Steps to Create a Symbolic Link for Folder Screenshots:
1. Destination Folder Preparation
- Create a new folder in the desired location (example: D:\DigitalAssets\Screenshots)
- Move all existing screenshot files from Pictures\Screenshots to this new folder
2. Delete the Original Folder
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to C:\Users\[Username]\Pictures
- Delete the Screenshots folder (make sure it’s backed up)
3. Create a Symbolic Link
- Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator
- Run the following command:
mklink /J “C:\Users\[Username]\Pictures\Screenshots” “D:\DigitalAssets\Screenshots”- /J means to create a junction link (a symbolic link for a folder).
- The first path is the location of the link to be created (the old folder).
- The second path is the location of the new folder where the screenshot is saved.
4. Verification
- Check in File Explorer:
- The folder in Pictures will have a small shortcut icon
- Click Properties → Location should indicate the original path on drive D
Now, any screenshots you take with the Windows + Print Screen shortcut will be automatically saved in the D:\DigitalAssets\Screenshots folder, but when you open the Pictures > Screenshots folder, the files still appear as usual.
CMD commands for External Storage Locations:
1. For external SSDs/HDDs:
mklink /J “C:\Users\[Username]\Pictures\Screenshots” “F:\Backup\WinScreenshots”2. For network drive:
mklink /D “C:\Users\[Username]\Pictures\Screenshots” “\\NAS\Shared\Screenshots”If the symbolic link creation process fails, make sure that the following three things are met:
- First, the Command Prompt must be run as an Administrator by right-clicking and selecting “Run as administrator”.
- Second, the original folder in the default save location (usually at C:\Users[Username]\Pictures\Screenshots) must be deleted first.
- Third, make sure that no apps are currently accessing or using the folder, including screenshot apps, file explorers, or backup programs that may be running.