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(LSE) provides for the construction of Hardlinks, Junctions, Volume Mountpoints, and Vistas Symbolic Links, and a Folder Cloning process that utilises Hardlinks or Symbolic Links.’ Link Shell Extension is a popular Shell Extension in the os & utilities category, and its description reads as follows: “(LSE) provides for the creation of Hardlinks, Junctions, Volume Mountpoints, and Vistas Symbolic Links.” There are six other options available to users of Windows, Windows Explorer, and Dropbox besides the Link Shell Extension.
The open-source program FileMenu Tools is the most viable alternative to the commercially available Link Shell Extension. Other excellent applications include Symlink Creator, Symlinker, Dropboxifier, and Directory Linker. Link Shell Extension is one example of such an application. The most common alternatives to the Link Shell Extension are cloud storage services; however, shell extensions and file sync tools are also viable options. Use these as criteria for the filter if you are seeking for a particular feature of the Link Shell Extension or if you want to reduce the number of options in the list.
Why Look for Link Shell Extension Alternatives?
Even though Link Shell Extension is a great tool, some users may want to look into other options for a number of different reasons. Problems with compatibility, the desire for extra functionality, or even just the desire for a different user interface could all fall into this category. In this piece, we will discuss the several alternatives to the Link Shell Extension that are currently available.
Best Link Shell Extension Alternatives
Link Shell Extension (LSE) lets Windows Explorer context menu users build symbolic links, hard links, and junctions. It’s useful for managing files and directories, especially massive data sets or files across discs.
FileMenu Tools
Features:
The piece of file management software known as FileMenu Tools is extremely versatile, and its integration with the context menu that is included in Windows is seamless. In addition to providing a multitude of functions for managing files, it also gives users the ability to construct symbolic links. Symbolic links can be used to redirect users to specific locations inside a file. Connections known as symbolic links point to various other files or folders on a computer.
The Good
- User-friendly interface.
- Comprehensive file management capabilities.
- Extensive customization options.
The Bad
- Some advanced features are only available in the paid version.
- Learning curve for beginners.
Symlink Creator
Features:
The Symlink Creator is a tool that is both user-friendly and lightweight, and it makes the process of creating symbolic links much simpler. It eliminates the need for complicated setups or configurations by streamlining an otherwise complicated procedure, namely linking files and folders to one another. Users who are looking for an easy and quick way to create symbolic links will find that this program provides them with a solution that is both straightforward and effective.
The Good
- Simple and straightforward.
- Lightweight and portable.
The Bad
- Limited advanced features.
- May not suit power users.
Dropboxifier
Features:
Dropboxifier provides a new method for users who want to sync folders with cloud storage services like Dropbox, and users may take advantage of this method by using it. It provides users with the ability to construct symbolic links, which, when activated, can synchronise data between the user’s local files and cloud storage.
The Good
- Streamlines cloud storage synchronization.
- Easy setup and configuration.
The Bad
- Limited to cloud storage integration.
- May not suit users who don’t use cloud storage.
Directory Linker (DirLinker)
Features:
Directory Linker, which is often referred to as DirLinker, is an easy application that may be used to create symbolic links and junctions. Because it is intended to make the process of linking directories less complicated, it is an alternative that is applicable for a variety of applications.
The Good
- User-friendly for directory linking.
- No installation required.
The Bad
- Limited to directory linking.
- May not offer advanced features.
Questions and Answers
The Link Shell Extension (LSE) allows for the creation of Hardlinks, Junctions, Symbolic Links, and Volume Mountpoints, which will be referred to collectively as Links throughout the rest of this article. Additionally, the LSE offers a folder cloning process that makes use of Hardlinks or Symbolic Links, as well as a copy process that takes care of Junctions, Symbolic Links, and Hardlinks.
The Windows Explorer shell extensions can be rendered as separate plug-ins if the user so chooses. One of the many things that can be accomplished with their assistance is the addition of a new tab to the Properties window, as well as the modification of a file preview. The Shell will first contact any registered extension handlers that are associated with an extension before carrying out any action.