| Type | Target Type | Cross-Volume | Breaks if Target Deleted | Privileges Needed | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Link | File | ❌ No | ❌ No | Standard | Multiple names for same file on same volume |
| Symbolic Link | File or Folder | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Admin or Dev Mode¹ | Redirect path, config override, flexible shortcuts |
| Mount Point | Entire Volume | ✅ Yes | N/A | Admin or Disk Mgmt | Mount drive into folder (e.g., C:\Games) |
| Junction Point | Folder | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Standard | Folder redirection, legacy compatibility |
¹ Starting with Windows 10 build 14972, Dev Mode removes admin requirement for mklink.