[BUG] `--no-bin-links` and `npm set bin-links=false` does not work at all

[zhenlige]

Is there an existing issue for this?

• [x] I have searched the existing issues

This issue exists in the latest npm version

• [X] I am using the latest npm

Current Behavior

The program still tries to create symlinks.

Expected Behavior

The program should intall packages without trying to create symlinks.

Steps To Reproduce

1. Launch npm v10.9.0 on Windows 11
2. Open a project in exFAT file system
3. Run either of below:

• npm install --no-bin-links
• npm set bin-links=false and then npm install

4. See error: EISDIR: illegal operation on a directory, symlink ' (some path) ' -> ' (some path) '

Environment

• npm: 10.9.0
• Node.js: 20.18.0
• OS Name: Windows 11
• System Model Name: Legion R9000P2021H
• npm config:

; "builtin" config from C:\Users\zhenlige\AppData\Roaming\npm\node_modules\npm\npmrc

prefix = "C:\\Users\\zhenlige\\AppData\\Roaming\\npm"

; "user" config from C:\Users\zhenlige\.npmrc

bin-links = false
registry = "https://registry.npmmirror.com/"

; node bin location = C:\Program Files\nodejs\node.exe
; node version = v20.18.0
; npm local prefix = E:\fonts\src\Iosevka-main
; npm version = 10.9.0
; cwd = E:\fonts\src\Iosevka-main
; HOME = C:\Users\zhenlige
; Run `npm config ls -l` to show all defaults.