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Does Windows have symlinks?
The 2019 Stack Overflow Developer Survey Results Are InHow does CTRL-ALT-DEL to log in make Windows more secure?Copying a large directory tree locally? cp or rsync?Can I symlink my Windows data to another hard drive?Symlinks for common filesWhich is generally considered faster or best practice: symlinks or Apache aliases?How do I find broken symlinks automatically on Windows?Linux disk usage analyser that acts like symlinks are real filesVirtualBox: issue with symlinks in shared foldersCreate a symlink to a serial portsymlinks on shared storage
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I have been doing something on Unix that required a symlink. I want to port my application to Windows. Does Windows have symlinks?
EDIT: I should be more specific. I'd prefer XP. I'll install Vista if I have to.
windows unix symbolic-link
asked Jul 9 '09 at 23:31
George IVGeorge IV
280211
add a comment |
I have been doing something on Unix that required a symlink. I want to port my application to Windows. Does Windows have symlinks?
EDIT: I should be more specific. I'd prefer XP. I'll install Vista if I have to.
windows unix symbolic-link
asked Jul 9 '09 at 23:31
George IVGeorge IV
280211
add a comment |
I have been doing something on Unix that required a symlink. I want to port my application to Windows. Does Windows have symlinks?
EDIT: I should be more specific. I'd prefer XP. I'll install Vista if I have to.
windows unix symbolic-link
asked Jul 9 '09 at 23:31
George IVGeorge IV
280211
I have been doing something on Unix that required a symlink. I want to port my application to Windows. Does Windows have symlinks?
EDIT: I should be more specific. I'd prefer XP. I'll install Vista if I have to.
windows unix symbolic-link
windows unix symbolic-link
asked Jul 9 '09 at 23:31
George IVGeorge IV
280211
asked Jul 9 '09 at 23:31
George IVGeorge IV
280211
edited Jul 9 '09 at 23:41
George IV
asked Jul 9 '09 at 23:31
George IVGeorge IV
280211
asked Jul 9 '09 at 23:31
George IVGeorge IV
280211
asked Jul 9 '09 at 23:31
George IVGeorge IV
280211
280211
add a comment |
add a comment |
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
Windows 2000 and later allows for symbolic linking but refers to symbolic links as junctions. I do not believe you can make them easily without an additional tool, but you can find free tools for creating them.
Free tool:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896768.aspx
KB Article on Junctions:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=205524
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:47
sclarsonsclarson
3,4291720
See also here for caveats: superuser.com/questions/117127/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:54
add a comment |
On Windows pre-Vista, the best you can do is mounting a drive using the subst command which points to any directory that you want to. I've done this to eliminate the requirements on some applications that need a path without spaces.
Windows Vista included the mklink command.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:40
Thomas OwensThomas Owens
201110
mklinkis probably the way to go. Be aware it requires theSeSymbolicLinkprivilege, which by default is only available to Administrators. docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/… superuser.com/questions/994093/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:56
add a comment |
NTFS 3.0 Junctions most closely represent hard links, and can only be created on directories. Junctions, like hard links, can only referrer to items on the same volume.
Additionally, NTFS allows one to mount other volumes as directories in a file system. This is similar to a symbolic link. The folder will exist if the other volume is not available, but you will receive an error if you attempt to access it in this state.
I haven't found any worthwhile use for junctions. I have used mounting other volumes. I have a USB key which I like to mount at C:usb. This avoids me having to worry about what random letter it gets assigned to when I plug it into my Windows XP system.
(source: theeggeadventure.com)
edited Apr 5 at 20:41
Glorfindel
4011616
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:15
brianeggebrianegge
89311222
add a comment |
It does in vista... kind of. See This.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:35
RascalKingRascalKing
1,13857
add a comment |
You can create junction points in XP (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTFS_junction_point), using the junction tool (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/FileAndDisk/Junction.mspx)
However I think junctions can only be created for directories (could be wrong - don't have time to do any tests sorry!)
Edit: sparks beat me to it!
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:48
CapBBeardCapBBeard
6982713
add a comment |
Depending on what you're trying to achieve a simple shortcut may be all that is required. Perhaps the simplest way to create one is to right-click the file or folder and select the option to create a shortcut. It will be created inside the current folder but can be cut/copied and placed elsewhere.
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:01
John GardeniersJohn Gardeniers
25k847105
add a comment |
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6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Windows 2000 and later allows for symbolic linking but refers to symbolic links as junctions. I do not believe you can make them easily without an additional tool, but you can find free tools for creating them.
Free tool:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896768.aspx
KB Article on Junctions:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=205524
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:47
sclarsonsclarson
3,4291720
See also here for caveats: superuser.com/questions/117127/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:54
add a comment |
Windows 2000 and later allows for symbolic linking but refers to symbolic links as junctions. I do not believe you can make them easily without an additional tool, but you can find free tools for creating them.
Free tool:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896768.aspx
KB Article on Junctions:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=205524
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:47
sclarsonsclarson
3,4291720
See also here for caveats: superuser.com/questions/117127/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:54
add a comment |
Windows 2000 and later allows for symbolic linking but refers to symbolic links as junctions. I do not believe you can make them easily without an additional tool, but you can find free tools for creating them.
Free tool:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896768.aspx
KB Article on Junctions:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=205524
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:47
sclarsonsclarson
3,4291720
Windows 2000 and later allows for symbolic linking but refers to symbolic links as junctions. I do not believe you can make them easily without an additional tool, but you can find free tools for creating them.
Free tool:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896768.aspx
KB Article on Junctions:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=205524
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:47
sclarsonsclarson
3,4291720
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:47
sclarsonsclarson
3,4291720
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:47
sclarsonsclarson
3,4291720
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:47
sclarsonsclarson
3,4291720
3,4291720
See also here for caveats: superuser.com/questions/117127/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:54
add a comment |
See also here for caveats: superuser.com/questions/117127/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:54
See also here for caveats: superuser.com/questions/117127/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:54
See also here for caveats: superuser.com/questions/117127/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:54
add a comment |
On Windows pre-Vista, the best you can do is mounting a drive using the subst command which points to any directory that you want to. I've done this to eliminate the requirements on some applications that need a path without spaces.
Windows Vista included the mklink command.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:40
Thomas OwensThomas Owens
201110
mklinkis probably the way to go. Be aware it requires theSeSymbolicLinkprivilege, which by default is only available to Administrators. docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/… superuser.com/questions/994093/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:56
add a comment |
On Windows pre-Vista, the best you can do is mounting a drive using the subst command which points to any directory that you want to. I've done this to eliminate the requirements on some applications that need a path without spaces.
Windows Vista included the mklink command.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:40
Thomas OwensThomas Owens
201110
mklinkis probably the way to go. Be aware it requires theSeSymbolicLinkprivilege, which by default is only available to Administrators. docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/… superuser.com/questions/994093/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:56
add a comment |
On Windows pre-Vista, the best you can do is mounting a drive using the subst command which points to any directory that you want to. I've done this to eliminate the requirements on some applications that need a path without spaces.
Windows Vista included the mklink command.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:40
Thomas OwensThomas Owens
201110
On Windows pre-Vista, the best you can do is mounting a drive using the subst command which points to any directory that you want to. I've done this to eliminate the requirements on some applications that need a path without spaces.
Windows Vista included the mklink command.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:40
Thomas OwensThomas Owens
201110
edited Jul 9 '09 at 23:47
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:40
Thomas OwensThomas Owens
201110
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:40
Thomas OwensThomas Owens
201110
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:40
Thomas OwensThomas Owens
201110
201110
mklinkis probably the way to go. Be aware it requires theSeSymbolicLinkprivilege, which by default is only available to Administrators. docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/… superuser.com/questions/994093/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:56
add a comment |
mklinkis probably the way to go. Be aware it requires theSeSymbolicLinkprivilege, which by default is only available to Administrators. docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/… superuser.com/questions/994093/…
– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:56
mklink is probably the way to go. Be aware it requires the SeSymbolicLink privilege, which by default is only available to Administrators. docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/… superuser.com/questions/994093/…– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:56
mklink is probably the way to go. Be aware it requires the SeSymbolicLink privilege, which by default is only available to Administrators. docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/… superuser.com/questions/994093/…– Samuel Jaeschke
Apr 6 at 7:56
add a comment |
NTFS 3.0 Junctions most closely represent hard links, and can only be created on directories. Junctions, like hard links, can only referrer to items on the same volume.
Additionally, NTFS allows one to mount other volumes as directories in a file system. This is similar to a symbolic link. The folder will exist if the other volume is not available, but you will receive an error if you attempt to access it in this state.
I haven't found any worthwhile use for junctions. I have used mounting other volumes. I have a USB key which I like to mount at C:usb. This avoids me having to worry about what random letter it gets assigned to when I plug it into my Windows XP system.
(source: theeggeadventure.com)
edited Apr 5 at 20:41
Glorfindel
4011616
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:15
brianeggebrianegge
89311222
add a comment |
NTFS 3.0 Junctions most closely represent hard links, and can only be created on directories. Junctions, like hard links, can only referrer to items on the same volume.
Additionally, NTFS allows one to mount other volumes as directories in a file system. This is similar to a symbolic link. The folder will exist if the other volume is not available, but you will receive an error if you attempt to access it in this state.
I haven't found any worthwhile use for junctions. I have used mounting other volumes. I have a USB key which I like to mount at C:usb. This avoids me having to worry about what random letter it gets assigned to when I plug it into my Windows XP system.
(source: theeggeadventure.com)
edited Apr 5 at 20:41
Glorfindel
4011616
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:15
brianeggebrianegge
89311222
add a comment |
NTFS 3.0 Junctions most closely represent hard links, and can only be created on directories. Junctions, like hard links, can only referrer to items on the same volume.
Additionally, NTFS allows one to mount other volumes as directories in a file system. This is similar to a symbolic link. The folder will exist if the other volume is not available, but you will receive an error if you attempt to access it in this state.
I haven't found any worthwhile use for junctions. I have used mounting other volumes. I have a USB key which I like to mount at C:usb. This avoids me having to worry about what random letter it gets assigned to when I plug it into my Windows XP system.
(source: theeggeadventure.com)
edited Apr 5 at 20:41
Glorfindel
4011616
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:15
brianeggebrianegge
89311222
NTFS 3.0 Junctions most closely represent hard links, and can only be created on directories. Junctions, like hard links, can only referrer to items on the same volume.
Additionally, NTFS allows one to mount other volumes as directories in a file system. This is similar to a symbolic link. The folder will exist if the other volume is not available, but you will receive an error if you attempt to access it in this state.
I haven't found any worthwhile use for junctions. I have used mounting other volumes. I have a USB key which I like to mount at C:usb. This avoids me having to worry about what random letter it gets assigned to when I plug it into my Windows XP system.
(source: theeggeadventure.com)
edited Apr 5 at 20:41
Glorfindel
4011616
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:15
brianeggebrianegge
89311222
edited Apr 5 at 20:41
Glorfindel
4011616
edited Apr 5 at 20:41
Glorfindel
4011616
edited Apr 5 at 20:41
Glorfindel
4011616
4011616
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:15
brianeggebrianegge
89311222
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:15
brianeggebrianegge
89311222
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:15
brianeggebrianegge
89311222
89311222
add a comment |
add a comment |
It does in vista... kind of. See This.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:35
RascalKingRascalKing
1,13857
add a comment |
It does in vista... kind of. See This.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:35
RascalKingRascalKing
1,13857
add a comment |
It does in vista... kind of. See This.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:35
RascalKingRascalKing
1,13857
It does in vista... kind of. See This.
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:35
RascalKingRascalKing
1,13857
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:35
RascalKingRascalKing
1,13857
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:35
RascalKingRascalKing
1,13857
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:35
RascalKingRascalKing
1,13857
1,13857
add a comment |
add a comment |
You can create junction points in XP (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTFS_junction_point), using the junction tool (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/FileAndDisk/Junction.mspx)
However I think junctions can only be created for directories (could be wrong - don't have time to do any tests sorry!)
Edit: sparks beat me to it!
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:48
CapBBeardCapBBeard
6982713
add a comment |
You can create junction points in XP (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTFS_junction_point), using the junction tool (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/FileAndDisk/Junction.mspx)
However I think junctions can only be created for directories (could be wrong - don't have time to do any tests sorry!)
Edit: sparks beat me to it!
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:48
CapBBeardCapBBeard
6982713
add a comment |
You can create junction points in XP (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTFS_junction_point), using the junction tool (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/FileAndDisk/Junction.mspx)
However I think junctions can only be created for directories (could be wrong - don't have time to do any tests sorry!)
Edit: sparks beat me to it!
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:48
CapBBeardCapBBeard
6982713
You can create junction points in XP (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTFS_junction_point), using the junction tool (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/FileAndDisk/Junction.mspx)
However I think junctions can only be created for directories (could be wrong - don't have time to do any tests sorry!)
Edit: sparks beat me to it!
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:48
CapBBeardCapBBeard
6982713
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:48
CapBBeardCapBBeard
6982713
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:48
CapBBeardCapBBeard
6982713
answered Jul 9 '09 at 23:48
CapBBeardCapBBeard
6982713
6982713
add a comment |
add a comment |
Depending on what you're trying to achieve a simple shortcut may be all that is required. Perhaps the simplest way to create one is to right-click the file or folder and select the option to create a shortcut. It will be created inside the current folder but can be cut/copied and placed elsewhere.
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:01
John GardeniersJohn Gardeniers
25k847105
add a comment |
Depending on what you're trying to achieve a simple shortcut may be all that is required. Perhaps the simplest way to create one is to right-click the file or folder and select the option to create a shortcut. It will be created inside the current folder but can be cut/copied and placed elsewhere.
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:01
John GardeniersJohn Gardeniers
25k847105
add a comment |
Depending on what you're trying to achieve a simple shortcut may be all that is required. Perhaps the simplest way to create one is to right-click the file or folder and select the option to create a shortcut. It will be created inside the current folder but can be cut/copied and placed elsewhere.
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:01
John GardeniersJohn Gardeniers
25k847105
Depending on what you're trying to achieve a simple shortcut may be all that is required. Perhaps the simplest way to create one is to right-click the file or folder and select the option to create a shortcut. It will be created inside the current folder but can be cut/copied and placed elsewhere.
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:01
John GardeniersJohn Gardeniers
25k847105
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:01
John GardeniersJohn Gardeniers
25k847105
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:01
John GardeniersJohn Gardeniers
25k847105
answered Jul 10 '09 at 0:01
John GardeniersJohn Gardeniers
25k847105
25k847105
add a comment |
add a comment |
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