mklink

mklink is a command-line utility in Windows that creates reparse points in NTFS volumes, enabling symbolic links, hard links, and directory junctions. It is invoked from the Command Prompt and supports several link types to redirect a link name to a specified target.

Syntax and types:

- mklink Link Target creates a symbolic link to a file named Link that points to Target. This is the default behavior for file links.

- mklink /D Link Target creates a directory symbolic link.

- mklink /H Link Target creates a hard link to a file. Hard links must refer to a file on the same volume as the link.

- mklink /J Link Target creates a directory junction, a type of reparse point that links to an existing directory.

Notes:

- Symbolic links can point to files or directories across volumes and can reference UNC paths; hard links and directory junctions are restricted to the local volume and are typically used for directories.

- Link creation generally requires appropriate privileges: on some Windows versions, administrative rights are needed, while enabling Developer Mode can allow non-administrative users to create symbolic links.

- Deleting the link does not delete the target; only the link itself is removed.

- The Link name must not already exist. The Target may or may not exist depending on the link type (symbolic links can point to non-existent targets, while hard links require an existing target).

Usage examples:

- mklink MyLink.txt Target.txt

- mklink /D MyFolder TargetFolder

- mklink /H MyFileLink.txt Target.txt

- mklink /J MyFolderLink TargetFolder

mklink is commonly used to create convenient aliases for files and directories, redirect software paths, or preserve compatibility when moving or reorganizing data without duplicating content.