Link Shell Extension

Link Shell Extension

Link Shell Extension is a Windows file browser add-on that enables advanced file system management capabilities like hard links, junctions, symlinks, directory aliases, and more.
Link Shell Extension image
file-browser file-management hard-links junctions symlinks directory-aliases

Link Shell Extension: Advanced File System Management for Windows

Link Shell Extension is a Windows file browser add-on that enables advanced file system management capabilities like hard links, junctions, symlinks, directory aliases, and more.

What is Link Shell Extension?

Link Shell Extension (LSE) is a lightweight open source utility that integrates with Windows File Explorer to provide advanced file system management capabilities. It allows you to easily create hard links, junction points, symbolic links, directory aliases, and explore NTFS file streams on local drives or over the network.

Some key features of Link Shell Extension include:

  • Intuitive right-click menu options for link creation
  • Support for relative and absolute paths for links
  • Options for link type (hard link, junction, symlink, directory alias)
  • Network drive support using UNC paths
  • Shell protocol handler support for link files
  • NTFS alternate data stream management
  • Lightweight addon with no install required, works on all Windows versions from XP and above

With its simple interface and useful everyday utilities for power users, Link Shell Extension aims to enhance the file management experience on Windows without adding bloat or complexity. It saves time on common tasks like backup, syncing, project organization etc. by leveraging NTFS capabilities that are otherwise not exposed by default in File Explorer.

Link Shell Extension Features

Features

  1. Create hard links, junctions and symlinks
  2. Move, copy or rename files or folders with advanced options
  3. Integrates into Windows Explorer right-click menu
  4. Shell extensions for working with hidden system files
  5. Portable version available
  6. Plugin architecture to extend functionality

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Powerful tool for advanced file management

Makes working with hard links, junctions, etc easy

Seamlessly integrates into Explorer

Lightweight and fast

Free and open source

Cons

Can be confusing for novice users

Requires some technical knowledge to use advanced features

Occasional bugs or stability issues

Limited documentation and support


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