Link Shell Extension (LSE) provides for the creation of Hardlinks, Junctions, Volume Mountpoints, and Symbolic Links, (herein referred to collectively as Links) a folder cloning process that utilises Hardlinks or Symbolic Links and a copy process taking care of Junctions, Symbolic Links, and Hardlinks. LSE, as its name implies is implemented as a Shell extension and is accessed from Windows Explorer, or similar file/folder managers. The extension allows the user to select one or many files or folders, then using the mouse, complete the creation of the required Links - Hardlinks, Junctions or Symbolic Links or in the case of folders to create Clones consisting of Hard or Symbolic Links. LSE is supported on all Windows versions that support NTFS, Windows 7/8/10. Hardlinks, Junctions and Symbolic Links are NOT supported on FAT file systems, and nor is the Cloning and Smart Copy process supported on FAT file systems.
Publisher’s description
What is Link Shell Extension?
Link Shell Extension is a free file managers & search program for Windows from Hermann Schinagl. It ranks 45th by popularity among file managers & search in this catalogue.
Installation and requirements
Official installers exist for 64-bit and 32-bit as EXE (NSIS). The main installer is 3.4 MB. Installation asks for administrator rights. It needs Windows 10 or newer. The installer supports unattended (silent) installation.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 74,738 times. Similar programs include Elasticsearch, Double Commander and Open-Shell.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Free to use
- Documented silent install
- Small download (3.4 MB)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- Installation needs administrator rights
- No update for more than a year
In short: Link Shell Extension is a free file managers & search tool for 64-bit and 32-bit PCs. Updates have slowed down. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is Link Shell Extension safe to download?
- The file is served by schinagl.priv.at, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
CA3F26EBF49DC4EA8B5D8C0154ACCA0DE59A8689E5907FE748FFAEAA357FF3A0· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 1 versions ›| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9.3.5Latest | January 16, 2021 | 3.4 MB | 32-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id HermannSchinagl.LinkShellExtension -echoco install LinkShellExtension -yHardLinkShellExt_X64.exe /SRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Hermann Schinagl
- Category
- File managers & search
- Licence
- Freeware
- Price
- Free
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10 (Windows 10+)
- Architecture
- 64-bit, 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE (NSIS)
- Version
- 3.9.3.5
- Released
- January 16, 2021
- Added to the catalogue
- September 28, 2022
- Versions listed
- 1
- Chocolatey downloads
- 74,738
- Website
- schinagl.priv.at
- winget ID
- HermannSchinagl.LinkShellExtension
- Chocolatey package
- LinkShellExtension
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Link Shell Extension free?
Yes. Link Shell Extension is free to use.
Is Link Shell Extension safe to download?
The download comes from schinagl.priv.at, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install Link Shell Extension with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can Link Shell Extension be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Which Windows versions does Link Shell Extension support?
The installer requires Windows 10 or newer and is available for 64-bit and 32-bit.
Does Link Shell Extension run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit and 32-bit version through emulation.
What are alternatives to Link Shell Extension?
Elasticsearch, Double Commander, Open-Shell, Files - Stable and Total Commander. The alternatives page compares them.
