Windows subst equivalent in Linux
Makes an existing directory tree accessible at a second mount point.
subst
sudo mount --bind /source /mountpoint
sudo mount --bind /source /mountpoint
sudo mount --bind /source /mountpoint
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "subst" is used to map a directory to another path. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "sudo mount --bind /source /mountpoint". Makes an existing directory tree accessible at a second mount point. This reference is grouped under File Management → File System.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows subst maps to sudo mount --bind /source /mountpoint 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.
Elevated privilege appears in this workflow
At least one example uses sudo. Confirm the target path, device, service or package before running the elevated form; do not add sudo simply to bypass an unexplained permission error.
Command-specific caution
Bind mounts are not persistent after reboot unless added to /etc/fstab or recreated by a service.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux filesystem for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Map a directory to another path
Makes an existing directory tree accessible at a second mount point.
sudo mkdir -p /mnt/project
Create the destination mount point
sudo mount --bind /home/user/project /mnt/project
Create the bind mount
sudo umount /mnt/project
Remove the bind mount
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
sudo mkdir -p /mnt/project
sudo mount --bind /home/user/project /mnt/project
sudo umount /mnt/project
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
sudo mkdir -p /mnt/project # create a mount point
sudo mount --bind /home/user/project /mnt/project # map a directory to the mount point
sudo umount /mnt/project # remove the mappingReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
sudo mkdir -p /mnt/project | Create the destination mount point |
sudo mount --bind /home/user/project /mnt/project | Create the bind mount |
sudo umount /mnt/project | Remove the bind mount |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "sudo mount --bind /source /mountpoint" 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 | sudo mount --bind /source /mountpoint |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | sudo mount --bind /source /mountpoint |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | sudo mount --bind /source /mountpoint |
Same command on this distribution. |
Important
What to watch out for
Keep learning