The Windows maximum file name length limit can get in the way when you want to use long, descriptive file names. Here this tutorial on MiniTool describes how to disable maximum file path length limit and enable long paths in Windows 10.

Maximum File Name Length Windows 10

When you name a file or folder, you may find that the file name length is limited. Typically, the maximum length of a path is defined in the Windows API as 260 characters. The limit on file name length is to ensure that the file system can handle file names correctly, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the file system. If the file name is too long, the file system may not handle it correctly, causing the file to be unopened or unreadable.

However, such restrictions can be troublesome when long file names need to be used. Fortunately, you have the chance to remove file name length limit. Here this post introduces two easy methods to assist you in achieving this goal.

Tips:
If your files are lost during copying or moving, you can use MiniTool Power Data Recovery to recover deleted files. As the best data recovery software, it can effectively recover WordPad documents, Word documents, Excel files, pictures, videos, and so on. You can recover 1 GB of files for free with its free edition.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Recover Deleted Videos From a USB Drive | Best Practice Ways
Recover Deleted Videos From a USB Drive | Best Practice Ways

Videos on USB are lost or deleted? Read this post to get the most effective solutions to recover deleted videos from a USB drive.

Read More

How to Disable Maximum File Path Length Limit Windows 10

Way 1. Enable Long Paths via Local Group Policy Editor

Local Group Policy Editor is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that allows you to manage local group policy settings on Windows computers. You can turn off maximum path length limitation by using this utility.

Step 1. Press the Windows + R key combination to open the run window. In the input box, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.

Step 2. In the new window, navigate to the following location:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem

Step 3. In the right panel, find and double-click Enable Win32 long paths.

Step 4. Select the Enabled button and then click Apply> OK.

select Enabled

Step 5. Restart your computer and check whether the maximum file name length Windows 10 is disabled.

Fixed: Administrative Templates Not Showing in Group Policy
Fixed: Administrative Templates Not Showing in Group Policy

Administrative Templates not showing in Group Policy? Get feasible solutions from this post to fix it.

Read More

Way 2. Enable Long Paths via Registry Editor

Alternatively, you can disable maximum file path length limit by using the Registry Editor. The registry contains information that Windows continuously references during operation, including user profiles, property sheet settings for folders and application icons, etc. Now you can follow the steps below to enable long paths by editing the registry.

Tips:
Windows registry is crucial for the computer's functioning. Therefore, it is advisable you back up individual registry keys or the whole registry in the event of any accidents. Or, you can use data/system backup software, MiniTool ShadowMaker (30-day free trial), to create a Windows 10 backup.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Here are the major steps to remove file name length limit.

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut. In the pop-up window, type regedit and click OK.

Step 2. If a User Account Control window appears, select the Yes option. Here this post might be helpful: How to Fix UAC Yes Button Missing or Grayed Out?

Step 3. In Registry Editor, go to this location:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem

Step 4. In the right panel, find the LongPathsEnabled value. If you cannot find this value, right-click on any blank space in the right panel, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and then name the newly created value to LongPathsEnabled.

Double-click LongPathsEnabled. In the new window, make sure the value data is set up to 1. After that, click OK.

specify the value data to 1

Step 5. Reboot your computer and check if the long file path is enabled.

How to Reset the Registry to Default Windows 10/11 (3 Ways)
How to Reset the Registry to Default Windows 10/11 (3 Ways)

Accidentally change the Windows registry by mistake? How to reset the registry to default? Follow this step-by-step guide.

Read More

Bottom Line

To sum up, you can find how to disable maximum file path length limit from this detailed guide. You just need to change the local group policies or registries.

By the way, if you have the demand for deleted file recovery, consider using MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free. If you need further assistance with MiniTool software, feel free to contact us via [email protected].

MiniTool Power Data Recovery FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

  • linkedin
  • reddit