Windows 10: Cannot create symbolic link on Windows 11 with Powershell 7 - CommandNotFoundException

I installed Powershell 7 and was trying to mklink /D \kang C:\Users\Me\Documents\Learn\Java\Sandbox\src\mammal\kangaroo mklink : The term 'mklink' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try again. At line:1 char:2 + mklink /D \kang C:\Users\Me\Documents\Learn\Java\Sandbox\src\mamma ... + ~~~~~~ + CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: mklink:String [], CommandNotFoundException + FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException I had to use

:)

 

Symbolic link (Junction/s), how-to mklink? Please help with Junction?

Hi all, having been a member at Seven then Ten forums for a fair while I'm hoping to find a straight answer here..? Apologies in advance if this is too verbose.
Windows 10 system booting from (UEFI) NVME with 2xSSDs + 2 MHDDs for storage...

An application (Xperia Companion) which will not let me select or personalise the location for saving backups of my cellular phone data...

Think I found a fair definition of the differences at the Computer hope site which would suggest it's a Junction I need:

I want Xperia companion to save backups to F:\Sony Backups NOT the default C:\Users\GD\Documents\Sony. Would the Junction (link) allow me to to fulfill my wants and could someone please demonstrate the mklink commands needed?

with thanks and regards,
Dave

 

How to create a Symbolic Link on Windows 10?

How do I create junctions or directory symbolic links in Windows 10?

Note: For reference, the link in the question refers to the following commands.

Create a junction:

Create a directory symbolic link:

You can use either mklink /j or junction in Windows 10 to create junctions.

You can use mklink /d in Windows 10 to create directory symbolic links.

Notes:

• junction can also list junctions and determine if a file is a junction unlike mklink.
  
• mklink is an internal command only available within a cmd shell.
  
• By default Administrator privileges are required to create symbolic links.
  
  It can also be granted to other users. The security setting "Create symbolic links" can be granted at:
  
  

Examples

Using mklink to create a directory symbolic link:

Using mklink to create a junction:

Using junction to create a junction:

It seems like the junction command has been retired in Windows 10.

You can download junction from Windows SysInternals (which is part of Microsoft):

Further Reading

• An A-Z Index of the Windows CMD command line - An excellent reference for all things Windows cmd line related.
  
• mklink - Create a symbolic link to a directory or a file, or create a hard file link or directory junction.
  

 

clarification needed for Symbolic Links/ Symlinks

Your first command is the wrong way around. The first path in a MkLnk command is where the link is put & the second one is the target path.
You want calls to that AppData path to be redirected to the Prog files path so the AppData location is where the link is put & the Prog files location is the target path.
You'll have to move the files yourself. I suggest you do it outside Windows e.g. in the command prompt of booting from a Windows installation USB.

See
MkLink /? for the built-in Help
MKLink - SS64
MKLink - MSDocs
Create Soft and Hard Symbolic Links - TenForumsTutorials
MKLINK – Create and Use Links - SevenForums
Creating Symbolic Links - Microsoft Docs
Hard Links and Junctions - Microsoft Docs
Are Hardlinks Always Better than Shortcuts - TenForums
Using-understanding junctions and links - TenForums
The Complete Guide to Creating Symbolic Links - HTG
directory junction vs directory symbolic link - Super User


I've addressed the question you asked but would like to add that it seems, to me, to be a waste of time & effort.
- You have not identified a problem with things as they are.
- I have no idea what permissions issues are going to trip you up with the files in their new location. You might find that the whole thing is unworkable.
- I urge you to make a new system image before attempting this job.

Best of luck,
Denis