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MKLINK not recognized

Anonymous
2018-09-13T18:08:20+00:00

I want to use MKLINK (in Powershell) to sync a folder to OneDrive.

There are many articles about using this is Windows 10.

But I get this message from Powershell:

mklink : The term 'mklink' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program.

Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try again.

How do I get access to MKLINK?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-09-13T19:13:01+00:00

    Mklink is not a standalone executabe, it's built-in to the Command Prompt (cmd.exe). It can't run directly from PowerShell.

    So easiest thing to do is open an actual Command Prompt, type 'mklink' and you'll get the built-in help.

    Keith

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-09-13T19:39:08+00:00

    If you really want to launch from PowerShell, as part of a script, perhaps, you need to Use Start-Process. The docs actually contain a great example of launching a Command Prompt and executing the 'dir' command (except /c parameter should be changed to /k like so:

    PS C:> Start-Process -FilePath "$env:comspec" -ArgumentList "/k","dir",""%systemdrive%\program files""

    So you would use some like:

     Start-Process -FilePath "$env:comspec" -ArgumentList "/k", "mklink", "/j", ""<Link Path>"",""<Target Path>""

    Keith

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-09-14T16:58:38+00:00

    You're welcome. Things can be simplified somewhat by using the built-in PowerShell commands to create Symbolic Links:

    https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/wmf/5.0/feedback_symbolic

    Please mark one or more of my replies as 'Answer' to help others who happen across this thread.

    Keith

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-09-13T18:16:59+00:00

    Hi, MDougC

    Check these links, I hope it helps.

    https://www.computerhope.com/mklink.htm

    https://superuser.com/questions/1020821/how-to-...

    https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/16226/complete-...

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-09-14T16:45:35+00:00

    Thank you, Keith.  You have taught me something new.

    It seems that Microsoft would provide a better way to sync folder to OneDrive (other than the built-ins).

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