Enable local file links

Make it possible to open by click a link to a local file that is disabled by Chrome.

The "Enable Local File Links" Chrome extension restores the ability to open local file links with a single click, a feature disabled by default in Google Chrome for security reasons. Unlike Internet Explorer, Chrome blocks these links; this extension addresses that by allowing users to click and open local file links directly.

Since Chrome 118, users need to manually enable "Allow access to file URLs" for this extension via the extension settings. The extension maintains strict security by reacting only to user-initiated clicks, preventing malicious pages from opening local files without permission. It respects user privacy by not collecting personal information, and its open-source code is available on GitHub for transparency and community contributions.

By:
Takashi Sugimoto (tksugimoto)
Users:
3,000,000
Rating:
3.93
(75)
Version:
0.9.5 Last updated: 2023-12-03
Creation date:
2020-02-09
Risk:
Moderate risk impact Low risk likelihood
Permissions:
  • storage
  • scripting
Host permissions:
  • file:///*
  • *://*/*
Size:
9.46KB
Email:
ta*****@gmail.com
Full description:
See detailed description
Source:
Chrome Web Store
Updated:
16 hours ago

User reviews

The 'Enable local file links' extension is praised for effectively enabling local file link opening in many cases, especially aiding workplace usage and Sharepoint integration. However, multiple users report inconsistent functionality, particularly on newer Chrome versions, where links sometimes download files instead of opening them, or links fail to open altogether. Lack of configuration options and instances of the extension showing no effect or blank icons are also noted drawbacks.
Pros
  • Works as expected for many users.
  • Solves a problem users had been searching for a long time.
  • Simple and useful in workplace environments.
  • Trusted as safe upon source inspection.
  • Fixes issues with Sharepoint opening local file links.
Cons
  • Does not work for some users, especially on recent Chrome versions.
  • Instead of opening files, it sometimes downloads them.
  • Fails to open certain local or network links (e.g., myrouter.lan).
  • Some users experience no action when clicking links or get blank icons.
  • Limited or no configurable options for handling different file types.
Recent reviews
tốt, đủ để chrome đọc những thứ cần trên máy
by ph*****, 2024-06-18

This worked great for me after checking "Allow access to file URLs" as prompted when I first used it. Thank you! I mentioned it on Stack Overflow here: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/58607712/local-file-links-in-chrome-or-edge/78516710#78516710
by Ka*****, 2024-05-22

Did not work for me as of 25 Dec 2023. Linked local file was just downloaded.
by Ch*****, 2023-12-25
View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact
Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

Enable local file links requires a few sensitive permissions. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details
  • Critical Allows access to all websites, posing a significant security risk as it can monitor and modify data from any visited site.
  • High ******* ******* **** *** ****** ***** *** ***** ** ******* **** ********* ********* ** * *********** *****
Risk likelihood
Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Chrome extension may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Chrome extension reputation on Chrome Web Store, the amount of time the Chrome extension has been around, and other signals about the Chrome extension. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Chrome extension.

Enable local file links has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details
  • Low This extension was updated more than 6 months ago. Older versions are more likely to be stable and safe.
  • Low **** ********* *** ***** **** **** * ****** **** ***** ********** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
  • Low **** ********* *** **** **** ****** ******* ********** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
  • Good **** ********* *** **** **** *******
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