Windows mklink /D equivalent in Linux
Creates a symbolic link to a directory.
mklink /D
ln -s target link_name
ln -s target link_name
ln -s target link_name
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "mklink /D" is used to create directory symlink. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "ln -s target link_name". Creates a symbolic link to a directory. This reference is grouped under File Management → Links.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows mklink /D maps to ln -s target link_name for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux filesystem for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Create directory symlink
Creates a symbolic link to a directory.
ln -s target link_name
Create directory symlink
ln --help
Show command help when supported
man ln
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
ln -s target link_name
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: mklink /D
ln -s target link_nameReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
ln -s target link_name | Create directory symlink |
ln --help | Show command help when supported |
man ln | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "ln -s target link_name" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | ln -s target link_name |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | ln -s target link_name |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | ln -s target link_name |
Same command on this distribution. |
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