View source for Microsoft Windows shell extension

Microsoft Windows shell extension is a system for extending the functionality of [[Windows File Explorer]].

== Description ==

File Explorer can be extended to support non-default functionality by means of Windows Shell Extensions, which are COM objects that plug the extended functionality into [[Windows Explorer]].

Shell extensions can be in the form of shell extension handlers, toolbars or even namespace extensions that allow certain folders (or even non-filesystem objects such as the images scanned by a scanner) to be presented as a [[special folder]].

File Explorer also allows [[metadata]] for files to be added as NTFS Alternate Data Streams, separate from the data stream for the file.

Shell extension handlers are queried by the shell beforehand for modifying the action the shell takes. They can be associated on a per-file type basis – where they will show up only when a particular action takes place on a particular file type – or on a global basis – which are always available.

== See also ==

* [[Microsoft Windows]]
* [[Special folder]]

==  External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_Explorer#Extensibility File Explorer Extensibility] @ Wikipedia