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Moving files between Symlinks/Junctions results in file copying instead of moving in Windows 11

Q-Bert 0 Reputation points
2024-07-22T15:26:23.8733333+00:00

Hello Community,

I have several junctions and symlinks that point to the same physical drive.

The problem is the same for both types of links, at least it seems that way.

For example:

(A) C:\folder points to (X) D:\folder

and

(B) C:\anotherfolder points to (Y) D:\anotherfolder

All drives are NTFS.

When I move files from A to B, the files are copied from A to B, as indicated by the progress bar showing the files being copied, with a reasonable data transfer rate and duration (same as copying from X to Y and deleting source). This is especially bothersome with files that are many gigabytes in size.

The same happens when moving files from A to X or Y, or from B to X or Y.

Previously, there was a "smart move" progress bar instead, and the files were actually moved instantly, from X to Y. This was especially noticeable with very large files.

This "smart move" window now only appears when I move files from X to Y.

In short: When moving files they are copied instead of moved, meaning that not only the entries in the MFT are changed as desired.

I don't know exactly when this change occurred. Maybe since the switch from WIN10 to WIN11 or with a WIN11 update (both were/are Pro versions).

Is there any way to set the system to (again) recognize where the targets are located? In other words, can the previous, much more efficient handling of such cases be restored? I use Windows 11 Pro with latest stable updates, see the end of this post. All drives are NTFS. A and B are on a SSD, X and Y on a HDD.

Please ask me if I can provide any other helpful information.

Edition Windows 11 Pro

Version 23H2

OS Build 22631.3880

Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22700.1020.0

Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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  1. Karlie Weng 16,351 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-07-24T07:41:13.6066667+00:00

    Hello,

    There could be discrepancies regarding the destination folder. You might want to attempt transferring a file from your Desktop to the Downloads folder (both should reside within your user profile), which operates as a typical "Move" function. However, when you relocate the same file to a different directory, such as "D:\test", the action behaves more like a "Copy" instead.

    If the Answer is helpful, please click Accept Answer and upvote it.