How to Fix “File Path Too Long” Error in Windows

How to Fix “File Path Too Long” Error in Windows

Issue

Users may encounter errors when trying to copy, move, rename, or delete files with long paths. Common messages include:

  • “Path too long”
  • “File name would be too long for the destination folder”

This happens because Windows has a default maximum path length limit of 260 characters (MAX_PATH).

Cause

By default, Windows enforces a legacy path length limitation. Applications that are not configured to support long paths will fail when this limit is exceeded.

Resolution

You can enable support for long file paths via Registry Editor.

⚠️ Important

  • Requires administrator privileges
  • Take a backup of the registry before making changes

Steps to Enable Long Paths via Registry

  1. Press Windows + R

  2. Type:

    regedit

    and press Enter

  3. Navigate to the following path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem

  4. On the right pane, locate:

    LongPathsEnabled
    • If it does not exist:
      • Right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value
      • Name it: LongPathsEnabled

  5. Double-click LongPathsEnabled and set:

    Value data: 1
  6. Click OK
  7. Restart the computer 


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