Windows Link Folder -
Most Windows users know shortcuts (.lnk files). But true operate at a much lower level — they trick Windows and apps into thinking a folder or file exists in two places at once, without duplicating data.
mklink /D "C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\MyProjects" "C:\Data\Projects"
| Myth | Reality | |------|---------| | “Junctions work across drives” | Junctions are same-volume only. Symlinks work across drives/network. | | “Deleting link deletes original” | Only the link is removed — original untouched. | | “Copy-paste preserves links” | No. Copying a symlink creates a real folder with contents. Use robocopy /SL to copy as symlink. | | “Explorer shows link type clearly” | Poorly — arrows overlay is unreliable. Use dir /AL in CMD. | windows link folder
(Command Prompt as Admin):
In Windows, linking folders goes beyond simple desktop shortcuts. It involves creating system-level "reparse points" that fool the operating system and applications into thinking a folder is in one place when it's actually in another. Quick Comparison: Links vs. Shortcuts Most Windows users know shortcuts (
Link Shell Extension
dir /AL /S C:\SomeFolder
While they look similar, their functions are fundamentally different:
