 which has builtin support for creating symbolic links.






share|improve this answer



















  • 4




    Surely in 2016, I should not have to jump through hoops to create symlinks! Still one of windows biggest fails.
    – David Arno
    Dec 2 '16 at 20:30






  • 7




    You're joking, right? I'd much rather do "mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test" than "New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames". The super-verbose PowerShell syntax isn't really to my liking...
    – Jaime de los Hoyos M.
    Dec 13 '16 at 12:00






  • 7




    @JaimedelosHoyosM - using shorter PowerShell syntax you can use ni test-dir-sym-link -i SymbolicLink -ta test
    – Peter Hahndorf
    May 6 '17 at 10:29










  • Is there a way to create a SymbolicLink from the PowerShell like this without administrator privileges?
    – cjsimon
    Jun 12 '18 at 23:38



















7














If you want a GUI Tool for making/editing that symlinks use
http://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinkshellext/linkshellextension.html



Link Shell Extension (LSE) provides for the creation of Hardlinks , Junctions , Volume Mountpoints , and Windows7/8's Symbolic Links, (herein referred to collectively as Links) a folder cloning process that utilises Hardlinks or Symbolic Links and a copy process taking care of Junctions, Symbolic Links, and Hardlinks. LSE, as its name implies is implemented as a Shell extension and is accessed from Windows Explorer, or similar file/folder managers. The extension allows the user to select one or many files or folders, then using the mouse, complete the creation of the required Links - Hardlinks, Junctions or Symbolic Links or in the case of folders to create Clones consisting of Hard or Symbolic Links. LSE is supported on all Windows versions that support NTFS version 5.0 or later, including Windows XP64 and Windows7/8/10. Hardlinks, Junctions and Symbolic Links are NOT supported on FAT file systems, and nor is the Cloning and Smart Copy process supported on FAT file systems.



enter image description here






share|improve this answer



















  • 2




    Please read How do I recommend software for some tips as to how you should go about recommending software. You should provide at least a link, some additional information about the software itself, and how it can be used to solve the problem in the question.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 15:59










  • It's a nice tool, but some more information in the answer would be nice.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 16:00



















0














No need to install anything!



There exists a simple, open-source symlink_creator.bat file, and yoou can just drag & drop desired file/folder onto that file.






share|improve this answer



















  • 4




    You should add in your answer how exactly this batch file works and what your association with it is. Batch files can be very destructive and running random ones from the internet goes against common sense.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:45










  • @Sonickyle27 maybe in half of SU answers, there are involved programs in answers, and what's news here? even that bat file is open-source, just right click and see what the code does, how can I describe? one thing is obvious that it doesnt do anything wrong. however, i've updated answer.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:53












  • what's more it's interesting you havent commented these words to the above answer, which links to unknown program, and the link i used, links to open-source code.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:55










  • The answer above has already had a moderator comment on it. I was mainly concerned with your answer because that website you linked looks somewhat sketchy, and the format of your answer triggered some red flags for me. I'm just being paranoid really.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 14:58













Your Answer








StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "3"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});

function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: true,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: 10,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});


}
});














draft saved

draft discarded


















StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fsuperuser.com%2fquestions%2f1020821%2fhow-to-create-a-symbolic-link-on-windows-10%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);

Post as a guest















Required, but never shown

























4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes








4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









92














It seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.



You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft):




Junction not only allows you to create NTFS junctions, it allows you to see if files or directories are actually reparse points. Reparse points are the mechanism on which NTFS junctions are based, and they are used by Windows' Remote Storage Service (RSS), as well as volume mount points.



Please read this Microsoft KB article for tips on using junctions.



Note that Windows does not support junctions to directories on remote shares.






So how do I create junctions or directory symbolic links in Windows 10?



Download junction as instructed above.



Now you can use the following commands.



Create a junction:



junction "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


Create a directory symbolic link:



mklink /D "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


You can use either mklink /j or junction in Windows 10 to create junctions.



You can use mklink /d in Windows 10 to create directory symbolic links.



Notes:




  • junction can also list junctions and determine if a file is a junction unlike mklink.


  • mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell.



  • By default Administrator privileges are required to create symbolic links.



    It can also be granted to other users. The security setting "Create symbolic links" can be granted at:



    ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment





Examples



Using mklink to create a directory symbolic link:



F:test>mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test
symbolic link created for test-dir-sym-link <<===>> test


Using mklink to create a junction:



F:test>mklink /j test-junction test
Junction created for test-junction <<===>> test


Using junction to create a junction:



F:test>C:appsNirSoftSysinternalsSuitejunction.exe test-junction test

Junction v1.06 - Windows junction creator and reparse point viewer
Copyright (C) 2000-2010 Mark Russinovich
Sysinternals - www.sysinternals.com

Created: F:testtest-junction
Targetted at: F:testtest




Further Reading





  • An A-Z Index of the Windows CMD command line - An excellent reference for all things Windows cmd line related.


  • mklink - Create a symbolic link to a directory or a file, or create a hard file link or directory junction.






share|improve this answer























  • Is this different to mklink /j?
    – Jonno
    Jan 2 '16 at 15:51






  • 1




    @Jonno As far as I know it is the same when creating junctions. junction will also list junctions unlike mklink
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 4 '16 at 9:31






  • 1




    As far as I can tell, you cannot use mklink inside PowerShell, so you must use cmd.exe. Also, you have to run it as Administrator. But don't take my word for it. I've been using a Windows computer for only about 40 hours.
    – Bruno Bronosky
    Jan 5 '16 at 18:52












  • @BrunoBronosky Correct. That is because mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell. Note some cmd internal commands have been implemented in PowerShell, for example dir.
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:12










  • @BrunoBronosky By default Administrator privileges are required. It can also be granted to other users: The security setting 'Create symbolic links' can be granted at: ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:13
















92














It seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.



You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft):




Junction not only allows you to create NTFS junctions, it allows you to see if files or directories are actually reparse points. Reparse points are the mechanism on which NTFS junctions are based, and they are used by Windows' Remote Storage Service (RSS), as well as volume mount points.



Please read this Microsoft KB article for tips on using junctions.



Note that Windows does not support junctions to directories on remote shares.






So how do I create junctions or directory symbolic links in Windows 10?



Download junction as instructed above.



Now you can use the following commands.



Create a junction:



junction "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


Create a directory symbolic link:



mklink /D "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


You can use either mklink /j or junction in Windows 10 to create junctions.



You can use mklink /d in Windows 10 to create directory symbolic links.



Notes:




  • junction can also list junctions and determine if a file is a junction unlike mklink.


  • mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell.



  • By default Administrator privileges are required to create symbolic links.



    It can also be granted to other users. The security setting "Create symbolic links" can be granted at:



    ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment





Examples



Using mklink to create a directory symbolic link:



F:test>mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test
symbolic link created for test-dir-sym-link <<===>> test


Using mklink to create a junction:



F:test>mklink /j test-junction test
Junction created for test-junction <<===>> test


Using junction to create a junction:



F:test>C:appsNirSoftSysinternalsSuitejunction.exe test-junction test

Junction v1.06 - Windows junction creator and reparse point viewer
Copyright (C) 2000-2010 Mark Russinovich
Sysinternals - www.sysinternals.com

Created: F:testtest-junction
Targetted at: F:testtest




Further Reading





  • An A-Z Index of the Windows CMD command line - An excellent reference for all things Windows cmd line related.


  • mklink - Create a symbolic link to a directory or a file, or create a hard file link or directory junction.






share|improve this answer























  • Is this different to mklink /j?
    – Jonno
    Jan 2 '16 at 15:51






  • 1




    @Jonno As far as I know it is the same when creating junctions. junction will also list junctions unlike mklink
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 4 '16 at 9:31






  • 1




    As far as I can tell, you cannot use mklink inside PowerShell, so you must use cmd.exe. Also, you have to run it as Administrator. But don't take my word for it. I've been using a Windows computer for only about 40 hours.
    – Bruno Bronosky
    Jan 5 '16 at 18:52












  • @BrunoBronosky Correct. That is because mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell. Note some cmd internal commands have been implemented in PowerShell, for example dir.
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:12










  • @BrunoBronosky By default Administrator privileges are required. It can also be granted to other users: The security setting 'Create symbolic links' can be granted at: ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:13














92












92








92






It seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.



You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft):




Junction not only allows you to create NTFS junctions, it allows you to see if files or directories are actually reparse points. Reparse points are the mechanism on which NTFS junctions are based, and they are used by Windows' Remote Storage Service (RSS), as well as volume mount points.



Please read this Microsoft KB article for tips on using junctions.



Note that Windows does not support junctions to directories on remote shares.






So how do I create junctions or directory symbolic links in Windows 10?



Download junction as instructed above.



Now you can use the following commands.



Create a junction:



junction "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


Create a directory symbolic link:



mklink /D "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


You can use either mklink /j or junction in Windows 10 to create junctions.



You can use mklink /d in Windows 10 to create directory symbolic links.



Notes:




  • junction can also list junctions and determine if a file is a junction unlike mklink.


  • mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell.



  • By default Administrator privileges are required to create symbolic links.



    It can also be granted to other users. The security setting "Create symbolic links" can be granted at:



    ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment





Examples



Using mklink to create a directory symbolic link:



F:test>mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test
symbolic link created for test-dir-sym-link <<===>> test


Using mklink to create a junction:



F:test>mklink /j test-junction test
Junction created for test-junction <<===>> test


Using junction to create a junction:



F:test>C:appsNirSoftSysinternalsSuitejunction.exe test-junction test

Junction v1.06 - Windows junction creator and reparse point viewer
Copyright (C) 2000-2010 Mark Russinovich
Sysinternals - www.sysinternals.com

Created: F:testtest-junction
Targetted at: F:testtest




Further Reading





  • An A-Z Index of the Windows CMD command line - An excellent reference for all things Windows cmd line related.


  • mklink - Create a symbolic link to a directory or a file, or create a hard file link or directory junction.






share|improve this answer














It seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.



You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft):




Junction not only allows you to create NTFS junctions, it allows you to see if files or directories are actually reparse points. Reparse points are the mechanism on which NTFS junctions are based, and they are used by Windows' Remote Storage Service (RSS), as well as volume mount points.



Please read this Microsoft KB article for tips on using junctions.



Note that Windows does not support junctions to directories on remote shares.






So how do I create junctions or directory symbolic links in Windows 10?



Download junction as instructed above.



Now you can use the following commands.



Create a junction:



junction "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


Create a directory symbolic link:



mklink /D "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy DropboxMy Games" "C:Documents and SettingsUserNameMy DocumentsMy Games"


You can use either mklink /j or junction in Windows 10 to create junctions.



You can use mklink /d in Windows 10 to create directory symbolic links.



Notes:




  • junction can also list junctions and determine if a file is a junction unlike mklink.


  • mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell.



  • By default Administrator privileges are required to create symbolic links.



    It can also be granted to other users. The security setting "Create symbolic links" can be granted at:



    ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment





Examples



Using mklink to create a directory symbolic link:



F:test>mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test
symbolic link created for test-dir-sym-link <<===>> test


Using mklink to create a junction:



F:test>mklink /j test-junction test
Junction created for test-junction <<===>> test


Using junction to create a junction:



F:test>C:appsNirSoftSysinternalsSuitejunction.exe test-junction test

Junction v1.06 - Windows junction creator and reparse point viewer
Copyright (C) 2000-2010 Mark Russinovich
Sysinternals - www.sysinternals.com

Created: F:testtest-junction
Targetted at: F:testtest




Further Reading





  • An A-Z Index of the Windows CMD command line - An excellent reference for all things Windows cmd line related.


  • mklink - Create a symbolic link to a directory or a file, or create a hard file link or directory junction.







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited Dec 24 '18 at 19:25

























answered Jan 2 '16 at 12:01









DavidPostillDavidPostill

104k25224258




104k25224258












  • Is this different to mklink /j?
    – Jonno
    Jan 2 '16 at 15:51






  • 1




    @Jonno As far as I know it is the same when creating junctions. junction will also list junctions unlike mklink
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 4 '16 at 9:31






  • 1




    As far as I can tell, you cannot use mklink inside PowerShell, so you must use cmd.exe. Also, you have to run it as Administrator. But don't take my word for it. I've been using a Windows computer for only about 40 hours.
    – Bruno Bronosky
    Jan 5 '16 at 18:52












  • @BrunoBronosky Correct. That is because mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell. Note some cmd internal commands have been implemented in PowerShell, for example dir.
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:12










  • @BrunoBronosky By default Administrator privileges are required. It can also be granted to other users: The security setting 'Create symbolic links' can be granted at: ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:13


















  • Is this different to mklink /j?
    – Jonno
    Jan 2 '16 at 15:51






  • 1




    @Jonno As far as I know it is the same when creating junctions. junction will also list junctions unlike mklink
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 4 '16 at 9:31






  • 1




    As far as I can tell, you cannot use mklink inside PowerShell, so you must use cmd.exe. Also, you have to run it as Administrator. But don't take my word for it. I've been using a Windows computer for only about 40 hours.
    – Bruno Bronosky
    Jan 5 '16 at 18:52












  • @BrunoBronosky Correct. That is because mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell. Note some cmd internal commands have been implemented in PowerShell, for example dir.
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:12










  • @BrunoBronosky By default Administrator privileges are required. It can also be granted to other users: The security setting 'Create symbolic links' can be granted at: ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 5 '16 at 19:13
















Is this different to mklink /j?
– Jonno
Jan 2 '16 at 15:51




Is this different to mklink /j?
– Jonno
Jan 2 '16 at 15:51




1




1




@Jonno As far as I know it is the same when creating junctions. junction will also list junctions unlike mklink
– DavidPostill
Jan 4 '16 at 9:31




@Jonno As far as I know it is the same when creating junctions. junction will also list junctions unlike mklink
– DavidPostill
Jan 4 '16 at 9:31




1




1




As far as I can tell, you cannot use mklink inside PowerShell, so you must use cmd.exe. Also, you have to run it as Administrator. But don't take my word for it. I've been using a Windows computer for only about 40 hours.
– Bruno Bronosky
Jan 5 '16 at 18:52






As far as I can tell, you cannot use mklink inside PowerShell, so you must use cmd.exe. Also, you have to run it as Administrator. But don't take my word for it. I've been using a Windows computer for only about 40 hours.
– Bruno Bronosky
Jan 5 '16 at 18:52














@BrunoBronosky Correct. That is because mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell. Note some cmd internal commands have been implemented in PowerShell, for example dir.
– DavidPostill
Jan 5 '16 at 19:12




@BrunoBronosky Correct. That is because mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell. Note some cmd internal commands have been implemented in PowerShell, for example dir.
– DavidPostill
Jan 5 '16 at 19:12












@BrunoBronosky By default Administrator privileges are required. It can also be granted to other users: The security setting 'Create symbolic links' can be granted at: ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment
– DavidPostill
Jan 5 '16 at 19:13




@BrunoBronosky By default Administrator privileges are required. It can also be granted to other users: The security setting 'Create symbolic links' can be granted at: ConfigurationWindows SettingsSecurity SettingsLocal PoliciesUser Rights Assignment
– DavidPostill
Jan 5 '16 at 19:13













27














Open a PowerShell session as elevated administrator and type:



New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames"


or using less verbose syntax:



ni E:DataMyGames -i SymbolicLink -ta "C:usersUserNameMyGames" 


Surely in 2016 and with Windows 10 you don't want to fiddle around with cmd commands or external downloads.



Windows 10 comes with PowerShell 5 which has builtin support for creating symbolic links.






share|improve this answer



















  • 4




    Surely in 2016, I should not have to jump through hoops to create symlinks! Still one of windows biggest fails.
    – David Arno
    Dec 2 '16 at 20:30






  • 7




    You're joking, right? I'd much rather do "mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test" than "New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames". The super-verbose PowerShell syntax isn't really to my liking...
    – Jaime de los Hoyos M.
    Dec 13 '16 at 12:00






  • 7




    @JaimedelosHoyosM - using shorter PowerShell syntax you can use ni test-dir-sym-link -i SymbolicLink -ta test
    – Peter Hahndorf
    May 6 '17 at 10:29










  • Is there a way to create a SymbolicLink from the PowerShell like this without administrator privileges?
    – cjsimon
    Jun 12 '18 at 23:38
















27














Open a PowerShell session as elevated administrator and type:



New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames"


or using less verbose syntax:



ni E:DataMyGames -i SymbolicLink -ta "C:usersUserNameMyGames" 


Surely in 2016 and with Windows 10 you don't want to fiddle around with cmd commands or external downloads.



Windows 10 comes with PowerShell 5 which has builtin support for creating symbolic links.






share|improve this answer



















  • 4




    Surely in 2016, I should not have to jump through hoops to create symlinks! Still one of windows biggest fails.
    – David Arno
    Dec 2 '16 at 20:30






  • 7




    You're joking, right? I'd much rather do "mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test" than "New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames". The super-verbose PowerShell syntax isn't really to my liking...
    – Jaime de los Hoyos M.
    Dec 13 '16 at 12:00






  • 7




    @JaimedelosHoyosM - using shorter PowerShell syntax you can use ni test-dir-sym-link -i SymbolicLink -ta test
    – Peter Hahndorf
    May 6 '17 at 10:29










  • Is there a way to create a SymbolicLink from the PowerShell like this without administrator privileges?
    – cjsimon
    Jun 12 '18 at 23:38














27












27








27






Open a PowerShell session as elevated administrator and type:



New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames"


or using less verbose syntax:



ni E:DataMyGames -i SymbolicLink -ta "C:usersUserNameMyGames" 


Surely in 2016 and with Windows 10 you don't want to fiddle around with cmd commands or external downloads.



Windows 10 comes with PowerShell 5 which has builtin support for creating symbolic links.






share|improve this answer














Open a PowerShell session as elevated administrator and type:



New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames"


or using less verbose syntax:



ni E:DataMyGames -i SymbolicLink -ta "C:usersUserNameMyGames" 


Surely in 2016 and with Windows 10 you don't want to fiddle around with cmd commands or external downloads.



Windows 10 comes with PowerShell 5 which has builtin support for creating symbolic links.







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited May 6 '17 at 10:30

























answered Jul 30 '16 at 10:36









Peter HahndorfPeter Hahndorf

8,59953758




8,59953758








  • 4




    Surely in 2016, I should not have to jump through hoops to create symlinks! Still one of windows biggest fails.
    – David Arno
    Dec 2 '16 at 20:30






  • 7




    You're joking, right? I'd much rather do "mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test" than "New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames". The super-verbose PowerShell syntax isn't really to my liking...
    – Jaime de los Hoyos M.
    Dec 13 '16 at 12:00






  • 7




    @JaimedelosHoyosM - using shorter PowerShell syntax you can use ni test-dir-sym-link -i SymbolicLink -ta test
    – Peter Hahndorf
    May 6 '17 at 10:29










  • Is there a way to create a SymbolicLink from the PowerShell like this without administrator privileges?
    – cjsimon
    Jun 12 '18 at 23:38














  • 4




    Surely in 2016, I should not have to jump through hoops to create symlinks! Still one of windows biggest fails.
    – David Arno
    Dec 2 '16 at 20:30






  • 7




    You're joking, right? I'd much rather do "mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test" than "New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames". The super-verbose PowerShell syntax isn't really to my liking...
    – Jaime de los Hoyos M.
    Dec 13 '16 at 12:00






  • 7




    @JaimedelosHoyosM - using shorter PowerShell syntax you can use ni test-dir-sym-link -i SymbolicLink -ta test
    – Peter Hahndorf
    May 6 '17 at 10:29










  • Is there a way to create a SymbolicLink from the PowerShell like this without administrator privileges?
    – cjsimon
    Jun 12 '18 at 23:38








4




4




Surely in 2016, I should not have to jump through hoops to create symlinks! Still one of windows biggest fails.
– David Arno
Dec 2 '16 at 20:30




Surely in 2016, I should not have to jump through hoops to create symlinks! Still one of windows biggest fails.
– David Arno
Dec 2 '16 at 20:30




7




7




You're joking, right? I'd much rather do "mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test" than "New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames". The super-verbose PowerShell syntax isn't really to my liking...
– Jaime de los Hoyos M.
Dec 13 '16 at 12:00




You're joking, right? I'd much rather do "mklink /d test-dir-sym-link test" than "New-Item -ItemType SymbolicLink -Path E:DataMyGames -Target "C:usersUserNameMyGames". The super-verbose PowerShell syntax isn't really to my liking...
– Jaime de los Hoyos M.
Dec 13 '16 at 12:00




7




7




@JaimedelosHoyosM - using shorter PowerShell syntax you can use ni test-dir-sym-link -i SymbolicLink -ta test
– Peter Hahndorf
May 6 '17 at 10:29




@JaimedelosHoyosM - using shorter PowerShell syntax you can use ni test-dir-sym-link -i SymbolicLink -ta test
– Peter Hahndorf
May 6 '17 at 10:29












Is there a way to create a SymbolicLink from the PowerShell like this without administrator privileges?
– cjsimon
Jun 12 '18 at 23:38




Is there a way to create a SymbolicLink from the PowerShell like this without administrator privileges?
– cjsimon
Jun 12 '18 at 23:38











7














If you want a GUI Tool for making/editing that symlinks use
http://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinkshellext/linkshellextension.html



Link Shell Extension (LSE) provides for the creation of Hardlinks , Junctions , Volume Mountpoints , and Windows7/8's Symbolic Links, (herein referred to collectively as Links) a folder cloning process that utilises Hardlinks or Symbolic Links and a copy process taking care of Junctions, Symbolic Links, and Hardlinks. LSE, as its name implies is implemented as a Shell extension and is accessed from Windows Explorer, or similar file/folder managers. The extension allows the user to select one or many files or folders, then using the mouse, complete the creation of the required Links - Hardlinks, Junctions or Symbolic Links or in the case of folders to create Clones consisting of Hard or Symbolic Links. LSE is supported on all Windows versions that support NTFS version 5.0 or later, including Windows XP64 and Windows7/8/10. Hardlinks, Junctions and Symbolic Links are NOT supported on FAT file systems, and nor is the Cloning and Smart Copy process supported on FAT file systems.



enter image description here






share|improve this answer



















  • 2




    Please read How do I recommend software for some tips as to how you should go about recommending software. You should provide at least a link, some additional information about the software itself, and how it can be used to solve the problem in the question.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 15:59










  • It's a nice tool, but some more information in the answer would be nice.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 16:00
















7














If you want a GUI Tool for making/editing that symlinks use
http://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinkshellext/linkshellextension.html



Link Shell Extension (LSE) provides for the creation of Hardlinks , Junctions , Volume Mountpoints , and Windows7/8's Symbolic Links, (herein referred to collectively as Links) a folder cloning process that utilises Hardlinks or Symbolic Links and a copy process taking care of Junctions, Symbolic Links, and Hardlinks. LSE, as its name implies is implemented as a Shell extension and is accessed from Windows Explorer, or similar file/folder managers. The extension allows the user to select one or many files or folders, then using the mouse, complete the creation of the required Links - Hardlinks, Junctions or Symbolic Links or in the case of folders to create Clones consisting of Hard or Symbolic Links. LSE is supported on all Windows versions that support NTFS version 5.0 or later, including Windows XP64 and Windows7/8/10. Hardlinks, Junctions and Symbolic Links are NOT supported on FAT file systems, and nor is the Cloning and Smart Copy process supported on FAT file systems.



enter image description here






share|improve this answer



















  • 2




    Please read How do I recommend software for some tips as to how you should go about recommending software. You should provide at least a link, some additional information about the software itself, and how it can be used to solve the problem in the question.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 15:59










  • It's a nice tool, but some more information in the answer would be nice.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 16:00














7












7








7






If you want a GUI Tool for making/editing that symlinks use
http://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinkshellext/linkshellextension.html



Link Shell Extension (LSE) provides for the creation of Hardlinks , Junctions , Volume Mountpoints , and Windows7/8's Symbolic Links, (herein referred to collectively as Links) a folder cloning process that utilises Hardlinks or Symbolic Links and a copy process taking care of Junctions, Symbolic Links, and Hardlinks. LSE, as its name implies is implemented as a Shell extension and is accessed from Windows Explorer, or similar file/folder managers. The extension allows the user to select one or many files or folders, then using the mouse, complete the creation of the required Links - Hardlinks, Junctions or Symbolic Links or in the case of folders to create Clones consisting of Hard or Symbolic Links. LSE is supported on all Windows versions that support NTFS version 5.0 or later, including Windows XP64 and Windows7/8/10. Hardlinks, Junctions and Symbolic Links are NOT supported on FAT file systems, and nor is the Cloning and Smart Copy process supported on FAT file systems.



enter image description here






share|improve this answer














If you want a GUI Tool for making/editing that symlinks use
http://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinkshellext/linkshellextension.html



Link Shell Extension (LSE) provides for the creation of Hardlinks , Junctions , Volume Mountpoints , and Windows7/8's Symbolic Links, (herein referred to collectively as Links) a folder cloning process that utilises Hardlinks or Symbolic Links and a copy process taking care of Junctions, Symbolic Links, and Hardlinks. LSE, as its name implies is implemented as a Shell extension and is accessed from Windows Explorer, or similar file/folder managers. The extension allows the user to select one or many files or folders, then using the mouse, complete the creation of the required Links - Hardlinks, Junctions or Symbolic Links or in the case of folders to create Clones consisting of Hard or Symbolic Links. LSE is supported on all Windows versions that support NTFS version 5.0 or later, including Windows XP64 and Windows7/8/10. Hardlinks, Junctions and Symbolic Links are NOT supported on FAT file systems, and nor is the Cloning and Smart Copy process supported on FAT file systems.



enter image description here







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited Dec 5 '16 at 22:14

























answered Oct 24 '16 at 11:51









odvpbreodvpbre

7112




7112








  • 2




    Please read How do I recommend software for some tips as to how you should go about recommending software. You should provide at least a link, some additional information about the software itself, and how it can be used to solve the problem in the question.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 15:59










  • It's a nice tool, but some more information in the answer would be nice.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 16:00














  • 2




    Please read How do I recommend software for some tips as to how you should go about recommending software. You should provide at least a link, some additional information about the software itself, and how it can be used to solve the problem in the question.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 15:59










  • It's a nice tool, but some more information in the answer would be nice.
    – DavidPostill
    Oct 24 '16 at 16:00








2




2




Please read How do I recommend software for some tips as to how you should go about recommending software. You should provide at least a link, some additional information about the software itself, and how it can be used to solve the problem in the question.
– DavidPostill
Oct 24 '16 at 15:59




Please read How do I recommend software for some tips as to how you should go about recommending software. You should provide at least a link, some additional information about the software itself, and how it can be used to solve the problem in the question.
– DavidPostill
Oct 24 '16 at 15:59












It's a nice tool, but some more information in the answer would be nice.
– DavidPostill
Oct 24 '16 at 16:00




It's a nice tool, but some more information in the answer would be nice.
– DavidPostill
Oct 24 '16 at 16:00











0














No need to install anything!



There exists a simple, open-source symlink_creator.bat file, and yoou can just drag & drop desired file/folder onto that file.






share|improve this answer



















  • 4




    You should add in your answer how exactly this batch file works and what your association with it is. Batch files can be very destructive and running random ones from the internet goes against common sense.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:45










  • @Sonickyle27 maybe in half of SU answers, there are involved programs in answers, and what's news here? even that bat file is open-source, just right click and see what the code does, how can I describe? one thing is obvious that it doesnt do anything wrong. however, i've updated answer.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:53












  • what's more it's interesting you havent commented these words to the above answer, which links to unknown program, and the link i used, links to open-source code.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:55










  • The answer above has already had a moderator comment on it. I was mainly concerned with your answer because that website you linked looks somewhat sketchy, and the format of your answer triggered some red flags for me. I'm just being paranoid really.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 14:58


















0














No need to install anything!



There exists a simple, open-source symlink_creator.bat file, and yoou can just drag & drop desired file/folder onto that file.






share|improve this answer



















  • 4




    You should add in your answer how exactly this batch file works and what your association with it is. Batch files can be very destructive and running random ones from the internet goes against common sense.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:45










  • @Sonickyle27 maybe in half of SU answers, there are involved programs in answers, and what's news here? even that bat file is open-source, just right click and see what the code does, how can I describe? one thing is obvious that it doesnt do anything wrong. however, i've updated answer.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:53












  • what's more it's interesting you havent commented these words to the above answer, which links to unknown program, and the link i used, links to open-source code.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:55










  • The answer above has already had a moderator comment on it. I was mainly concerned with your answer because that website you linked looks somewhat sketchy, and the format of your answer triggered some red flags for me. I'm just being paranoid really.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 14:58
















0












0








0






No need to install anything!



There exists a simple, open-source symlink_creator.bat file, and yoou can just drag & drop desired file/folder onto that file.






share|improve this answer














No need to install anything!



There exists a simple, open-source symlink_creator.bat file, and yoou can just drag & drop desired file/folder onto that file.







share|improve this answer














share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer








edited Aug 26 '18 at 12:41

























answered Mar 19 '18 at 13:10









T.ToduaT.Todua

1,40831628




1,40831628








  • 4




    You should add in your answer how exactly this batch file works and what your association with it is. Batch files can be very destructive and running random ones from the internet goes against common sense.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:45










  • @Sonickyle27 maybe in half of SU answers, there are involved programs in answers, and what's news here? even that bat file is open-source, just right click and see what the code does, how can I describe? one thing is obvious that it doesnt do anything wrong. however, i've updated answer.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:53












  • what's more it's interesting you havent commented these words to the above answer, which links to unknown program, and the link i used, links to open-source code.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:55










  • The answer above has already had a moderator comment on it. I was mainly concerned with your answer because that website you linked looks somewhat sketchy, and the format of your answer triggered some red flags for me. I'm just being paranoid really.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 14:58
















  • 4




    You should add in your answer how exactly this batch file works and what your association with it is. Batch files can be very destructive and running random ones from the internet goes against common sense.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:45










  • @Sonickyle27 maybe in half of SU answers, there are involved programs in answers, and what's news here? even that bat file is open-source, just right click and see what the code does, how can I describe? one thing is obvious that it doesnt do anything wrong. however, i've updated answer.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:53












  • what's more it's interesting you havent commented these words to the above answer, which links to unknown program, and the link i used, links to open-source code.
    – T.Todua
    Mar 19 '18 at 13:55










  • The answer above has already had a moderator comment on it. I was mainly concerned with your answer because that website you linked looks somewhat sketchy, and the format of your answer triggered some red flags for me. I'm just being paranoid really.
    – MoonRunestar
    Mar 19 '18 at 14:58










4




4




You should add in your answer how exactly this batch file works and what your association with it is. Batch files can be very destructive and running random ones from the internet goes against common sense.
– MoonRunestar
Mar 19 '18 at 13:45




You should add in your answer how exactly this batch file works and what your association with it is. Batch files can be very destructive and running random ones from the internet goes against common sense.
– MoonRunestar
Mar 19 '18 at 13:45












@Sonickyle27 maybe in half of SU answers, there are involved programs in answers, and what's news here? even that bat file is open-source, just right click and see what the code does, how can I describe? one thing is obvious that it doesnt do anything wrong. however, i've updated answer.
– T.Todua
Mar 19 '18 at 13:53






@Sonickyle27 maybe in half of SU answers, there are involved programs in answers, and what's news here? even that bat file is open-source, just right click and see what the code does, how can I describe? one thing is obvious that it doesnt do anything wrong. however, i've updated answer.
– T.Todua
Mar 19 '18 at 13:53














what's more it's interesting you havent commented these words to the above answer, which links to unknown program, and the link i used, links to open-source code.
– T.Todua
Mar 19 '18 at 13:55




what's more it's interesting you havent commented these words to the above answer, which links to unknown program, and the link i used, links to open-source code.
– T.Todua
Mar 19 '18 at 13:55












The answer above has already had a moderator comment on it. I was mainly concerned with your answer because that website you linked looks somewhat sketchy, and the format of your answer triggered some red flags for me. I'm just being paranoid really.
– MoonRunestar
Mar 19 '18 at 14:58






The answer above has already had a moderator comment on it. I was mainly concerned with your answer because that website you linked looks somewhat sketchy, and the format of your answer triggered some red flags for me. I'm just being paranoid really.
– MoonRunestar
Mar 19 '18 at 14:58




















draft saved

draft discarded




















































Thanks for contributing an answer to Super User!


  • Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

But avoid



  • Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

  • Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.


To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.





Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.


Please pay close attention to the following guidance:


  • Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

But avoid



  • Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

  • Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.


To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.




draft saved


draft discarded














StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fsuperuser.com%2fquestions%2f1020821%2fhow-to-create-a-symbolic-link-on-windows-10%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);

Post as a guest















Required, but never shown





















































Required, but never shown














Required, but never shown












Required, but never shown







Required, but never shown

































Required, but never shown














Required, but never shown












Required, but never shown







Required, but never shown







Popular posts from this blog

Probability when a professor distributes a quiz and homework assignment to a class of n students.

Aardman Animations

Are they similar matrix