Symbolic links, also known as symlinks, can be a powerful tool for managing a Windows 8.1 system. Symlinks are a type of file that points to another file or directory, allowing users to create a shortcut to a file or folder. This can be particularly useful in cases where a user needs to access a file or folder from multiple locations, or when a user needs to store a large number of files in a single location.
Creating a symbolic link in Windows 8.1 is a relatively straightforward process. The first step is to create the shortcut itself. This can be done by right-clicking on the file or folder, selecting “Create Shortcut”, and then selecting the location where the shortcut will be saved. Once the shortcut is created, the next step is to create the symbolic link. The simplest way to do this is to open a command prompt window as an administrator.
Once the command prompt window is open, the user should type the following command: mklink /d
Once the command has been entered, the symbolic link will be created. To verify that the link is working, the user can open the shortcut and verify that it opens the original file or folder. If the link is not working, the user can check the command prompt window to see if an error was returned. If an error was returned, the user should check the syntax of the command and try again.
Creating a symbolic link in Windows 8.1 can be a great way to manage files and folders, and it can be done without the need for an administrator command prompt. It is important to keep in mind, however, that creating a symbolic link is a powerful tool and should be used with caution. If a user is unfamiliar with the process, it is best to consult with an IT professional before attempting to create a symbolic link.
