Folder2Junction Tips: When and Why to Replace Folders with Junction Points

How to Use Folder2Junction to Replace Folders with Junctions (Windows)

What Folder2Junction does

Folder2Junction replaces a real folder with a NTFS junction point that links to the folder’s original contents. This frees the original folder path while keeping all files accessible via a new target path. It’s useful for saving space on system drives, reorganizing large folders, or redirecting paths without changing applications.

Preparations (assume safe defaults)

• OS: Windows 10 or later (NTFS required).
• Permissions: Administrator privileges recommended to create junctions in protected locations.
• Backup: Make a full copy of the folder or ensure you have a working backup before proceeding.
• Free space check: Ensure the target location has sufficient space if moving data.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Download Folder2Junction (or use the tool you have): obtain the executable from the official source or repository and place it in a folder accessible from Command Prompt.
2. Open an elevated Command Prompt: Right-click Start → Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
3. Move the original folder to the desired target location (if the tool requires the target to be elsewhere). Example command:

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   robocopy “C:\OriginalFolder” “D:\NewLocation\OriginalFolder” /MIR 

4. Delete the original folder (but keep a backup):

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   rmdir /S /Q “C:\OriginalFolder” 

   (Only run after confirming the copy succeeded.)

5. Create the junction using Folder2Junction (replace paths as needed). Example:

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   Folder2Junction.exe “C:\OriginalFolder” “D:\NewLocation\OriginalFolder” 

   This recreates C:\OriginalFolder as a junction pointing to the moved folder.

6. Verify the junction:
   • In Command Prompt:

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     dir “C:\OriginalFolder” 

     The folder should show as a junction.

   • Or use:

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     fsutil reparsepoint query “C:\OriginalFolder” 

7. Test applications and permissions: Open files from the original path, run applications that use the folder, and confirm behavior is unchanged.

Safety tips and caveats

• Do not create circular junctions (junction pointing into its own subtree).
• Junctions are local only: They work on NTFS volumes and are not the same as symbolic links for remote paths.
• Permissions: Junctions preserve file ACLs of the target; adjust if needed.
• Backup important data before deleting or moving folders.
• Undo: To remove the junction and restore a real folder, delete the junction (rmdir “C:\OriginalFolder”) and move/copy data back.

Quick example summary

• Move data: robocopy “C:\A” “D:\A” /MIR
• Remove original: rmdir /S /Q “C:\A”
• Create junction: Folder2Junction.exe “C:\A” “D:\A”
• Verify: dir “C:\A”

If you want, I can produce exact commands tailored to your folder paths and whether you prefer moving or just linking in-place.