TrkWks: what the Distributed Link Tracking Client does and disabling it
Short answer
UpdatedTrkWks 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.
TrkWks Distributed Link Tracking Client
Startup typeAutomaticDisabled
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, and when it hurts
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
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Service | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| TrkWksDistributed Link Tracking Client | Disabled | Automatic |
From the app's source (trkwks_off.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
sc config "TrkWks" start= disabledsc config "TrkWks" start= autoHow to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. It sets TrkWks to Automatic.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
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.
In the app
- Switch
- Disable Link Tracking Client
- Category
- Clean
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
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Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- Clean
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.