Symlinks Windows Jun 2026

: You can link folders from various locations into your Dropbox or OneDrive folder to sync them without moving the actual files.

Before creating symlinks, it is important to distinguish between the three primary types of links available in the NTFS file system:

Windows has a specific type of link called a (or Soft Link). It is important to know the difference: symlinks windows

This is the classic way to create links. You must run Command Prompt as for this to work on standard accounts.

: If you delete a symlink, only the link is removed—the original file remains safe. However, if you delete files inside a symlinked folder, they are deleted from the source. : You can link folders from various locations

Limited to local directories only. It must use absolute paths and cannot point to files or network drives.

Open the , type cmd , right-click it, and select Run as Administrator . Use the following syntax: Command Syntax File Symlink mklink "LinkPath" "TargetPath" Directory Symlink mklink /D "LinkPath" "TargetPath" Directory Junction mklink /J "LinkPath" "TargetPath" Example: mklink /D "C:\Games\BigGame" "D:\Games\BigGame" Method B: Windows PowerShell You must run Command Prompt as for this

A (or symlink) is a special file system object that points to another file or folder. Think of it as an advanced shortcut that works at the file system level, not just the GUI level. Unlike a standard .lnk shortcut, a symlink appears transparently to applications and the command line as if it were the actual target file or directory.

Creating and managing symbolic links (symlinks) on Windows has evolved significantly. Modern versions of Windows (10/11) and Windows Server make this much easier than in the past, but there are still nuances regarding permissions and junction points.