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| Microsoft Store Version - One-click install - Auto-updates - Optional telemetry |
GitHub Release - Open source - No telemetry - Manual install |
NeatShift is a Windows utility designed to solve a common problem: moving large applications, games, or folders to a different drive without breaking the shortcuts and application paths that depend on them.
When a program is installed, its location is registered with the operating system. Simply moving the folder to a new drive will cause the program to stop working. NeatShift provides a robust solution by relocating the folder and then creating a Symbolic Link in its original place. This link is a powerful type of shortcut that is transparent to the operating system, redirecting any request from the old path to the new location seamlessly.
- Free Up SSD Space: Move large game installations (e.g., from Steam or Epic Games) from a primary solid-state drive to a larger hard drive without needing to reinstall them.
- Centralize Data: Consolidate project files, documents, or media libraries onto a network-attached storage (NAS) or secondary drive while maintaining their original, accessible paths.
- System Organization: Reorganize the directory structure of a development environment or user profile without disrupting dependencies or breaking build scripts.
NeatShift automates the process of moving data and creating these links through a clean, modern interface, with built-in safety features like System Restore point creation.
Choose between NeatSaves, System Restore, or both for maximum protection when moving files.
Modern file explorer interface with drag-and-drop support and intuitive file management.
- Smart Moving: Move files anywhere, and NeatShift creates symbolic links so everything still works
- Double Safety: Choose between NeatSaves quick backup or system restore points - or use both!
- Looks Good, Feels Good: Modern Windows 11 style with both light and dark themes
- Super Simple: Just drag and drop your files - it's that easy
- Stay in Control: See and manage all your symbolic links in one place
- Two Ways to Browse: Simple guide view for beginners, pro explorer view when you need it
- Always Updated: Get notified when new versions drop, update right from the app
- No Surprises: Smart checks to prevent accidents before they happen
- Grab the latest version from our Releases page
- Pick your flavor:
NeatShift.exe- One file, ready to go (bit larger)NeatShift-Release.zip- Zipped package (smaller download)
- Double-click and you're set!
- No installer headaches
- Everything's included - even the .NET stuff
- Get your copy:
git clone https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift.git- Fire up Visual Studio 2022
- You'll need:
- Visual Studio 2022 (any flavor works)
- .NET 8.0 SDK
- Windows SDK 10.0.19041.0+
- Ready to roll:
- Set
NeatShiftas your startup - Hit F6 to build
- F5 to see it in action
- Set
Check out our Wiki for all the details:
- Windows 10 version 1809 (build 17763)
- Admin rights (for creating links)
- 100 MB of space
- Windows 11
- An SSD (because faster is better)
- System Restore turned on (just in case)
NeatShift needs admin privileges for two things:
- Making Symbolic Links: Windows is picky about who gets to create these
- System Restore Points: Better safe than sorry!
NeatShift is still young and growing. While I've added safety nets like automatic restore points:
- Back Up: Maybe create a restore point yourself - just to be extra safe
- Work in Progress: We're actively improving things
- No Guarantees: It works on my machine(s), but you know how that goes
- Double-Check: Always verify your links work as expected
Got questions or ideas?
- Browse our Wiki
- Open an Issue - I read them all!
NeatShift is free software under the GNU General Public License v3.0. In simple terms:
- Use it however you like
- Share it with others
- Make it better
- Share your improvements