Overview
Windows has a default limitation that prevents file paths from exceeding 260 characters. Some applications and file structures require longer paths, which can cause errors when creating, moving or accessing files.
Enabling the LongPathsEnabled registry value allows Windows to support extended file paths, improving compatibility and reducing file path errors.
Steps
For Windows
- Open the Start Menu and type regedit to launch the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem - Locate the entry named LongPathsEnabled.
- If it does not exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named LongPathsEnabled.
- Set the value to 1 to enable long file paths.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Restart the computer for the change to take effect.
PowerShell Method
You can also enable long file paths using PowerShell:
New-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem" -Name "LongPathsEnabled" -Value 1 -PropertyType DWORD -Force
What Does Enabling Long File Paths Do?
- Allows Windows to support file paths longer than 260 characters.
- Improves compatibility with applications that require deep folder structures.
- Reduces file path errors when copying, moving or saving files.
- Enhances workflow for development, backup and document-heavy environments.