Save disk space by creating hardlinks for duplicate files
HardLinker finds duplicate files on your computer and uses Windows' hardlink feature to save disk space.
- 🔍 Fast Scanning: Finds duplicate groups by comparing files by size and hash
- 💾 Disk Space Savings: With hardlinks, the same data is stored only once
- 🛡️ Safe: Uses Windows' native hardlink feature
- 🎨 Modern Interface: Dark mode and smooth animations
- ⚡ Performance: Fast processing with multi-threading
A hardlink is a built-in Windows feature. Unlike a regular file copy, with hardlinks the same data is physically stored on disk only once, but can be accessed through multiple file names.
An analogy: A hardlink is like opening multiple doors to the same house. The house (data) is only one, but you can enter through different doors (file names).
- Run the program (
HardLinker.exe) - Select a folder to scan
- Click "Start Scan" button
- Review the duplicate files found
- Confirm with "Create Hardlinks"
- Instantly save disk space!
- Administrator Rights: Administrator rights may be required to create hardlinks
- Same Disk: Hardlinks only work between files on the same disk partition
- System Files: Be careful with system folders (program will warn you)
- Backup: It's recommended to back up your important files before first use
The hardlink operation is safe because it's a Windows native feature and there's no risk of data loss. However, make sure you have proper backups of your important data.
When you delete a hardlink, only that reference is deleted. The actual data is preserved as long as other hardlinks are in use. The data is deleted when the last hardlink is removed.
- Language: Python 3.11
- GUI Framework: CustomTkinter
- Hash Algorithm: SHA-256
- Platform: Windows 10/11
- 📷 Photo Backups: Copies of the same photos in different folders
- 🎵 Music Archive: Duplicate song files
- 📁 AI Model Files: Multiple copies of the same models in different folders (eg. safetensors)
- 🎮 Game Files: Duplicate files from mods
Barış Elçi
📅 2025
If you find this project helpful, you can support its development:
This software is free for personal and commercial use.
If you have any issues or suggestions, please contact us.
🔗 HardLinker - Fast • Safe • Smart