Create hard links and soft links under Windows via command prompt!
Sometimes you need space on the hard drive where there is none at all. Hard links and soft links under Windows 11, 10, ... etc. as well as MS Server can help!
1.) Creating the hard links / fixed links on Windows!
For long paths "" use for example "C:\This is a long\path with\Folder xyz"
mklink /H /J "C:\Folder_Hard_Lnk" "C:\True_Folder"
You can also create a hard link on another drive, for example from C:\ to D:\
mklink /H /J "D:\Folder_Hard_Lnk" "C:\True_Folder"
Important: both drives must be in NTFS format !
2.) The creation of soft links / symbolic links!
Almost the same but without the hard-link argument /H
mklink /H /J "c:\Symbolic_Lnk" "C:\True_Folder"
3.) What do you need that for, isn't it confusing?
Yes, it is confusing, but sometimes it can be helpful because you can avoid path and folder problems by setting the hard or soft links. Is not now for the standard Windows 11, 10, ... etc. Users, but it's good to know how it works!
Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.22000.184]
(c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Creates a symbolic link.
MKLINK [[/D] | [/H] | [/J]] Link Target
/D Creates a directory symbolic link. Default is a file
/H Creates a hard link instead of a symbolic link.
/J Creates a Directory Junction.
Link Specifies the new symbolic link name.
Target Specifies the path (relative or absolute) that the new link
4.) ... Understand the difference between soft links and hard links!
Just read the two glossaries if the statement that both are links is not enough for you, but a soft link is quicker to recognize as a link!
FAQ 120: Updated on: 2 October 2023 20:19
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