The 260 character limit in Windows

[a cooperator]

Hi,

I have read in this article Microsoft ends the 260 long path limit (sort of)


I have installed Windows 10 Home 64-bit. However, when following the steps below found in the article above,

Spoiler

How to enable support for long paths using the Group Policy Editor


Please note that the feature is currently only available as part of the latest Fast Ring Windows 10 Insider Build.

It seems likely that Microsoft will make it available with the Anniversary Update that it plans to release this Summer.
1.Tap on the Windows-key, type gpedit.msc, and hit enter.
2.Confirm the UAC prompt if it appears.
3.Use the hierarchy on the left to navigate to the following policy: Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem > NTFS.
4.Locate the Enable NTFS long paths policy and double-click on it.
5.Switch its state to enabled.
6.Click ok.

Using the Registry instead

You can enable the policy in the Registry directly as well.
1.Tap on the Windows-key, type regedit.exe and hit enter.
2.Confirm the UAC prompt.
3.Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Group Policy Objects\{48981759-12F2-42A6-A048-028B3973495F}Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Policies
4.Check if the key LongPathsEnabled exists.
5.If it does not exist, right-click on Policies and select New > Dword (32-bit) Value from the menu.
6.Name it LongPathsEnabled.
7.Set its value to 1 to enable the feature.

I didn't find anything listed to me when typing 'gpedit.msc'. So, I think that this 'gpedit.msc' is not available in Windows 10 Home. Also, when I navigated to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\", I didn't find any entity like "Group Policy Objects". I only found 'Group Policy'. However, when expanded the 'Group Policy', there is no entity like '"{48981759-12F2-42A6-A048-028B3973495F}Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Policies" inside 'Group Policy'.

How to use enable this feature???
I used programs such as Long Path Fixer to resolve issues that I am experiencing. However, none of them solved the issue

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

Listen carefully, you need to shorten the length of your folder and file names. There is absolutely and literally nothing else you can do.

 

[a cooperator]

Listen carefully, you need to shorten the length of your folder and file names. There is absolutely and literally nothing else you can do.

Thanks a lot,
That why I have read article Microsoft ends the 260 long path limit (sort of)
that posted in my very first post. What benefits are there from that MS ends the 260 long path limit If I will need to shorten the length of my folder and file names even in Windows 10 Pro?
Even while using the 'Long Path Fixer' tool, I found an error 'possible you don't have the correct permissions to move this file" while moving a long file name.(have you seen my screen shot posted before)

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

I've read the posts, as the other people who've tried to help you have, and I don't know what it'll take to make you understand.

You need to structure your folder and file names better; that's it, end of.

 

[a cooperator]

I've read the posts, as the other people who've tried to help you have, and I don't know what it'll take to make you understand.

You need to structure your folder and file names better; that's it, end of.

Could you please understand me?
I have read article Microsoft ends the 260 long path limit (sort of).that posted in my very first post. Then, what benefits are there from that MS ends the 260 long path limit If I will need to shorten the length of my folder and file names even in Windows 10 Pro?

I was told by another person that "You don't seem to get it - this feature "How to enable support for long paths using the Group Policy Editor" will help only with apps that specifically make use of it, and clearly File Explorer still doesn't and is stuck with the old 260 char limit."

However, I have also used app called 'Long Path Fixer' to move a long file name. However, I found an error 'possible you don't have the correct permissions to move this file" while moving a long file name.(have you seen my screen shot posted before). If that person was correct, then why was I face with an erro moving a long file name even with an app which specifclaly make use it.

 

[USAFRet]

1. The 260 character limit is supposedly workable via a group policy change.
Which is available in Win 10 Pro and above only. Which you do not have.
[edited]

So that's out.

2. You've attempted to use one of those scam applications, "Long Path Fixer"
That apparently did not work. Why? I have no idea.

So that's out.

3. There is one guaranteed solution, which myself and others have recommended to you.
Change your file and folder naming schema.
In the one example you've shown us, you have a file name of 79 characters. 50-60 of those characters give no additional information.

-----------------
The Synaptics TouchPad driver version after Windows 10 updates installed it.JPG

change to

SynapticsDriverAfterWin10.jpg
-----------------
However...given your filename of that jpg, I hesitate to imagine what the rest of your naming convention looks like.

4. You've been messing with this for 3 months. How long will you continue to beat your head against the wall, searching for a solution that is right in front of you?

 

[a cooperator]

1. The 260 character limit is supposedly workable via a group policy change.
Which is unavailable in Win 10 Pro and above only. Which you do not have.

So that's out.

2. You've attempted to use one of those scam applications, "Long Path Fixer"
That apparently did not work. Why? I have no idea.

So that's out.

3. There is one guaranteed solution, which myself and others have recommended to you.
Change your file and folder naming schema.
In the one example you've shown us, you have a file name of 79 characters. 50-60 of those characters give no additional information.

-----------------
The Synaptics TouchPad driver version after Windows 10 updates installed it.JPG

change to

SynapticsDriverAfterWin10.jpg
-----------------
However...given your filename of that jpg, I hesitate to imagine what the rest of your naming convention looks like.

4. You've been messing with this for 3 months. How long will you continue to beat your head against the wall, searching for a solution that is right in front of you?

First of all: I think you meant "The 260 character limit is supposedly workable via a group policy change. Which is available in Win 10 Pro and above only. Which you do not have"
To be honest with you, I'm really very interested in trying what MS did with ending the 260 character limit, which I think is impossible even in the Windows 10 Pro since if that 260 character limit was fixed, then no name limit a file and/or a folder name could have.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes are correct
Available vs unavailable.

corrected

 

[USAFRet]

OK...so a little investigation.

For a more recent source, go here:
http://www.howtogeek.com/266621/how-to-make-windows-10-accept-file-paths-over-260-characters/

"With the Anniversary Update of Windows 10, you can finally abandon the 260 character maximum path limit in Windows. You just need to make a minor edit to the Windows Registry or Group Policy. Here’s how to make it happen."

"Home Users: Remove the 260 Character Path Limit by Editing the Registry

If you have a Windows Home edition, you will have to edit the Windows Registry to make these changes."

I strongly advise you to make a backup of the Registry before you go poking around in there.

 

[jordangraham]

Hello I was reading the posts above and I have to agree with a cooperator there has to be a way to do this as otherwise what would the point of MS making this an option to accept more than 260 characters? It makes no sense. Please explain if you can. Maybe there is something I'm over looking. Thanks.

Windows 10 Pro - 260 Character File Path Limit - Not Working (Need To Go Deeper Than 260)

Hello, thanks for having me. I have some questions if anyone out there knows I'd really appreciate your input. Thanks in advance!

Questions:

1. I read in an online article "with Windows 10 anniversary edition and Windows Server 2016, it’s possible to get around the 260 character limit with some caveats. The new limit is 32,767 characters!" I was just wondering what these caveats are as I made the changes and I still can't seem to go deeper than 260 characters in my file folder system?

2. You said enabling “Long Paths” doesn’t magically remove the limit, it enables longer paths in certain situations. Just wondering if you could give me some examples of what it does what it doesn't do?

3. I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to use PowerShell? The article mentioned "PowerShell seemed to be very happy with the extra characters, so you made a complex script containing the lines “md 12characters” and “cd 12characters” many, many times. PowerShell happily went mad creating subfolder after subfolder, although the speed of subfolder creation went from ludicrous speed to very very slow as it ran."

4. Is it unstable or dangerous to potentially lose files if I go longer than the 260 characters? Is is safe for my files? Will it stop working or delete these files that are longer than the 260 character path limit?

5. I noticed when I set "Enable Long Path" on my Windows 10 Pro version it allowed me to copy, move, and delete long path files but it did not allow me to actually go deeper once the 260 character path limit was reached and this is my main need to have this option so if I wanted to I could create folders 1,000 character path deep. Is this possible or no as I can't seem to find anyone that has this information.

6. I understand that NTFS is the operating system for the operating system (Windows 10 Pro) and I have some external drives with just the factory NTFS formatting on it (No Windows Pro 10 or any other operating system). So my question is how do I adjust this 260 path limit on this external drive with NTFS factory formatting on it and no operating system - In other words I'm still getting the file path to long error with the external drives even though they do not have windows on them. Any suggestions?

Thank you

Jordan

 

[J_E_D_70]

This is a truly absurd thread. Bravo to USAFRet and the others who fought valiantly to convey a simple fix! Your patience with buffoonery far outstrips mine.

 

[jordangraham]

J_E_D_70,

Just trying to find out if it's possible or not possible. It's a very conflicting message with MS removing the 260 character path limit. Anyone with some insights it would really be appreciated. Shortening Folder names is not a valid solution. We should not be restricted to characters when naming our Folders. Thanks J

 

[USAFRet]

J_E_D_70,

Just trying to find out if it's possible or not possible. It's a very conflicting message with MS removing the 260 character path limit. Anyone with some insights it would really be appreciated. Shortening Folder names is not a valid solution. We should not be restricted to characters when naming our Folders. Thanks J

The 260 character limit has been a 'thing' in Windows since its inception.
This new procedure is apparently only available with a system that allows use of Group Policy Editor. Ergo...NOT Win 10 Home.

Also, having a file name of "This is a really long file name I use just because I think it looks cool.jpg" is not a viable solution either.
"ThisIsMyFileName.jpg conveys exactly the same information, in 1/3 the characters.

 

[Math Geek]

right which seems to be the op's problem. his file structure is

/my folder to hold all my stuff that i use on my computer/a folder to hold all the stuff i use when reinstalling windows/that program i use to install my printer again once the windows install is complete/the actual program i use to install my printer.exe

this is just silly. feel free to beat your head against the wall trying to reverse engineer windows to do something it was never intended to do. or get the clue we have been trying to get across and come up with some better folder and file names. if need be include a text file within the folder to add all that extra detail you apparently can't seem to live without. can shrink the characters immensely and still stroke that OCD need to be super detailed.

 

[jordangraham]

Ok thank you for your replies. So it seems it's not possible at least not with Windows 10 Pro which is the operating system I have. I just don't understand why MS would confuse things with making it seem like it is possible to by pass. That is the issue here. If it can't be by passed then fine I can live with that but what is MS doing giving us some false hope solution? I mean that is just stupid. Thanks for your insights. J

 

[Math Geek]

you can enable it on win 10 pro just not home. it's in the gpedit somewhere. you can enable the increased character limit and see what happens. never tried it myself but MS says it is there now. i guess in some enterprise type environments it is something actually needed so they put it in.

might get lucky and it will work fine as some have said it does.

 

[USAFRet]

/my folder to hold all my stuff that i use on my computer/a folder to hold all the stuff i use when reinstalling windows/that program i use to install my printer again once the windows install is complete/the actual program i use to install my printer.exe

haha...you need one more folder level. That doesn't even quite violate 260. That comes in at 255.

 

[Math Geek]

i assumed it was under my documents which adds, /users/the name i use on my computer to remind me it is my name/..........

 

[jordangraham]

Thanks Math Geek and yes I did in fact enable long path on my Windows 10 Pro and possibly here is some info that will help others.

It works for long path folders when I'm copying, moving, unzipping, and deleting BUT IT IT WILL NOT allow me to keep going deep in the file path creating new folders. So once I'm at the end of the 260 characters it simply will not allow me to type any further characters or create a new folder.

Now I'm wondering if this is what MS intended. That said I did read somewhere (see my longer post above in question #1) it is possible to go deeper with folders. Maybe it's false information.

Regardless, it's terrible for MS to leave us all in limbo like this. I've even called MS a few times and nobody seems to know about this.

You are also right enterprises will need to have the ability to go deeper and also it doesn't take long to use up the 260 character path limit when you are building multiple businesses.

It's my only real issue with Windows. I'm actually shocked they haven't fixed it are at least increased it.

Thanks again for your help!

J

 

[USAFRet]

You are also right enterprises will need to have the ability to go deeper and also it doesn't take long to use up the 260 character path limit when you are building multiple businesses.

In all my years of managing enterprise level servers, I have run into this exactly once.

User controlled and created folder tree, 7 levels deep, with a file name similar to the above.
"This is the draft Weekly Activity Report for 22 March 2010(with edits and corrections).ppt"

Which was in a subsubsubsubfolder that should have been called /Crap That No One Will Ever Look At In the History of This Planet/

 

[jordangraham]

USAFRet,

Everyone has different needs. Just how you say it's not needed many people would say to you it is needed. That's your view point and your need and that's great if it works for you but it doesn't work for me and many others.

Thanks

J

 

[jordangraham]

That is one thing that is totally and completely subjective is the system one uses. What works for some won't work for others. That said if we have the restrictions there is no point bashing our heads against the wall.

J