Link Shell Extension

3.9.3.5 Link management plugin for Windows

Sven Sorensen

Software that creates symbolic links and hard links to files and folders in Windows.

Freeware hardlink creation software download, reviewed by Sven Sørensen
Create hard links via the right-click menu - Screenshot of Link Shell Extension
Set junctions and other folder types - Screenshot of Link Shell Extension
Easily tell items apart - Screenshot of Link Shell Extension
User interface - Screenshot of Link Shell Extension
Link Shell Extension screenshot
Link Shell Extension screenshot
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Create symbolic and hard links on a NTFS Windows filesystem similar to those on UNIX-based systems.

Link Shell Extension is a free tool which enables Windows users to use hard links or symbolic links, something UNIX users have been doing for eons.

The advantages of linking files and directories are vast and can even be useful for backing up files or simply providing your PC with a little assistance when finding a file.

Link Shell Extension installs on your system and then adds some options to the Windows Explorer context menus. From there, you can select the link source and then link a file or folder to another location, perhaps an external or second internal hard drive with your mouse.

Overdoing it with links can sometimes be a hassle, but for those with correct knowledge of using symlinks, it's a great tool and thus we highly recommend Link Shell Extension to seasoned UNIX users or to mainstream Windows users who may like to save time and space.

Features of Link Shell Extension

  • Aliases: Create Shell Aliases.
  • Context Menu: Easily access shell functions from the right click context menu.
  • Customizable: Fully customizable menu layout.
  • Directory Hardlinks: Create hardlinks to directories.
  • Drag and Drop: Drag and drop files and directories.
  • File Hardlinks: Create hardlinks to files.
  • File Properties: Manage NTFS file properties.
  • Hotkeys: Set up hotkeys for shell functions.
  • Junction Points: Create symbolic links, directory junctions and mount points.
  • Reparse Points: Create reparse points, such as volume mounts.
  • Security: Manage NTFS security settings.
  • Symbolic Links: Create symbolic links to directories and files.
  • Virtual File System: Access files stored in backups.

Compatibility and License

Link Shell Extension is provided under a freeware license on Windows from file organizer software with no restrictions on usage. Download and installation of this PC software is free and 3.9.3.5 is the latest version last time we checked.

Is Link Shell Extension for Windows 11?

Yes. It can run on a PC with Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads.

Filed under:
  1. Link Shell Extension Download
  2. Free File Organizer Software
  3. Hardlink Creation Software
  4. Software for Windows 11
Link Shell Extension has been picked by our editors as good software.
Link Shell Extension has been tested for viruses and malware.
We have tested Link Shell Extension 3.9.3.5 against malware with several different programs. We certify that this program is clean of viruses, malware and trojans.