The MKLINK command offers options to create a junction or a symbolic link (as well as hard links). When it comes to directories, what's the difference between creating a symbolic link vs creating a junction (other than the fact that you need to be in an elevated session to create symlinks)? Always wondered about this.
Junction Links and Symbolic Links seem to have similar features. But there are some noticeable differences and they are as follows:
Junction Links
Symbolic Links
Introduced in Windows 2000 OS and compatible to Windows with Windows 2000 and beyond.
Introduced with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. So, compatible with Windows those OS and beyond.
Junction Links works only for directories.
Symbolic Links works for both directories and files.
Junctions links work only for the absolute path.
Symbolic Links works for both absolute and relative path.
Junction Links works for the local drives volumes and partition only
Symbolic Links works for local as well as remote paths.
Creating junction links does not require any special permissions, and Windows Standard User is sufficient. As a result, we can say it has a low-security profile.
Creating Symbolic Links requires Administrator privileges. Therefore it has high-security profiles.
It is a legacy Links type created for the NTFS file system.
It is modern links types and was developed to support migration and application compatibility with UNIX operating systems.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
