NeatShift

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.

Common Use Cases:

• 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.

See It In Action

Light Mode - Clean & Crisp

Dark Mode - Easy on the Eyes

User Interface Highlights

Safety Net Options

Choose between NeatSaves, System Restore, or both for maximum protection when moving files.

Integrated File Explorer

Modern file explorer interface with drag-and-drop support and intuitive file management.

What Makes NeatShift Special?

• 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

Getting Started

Just Want to Use It?

1. Grab the latest version from our Releases page
2. Pick your flavor:
   • NeatShift.exe - One file, ready to go (bit larger)
   • NeatShift-Release.zip - Zipped package (smaller download)
3. Double-click and you're set!
   • No installer headaches
   • Everything's included - even the .NET stuff

Want to Tinker With the Code?

1. Get your copy:

git clone https://github.com/BytexGrid/NeatShift.git

2. Fire up Visual Studio 2022
3. You'll need:
   • Visual Studio 2022 (any flavor works)
   • .NET 8.0 SDK
   • Windows SDK 10.0.19041.0+
4. Ready to roll:
   • Set NeatShift as your startup
   • Hit F6 to build
   • F5 to see it in action

📚 Learn More

Check out our Wiki for all the details:

• Getting Started Guide
• How to Use
• Safety First
• Common Questions

What You'll Need

Bare Minimum:

• Windows 10 version 1809 (build 17763)
• Admin rights (for creating links)
• 100 MB of space

For the Best Experience:

• Windows 11
• An SSD (because faster is better)
• System Restore turned on (just in case)

About Those Admin Rights

NeatShift needs admin privileges for two things:

1. Making Symbolic Links: Windows is picky about who gets to create these
2. System Restore Points: Better safe than sorry!

⚠️ Heads Up!

NeatShift is still young and growing. While I've added safety nets like automatic restore points:

1. Back Up: Maybe create a restore point yourself - just to be extra safe
2. Work in Progress: We're actively improving things
3. No Guarantees: It works on my machine(s), but you know how that goes
4. Double-Check: Always verify your links work as expected

🤝 Need a Hand?

Got questions or ideas?

• Browse our Wiki
• Open an Issue - I read them all!

Legal Stuff

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

Full license details here