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Windows Linux File Management Command guide Links

Windows mklink /H equivalent in Linux

Creates a Linux hard link for a regular file.

Windows mklink /H
→
Linux equivalents
Debian/Ubuntu same command
ln target hardlink_name
Fedora same command
ln target hardlink_name
Arch same command
ln target hardlink_name

Overview

What this command does

On Windows, "mklink /H" is used to create file hard link. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "ln target hardlink_name". Creates a Linux hard link for a regular file. This reference is grouped under File Management → Links.

Migration tip: For the Windows task "mklink /H", the Linux workflow on this page uses "ln target hardlink_name" across Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch. Check paths, permissions and installed package versions before copying it into a script.

Windows → Linux context

What changes when you use this on Linux?

Equivalent task, different tool

Windows mklink /H maps to ln target hardlink_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.

Practical tasks

Common use cases

Create file hard link

Creates a Linux hard link for a regular file.

ln target hardlink_name

Create file hard link

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 target hardlink_name

Walkthrough

Examples with explanations

# Windows equivalent: mklink /H
ln target hardlink_name

Reference

Common options and variations

Command or optionUse
ln target hardlink_nameCreate file hard link
ln --helpShow command help when supported
man lnOpen the manual page when installed

Distro differences

Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch

Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "ln target hardlink_name" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.

DistributionPackage manager / baseEquivalent commandDifference to notice
Debian/Ubuntu same command ln target hardlink_name Same command on this distribution.
Fedora same command ln target hardlink_name Same command on this distribution.
Arch same command ln target hardlink_name Same command on this distribution.

Keep learning

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