How to make SUBST mapping persistent across reboots?

Subst is a command-line utility in Microsoft Windows that allows users to map directories and drives to a virtual drive letter. This is useful for quickly accessing files that are located in different parts of the system. For example, a user may want to map the directory C:\\Program Files to the letter Z. By using the subst command, they can do this.

The problem with the subst command is that it is not persistent across reboots. This means that any mappings created using the subst command will be lost after a reboot. This can be a major inconvenience, especially if the user has to constantly access files located in the same directory.

Fortunately, there is a way to make subst mappings persistent across reboots. The method involves making changes to the Windows Registry. Before making any changes, however, it is important to backup the current registry settings. This can be done easily by using the Windows System Restore utility.

Once the registry has been backed up, the user then needs to open the registry editor by typing “regedit” into the Run command. Then, they need to navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\MountedDevices folder. Inside this folder, they will find a list of all existing drive mappings.

The user then needs to create a new registry key for each subst mapping that they want to make persistent. To do this, they need to right-click on the MountedDevices folder and select the “New” option. Then, they need to select “Key” from the menu and give the new key a name that matches the drive letter that was used for the subst mapping.

For example, if the user mapped the directory C:\\Program Files to the letter Z, then they need to create a new key named “Z”. The user then needs to right-click on the new key and select the “Modify” option. This will open up a window where the user can enter the path to the directory that they want to map.

After entering the path, the user needs to click on the “OK” button and then reboot their computer. After the reboot, the subst mapping should be persistent and will remain even after subsequent reboots.

Making subst mappings persistent across reboots is a great way to save time and frustration. It is a relatively simple process that only requires a few steps and can be done easily by anyone with basic computer knowledge. With a few changes to the Windows Registry, users can ensure that their subst mappings remain intact even after a reboot.