---
title: "TrkWks: what the Distributed Link Tracking Client does and disabling it"
description: "TrkWks keeps shortcuts and links working when the file they point to is moved to another NTFS drive or computer in a domain. What it changes and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-distributed-link-tracking
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "Clean"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# TrkWks: what the Distributed Link Tracking Client does and disabling it

**Short answer:** TrkWks keeps shortcuts and links working when the file they point to is moved to another NTFS drive or computer in a domain. This tweak disables it. It sets the TrkWks service to Disabled.

## In the app

- Switch: Disable Link Tracking Client (Clean, Pro, Advanced)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1090

## What it does

TrkWks keeps shortcuts and links working when the file they point to is moved to another NTFS drive or computer in a domain. This tweak disables it.

In the app the switch is called "Disable Link Tracking Client", described there as: Stops TrkWks metadata updates for moved files across volumes.

## When it helps

- Home PCs: slightly less bookkeeping when files are moved.

## When it hurts

- A shortcut to a file you later move to another drive may no longer find it.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Services (startup type):

| Service | With the tweak | Switching it off |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `TrkWks` (Distributed Link Tracking Client) | Disabled | Automatic |

Source: Tweaks/trkwks_off.hpp in the app's source, app 2.0.0, checked 2026-10-08.

## The same change by hand

Run in a Command Prompt opened as administrator. Make a restore point first.

```bat
sc config "TrkWks" start= disabled
```

Put it back:

```bat
sc config "TrkWks" start= auto
```

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. It sets TrkWks to Automatic.

## Verdict

Safe at home and barely noticeable either way.

## Questions

### What does the "Disable Link Tracking Client" tweak change in Windows?

It sets the TrkWks service to Disabled.

### Is "Disable Link Tracking Client" safe to switch on?

Safe at home and barely noticeable either way. The main cost: A shortcut to a file you later move to another drive may no longer find it.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.

### Is "Disable Link Tracking Client" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

## Related guides

- [Windows 11 Gaming Optimization: What Still Works in 2026](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/windows-11-gaming-optimization)
- [What Is Safe to Delete on a Gaming PC, and What to Leave Alone](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/what-to-delete-on-a-gaming-pc)

## More tweak explainers

- [Scheduled drive optimization](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-scheduled-defrag-and-trim)
- [NTFS last access and 8.3 names](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/ntfs-last-access-and-8dot3-names)
- [EnablePrefetcher and EnableSuperfetch](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/enableprefetcher-and-enablesuperfetch)

---
Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-distributed-link-tracking