How to create a directory hard link in Windows?

As an IT admin, it is essential to understand how to create a directory hard link in Windows. This type of link is an important part of the Windows operating system, as it allows files and folders to be linked together, even if they are stored in different locations. This allows users to access the contents of the linked files and folders from any location, without having to worry about copying or moving files around.

A directory hard link is a special type of link that is created when two folders are linked together. This type of link is similar to a regular shortcut, but it is much more powerful. Unlike a shortcut, a directory hard link can be used to access the contents of a linked folder from any location. This is because the link is stored in the filesystem, rather than in the registry.

Creating a directory hard link in Windows is relatively straightforward. The first step is to open the command prompt. This can be done by pressing the Windows key and typing cmd. Once the command prompt is open, type mklink /d followed by the path of the folder you want to link. For example, if you wanted to link the folder C:\\Test to C:\\Data, you would type mklink /d “C:\\Test” “C:\\Data”.

Once the command has been executed, the folders will be linked. To access the contents of the linked folder, simply navigate to the folder location in Windows Explorer. The contents of the folder will be accessible, even if the files are stored in different locations.

Another important thing to note is that a directory hard link can only be created between two folders on the same drive. If you want to link two folders on different drives, you will need to use a symbolic link instead. To create a symbolic link, type mklink /s followed by the path of the folder you want to link.

Creating a directory hard link in Windows is a great way to quickly and easily access the contents of linked folders. This type of link is an important part of the Windows operating system, and it can be used to access the contents of a linked folder from any location. In addition, a directory hard link can be created between two folders on the same drive, allowing users to quickly access the contents of multiple folders at once.