diff --git a/tests/test_local_sources.py b/tests/test_local_sources.py
index bd3448de8..34fededc8 100644
--- a/tests/test_local_sources.py
+++ b/tests/test_local_sources.py
@@ -47,7 +47,12 @@ def test_directory_size_sums_flat_and_nested_files(tmp_path: Path) -> None:
 
 def test_directory_size_skips_symlinks(tmp_path: Path) -> None:
     _write_file(tmp_path / "real.txt", 100)
-    (tmp_path / "link.txt").symlink_to(tmp_path / "real.txt")
+    try:
+        (tmp_path / "link.txt").symlink_to(tmp_path / "real.txt")
+    except OSError:
+        pytest.skip(
+            "symlink creation unavailable; on Windows run as Administrator or enable Developer Mode"
+        )
     # The symlink target is counted once via the real file, not doubled.
     assert directory_size_bytes(tmp_path) == 100