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Godot Launcher Symlink Support on Windows

The Godot Launcher Symlink feature lets Windows reuse a single installed editor across every project. Instead of copying the editor into each project folder, the launcher creates a Windows symlink that points back to the original install. The result is faster installs, smaller project directories, and consistent editor behavior from one release to the next.

Because Windows treats symlink creation as an administrative task, you need to prepare your system before enabling the feature to avoid annoying UAC prompts. This guide walks through the prerequisites, the launcher setting that unlocks symlinks, and how to confirm everything is working.

  • Reduce disk usage by keeping only one copy of each Godot editor release.
  • Speed up new project setup because the launcher links instead of copying large files.
  • Keep projects aligned with the same editor build, making it easier to switch versions or follow the Change Project Editor Version workflow.
tip

Symlink support affects only new projects or projects that switch to a new release. Existing projects keep their current editor copy or symlink until you change the selected release.

Requirements on Windows​

The launcher needs permission to create symlinks on your behalf. Make sure these requirements are in place before enabling the feature to avoid UAC prompts:

  • Windows Developer Mode enabled.
  • Administrator privileges for the Windows account you use with Godot Launcher.
  • Godot Launcher 1.4.0 or later, where the setting first appears in the Launcher Settings.

Enable Windows Developer Mode​

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System → For Developers (older builds may list Privacy & security → For developers).
  3. Turn on Developer Mode, then confirm the Windows prompt.
  4. Restart the machine if Windows requests it.

Developer Mode removes the requirement for the launcher to request and elevate commands to Administrator every time you create a symlink.

Confirm Administrator rights​

  • Open the Start menu, type Command Prompt, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.
  • Run whoami /groups and verify BUILTIN\Administrators is listed.
  • Close the Command Prompt window and launch Godot Launcher normally.
warning

If your Windows account cannot elevate or Developer Mode is unavailable (for example, on managed corporate devices), the launcher falls back to copying the editor instead of creating symlinks.

Toggle Editor Symlink Gif

  1. Open Godot Launcher.
  2. Click Settings from the sidebar or top-right menu.
  3. Select the Behavior tab.
  4. Toggle Symlink Support to Enabled.
  5. The preference saves automatically.

The Godot Launcher Symlink preference applies to every Godot release you install moving forward. When you add a new release or update an existing one, the launcher reuses the same binary for all projects.

info

Switching the toggle only affects projects created (or reconfigured) after the change. To migrate an older project, switch it to a different editor release and then back again so the launcher recreates the link.

When symlink support is active:

  • New projects reference the editor under your preferred folder for Install Location instead of copying it into the project folder.
  • The Projects list shows no difference between copies and symlink editors. Everything looks the same as it did before.
  • Downloading a new editor release happens once, even if you create multiple projects from it or copies are used (no change).
  1. Create a new project from the launcher.
  2. Click Open Editor Settings Folder, then navigate one folder up.
  3. Right-click the Godot executable, choose Properties, and confirm the Type reads Symbolic (.exe).
  4. Launch the project normally to ensure the editor opens as expected.

If Windows shows the type as Application (.exe) instead of a symlink (.exe), double-check Developer Mode and administrator permissions, then recreate the project, remove and re-add the project, or switch the Godot release version.

  • UAC prompt appears every time a change in release happens: Make sure you have enabled Developer Mode. Godot Launcher - UAC Prompt
  • Corporate or school device restrictions: Contact your administrator about enabling Developer Mode or request temporary elevation. Without it, symlink creation is blocked for security reasons.
  • Antivirus quarantines the symlink: Add the launcher install directory to your antivirus exclusion list so the symbolic link target remains accessible.

Summary​

With the Godot Launcher Symlink feature configured, Windows projects stay lightweight while sharing a single editor install. Keep Developer Mode enabled, leave the launcher toggle on, and reuse the same releases across every project. From here you can explore other workflow optimizations, like fine-tuning Launcher Settings or changing editor versions per project.