Link Shell Extension (LSE): Install, Use, and Troubleshooting on Windows 11

Link Shell Extension (LSE) is a Windows Explorer extension that allows easy creation of Hardlinks, Junctions, Symbolic Links, Smart Copies, and Smart Mirrors directly from the right-click menu.

This guide covers:

  • Installation
  • Usage Basics
  • Windows 11 installation failure causes
  • Step-by-step fixes

Download from the official site:

https://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinkshellext/linkshellextension.html

Choose the correct installer:

  • LSE_x64.exe — Windows 11 64-bit (recommended)
  • LSE_x86.exe — For 32-bit Windows
  • LSE_arm64.exe — For Windows on ARM

2. Install Requirements

Before installing, ensure these dependencies are present.

Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Install both:

Settings → Privacy & Security → For Developers → Developer Mode ON

Administrator Rights

Right-click the installer → Run as Administrator

3. Installation Steps

  1. Move the installer to a local folder (e.g., Downloads).
    Avoid running from:
    • OneDrive
    • Dropbox
    • Network shares
    • Synced folders

  2. Right-click the installer → Properties → check Unblock if present.

  3. Right-click → Run as Administrator.

  4. Reboot after installation.

After installation:

  1. Right-click a file or folder.
  2. Select Pick Link Source.
  3. Navigate to the target folder.
  4. Right-click and choose the desired link type:

Available options

  • Drop Hardlink
  • Drop Junction
  • Drop Symbolic Link
  • Drop Smart Copy
  • Drop Smart Mirror

Notes

  • Hardlinks require the same drive/volume.
  • Junctions and symlinks work across drives.
  • Developer Mode avoids UAC elevation for symlinks.

5. Troubleshooting: Why LSE Fails on Windows 11 (and How to Fix It)

This section includes all known causes and tested fixes.

5.1 Missing VC++ Dependencies

LSE depends on the full VC++ runtime set.

Fix: Install both x86 and x64 redistributables.

5.2 Wrong Installer Architecture

Installing x86 on x64 Windows may appear to work but Explorer won’t load the extension.

Fix: Install the x64 build on Windows 11.

5.3 SmartScreen / Antivirus Silent Blocking

Windows may block DLL registration with no clear warning.

Fixes:

  • Right-click → Properties → Unblock
  • Temporarily disable real-time antivirus blocking
  • Run installer as Administrator

Some LSE components fail if symlink capability isn’t available.

Fix: Turn Developer Mode ON.

5.5 Running Installer from OneDrive or Network Paths

Shell extensions cannot register properly from synced or network folders.

Fix: Move installer to a local folder such as C:\Users\YourName\Downloads.

5.6 Explorer Running Elevated or With Stale Context Menu Handlers

An elevated Explorer instance may block registration.

Fix:

  • Open Task Manager
  • Find Windows Explorer
  • Right-click → Restart

5.7 Old or Partially Removed LSE Installation

A lingering shell handler entry can block new installs.

Fix:

Uninstall old versions:

Settings → Apps → Installed Apps → Link Shell Extension → Uninstall

If the uninstall fails, remove the registry entry manually:

reg delete "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Approved" /v "LinkShellExt" /f

Then reinstall.

5.8 Windows 11 23H2 / 24H2 Context Menu Restrictions

Microsoft hardened COM/Shell rules, so some legacy items appear only in the classic menu.

Fix:

Right-click → Show More Options
(or press Shift + Right-Click)

5.9 LSE Installed but Not Showing in Explorer

Sometimes the extension installs but doesn’t load.

Fix: Re-register the LSE DLL:

regsvr32 "C:\Program Files\LinkShellExtension\LSE64.dll"

Then restart Explorer.

6. Summary

Link Shell Extension remains a powerful tool for managing links in Windows 11.
With the proper prerequisites and installation steps, it works reliably — and the troubleshooting section above resolves nearly all installation failures.