How to create junction links on Windows Server 2022

Windows contains three types of file links.

Hard links: Creates a second directory entry to a file such that it can reference a file using more than one reference path.

Symbolic links: Creates a new file altogether that references an already existing file

Junction links: Creates a link between directories on different volumes or drives, but not between network drives. This link is only possible between folders.

Create a junction link on Windows Server 2022

Creating a junction link will link two folders together.

In our tutorial, we will create a junction link between the below two locations:

C:\NewJunction

and

C:\Users\Administrator\Download\Junction

To create the link, search for the Command Prompt, right-click on it, and select “Run as administrator.”

Next, use the mklink command in the below syntax:

mklink /J “junction path link” “target folder path”

In our example, that would be as follows:

Note: The target folder must be created prior to running this command.

mklink /J “C:\Junction” “C:\Users\Administrator\Downloads\TestSetup”

The junction link is now created.

Verify the link by running the below command:

dir /al /b

Alternatively, running the below command will list all directories and junctions

dir

Hide Windows Server 2022 junction links

To create a junction link with the target folder hidden, the below command can be used:

mklink /J …::$INDEX_ALLOCATION target folder

To confirm that the link is created as hidden, run either of the below commands:

dir 

dir /al /b

The destination will be listed as “…”

Delete Windows Server 2022 junction links

To delete an unused junction link, use the below command:

rmdir path to junction link

Note: Deleting a link will not delete the target folder or the files in the target location.