PowerShell uses a different command, New-Item , with the -ItemType SymbolicLink parameter:
Symlinks are invaluable for managing disk space and organizing complex software environments:
You can move heavy folders (like large game directories or "AppData") to a secondary drive and create a symlink in the original location so the program continues to run without knowing its files have moved.
Instead of navigating \\Server\Shared\Departments\Finance\Reports\2025\Q1 , create a symlink on your desktop:
| Feature | Symbolic Link (Symlink) | Junction | Hard Link | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Local or network (UNC) path | Local volume only | Not possible for folders | | Relative paths | Yes | No | N/A | | Cross-volume | Yes | Yes | N/A | | Shows real path | No (transparent) | No | N/A | | Best for | Cloud folders, network drives, portable links | Legacy apps, same-drive redirection | (Files only) |
Alex opened up the Command Prompt and navigated to the directory where John wanted to create the symlink. Then, he typed in the following command:
Both commands remove the link, leaving the real target folder untouched.
