Enable local file links

Name: Enable local file links
Rating: 3.918918918918919 (74 reviews)
Author: Takashi Sugimoto (tksugimoto)

By: Takashi Sugimoto (tksugimoto)

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

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Features & Capabilities

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.

User Growth & Download Statistics

Extension Privacy & Security Developer Tools

By:

Takashi Sugimoto (tksugimoto)

Users:

3,000,000

Rating:

3.92

(74)

Version:

0.10.0 Last updated: 2025-10-18

Creation date:

2020-02-09

Risk:

Permissions:

Host permissions:

file:///*
*://*/*

Content scripts matches:

Size:

9.57KB

Email:

ta*****@gmail.com

Full description:

Source:

Chrome Web Store

Data ingested on:

2026-06-03

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 152 ▲ 8

Other rankings

#17911 in Workflow & Planning ▼ 208#6 in file keyword 30 ▼ 2#7 in links keyword 33 #39 in settings keyword 36

For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Chrome extension. Please use these information below to contact the Chrome extension developer.

Developed by:

Takashi Sugimoto (tksugimoto)

Chrome Web Store

https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/enable-local-file-links/nikfmfgobenbhmocjaaboihbeocackld?hl=en

Email:

ta*****@gmail.com

Permission Change History

2023-10-22: Version 0.9.2 → 0.9.3

Add Permissions: storage

2023-10-12: Version 0.8.0 → 0.9.0

Add Host permissions: file:///*

2022-11-12: Version 0.7.0 → 0.8.0

Add Host permissions: *://*/*

Add Permissions: scripting

Remove Permissions: *://*/*

User Reviews

Users report the extension often functions as described and is useful for opening local-file/URL links, especially in enterprise setups, and saves time. However, reliability is inconsistent, with many reviews stating it doesn't work, sometimes downloads files instead of opening them, and shows browser-version-specific or behavior-changing issues.

Pros

Works as described / expected in many setups.
Helps with opening local-file URLs and SMB/file links (e.g., SharePoint) in Chrome.
Simple to use and lightweight; users say it 'just works' and is very useful.
Enterprise-friendly and reliable across many domain clients.
Saves time by solving a long-standing local-file link problem.

Cons

Not reliable for many users; multiple reports that it does not work or is broken.
Often downloads the file instead of opening it, defeating the purpose.
Behavior is inconsistent across Chrome/Edge and browser versions.
Some users experience changes in behavior (e.g., opens a file list in a new tab) and cannot revert easily.

Recent reviews

tốt, đủ để chrome đọc những thứ cần trên máy

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

Ka*****, 2024-05-22

Did not work for me as of 25 Dec 2023. Linked local file was just downloaded.

Ch*****, 2023-12-25

View all user reviews ›

Is Enable local file links Safe?

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.
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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.
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