File system link management
Link Shell Extension (64-bit) is a free file management utility that integrates directly into File Explorer to handle filesystem links. It exposes link operations through Explorer context menu integration, allowing creation and management of symbolic links, hard links, and junction points without duplicating underlying data.
Link Shell Extension (64-bit) includes link cloning commands that replicate directory structures while preserving link relationships. Link metadata, target paths, and link types are displayed through dedicated property dialogs. All operations act at the filesystem level, modifying directory entries rather than file contents. It installs as a shell extension and operates through native desktop file handling mechanisms.
Operations and controls
Link Shell Extension (64-bit) creation functions are accessed through right-click commands that generate filesystem references instead of copies. Smart Copy duplicates directory trees while converting files into links that point to a single source. Smart Mirror synchronizes folder structures by updating links to reflect changes in the source path. These operations write link references directly into NTFS, maintaining consistent targets across linked locations without altering file data or modifying existing directory attribute entries.
Once links exist, inspection tools expose their structure and targets. Link Properties panels display link type, absolute target location, creation method, and reference count for hard links. The extension can highlight linked items with custom overlay icons within Explorer views. These indicators are resolved dynamically, reflecting the current state of the link rather than cached file information during navigation, refresh actions, or directory enumeration operations initiated through shell event triggers.
Removal and maintenance actions are also handled through context commands. Link deletion routines remove only the link reference while preserving the original data object. Batch operations allow multiple links to be selected and processed together. The extension does not include background synchronization services, scheduled tasks, or standalone management windows beyond Explorer-based dialogs and lacks built-in reporting, logging, or link auditing summaries outside manual inspection workflows exposed by the shell interface.
Simplified link creation
Link Shell Extension includes filesystem-level link creation, inspection, and removal tools integrated into system explorer. Its focus remains on symbolic links, hard links, and junction handling through shell commands rather than separate applications. The software does not provide automation engines, visual dependency graphs, or cross-filesystem link support. All functionality is confined to manual, Explorer-driven operations acting directly on NTFS directory structures without bundled backup or migration utilities or version tracking.
