Destination path error too long

Users get the error “Destination path too long” when they try to copy, move or delete certain files or folders on Windows operating systems. Most of the time, this error occurs because Microsoft has a folder 256/260 and a name restriction.

Even if the problem is more than 20 years, the error is found in all recent versions of Windows. Please note that this is not an NTFS limitation, so changing the format will not eliminate the problem. The problem is caused by a limitation within the Win32 API library. Most standard applications issued (including File Explorer) will malfunction if the character limit is exceeded.

If you are currently struggling with this problem, we could help you. Here is a collection of methods that have allowed users in a similar situation to solve the problem. Follow all the possible solutions in order until you find a method that fixes the error “Destination path too long”.

Method 1: shorten the name of the parent folder

The simplest group solution is to simply shorten the name of the parent folder. But how can you imagine, this is not always applicable. This method is not applicable if you have many files that exceed the length restriction limit.

If you only have some files or folders showing this problem while being moved / they eliminate / they copy, just shorten your names and try again.

If this does not apply to your situation, continue with next method.

Method 2: temporarily change the file extension to text

If you get this error when trying to move a single .zip or .rar file, you can try temporarily renaming the file extension to text and renaming it after moving it. Here is a quick guide to do it:

1. Right click on the .zip or .rar file and choose Rename. Then change the extension to »txt«.

   Note: If you can't see the default extension types, go to File Explorer's View tab and check the box associated with filename extensions.

2. Move the file to where you want it to be, then right click again, choose Rename and modify the extension to go back to what it was initially (.zip o .rar).

If you were unable to move the file with this method or if it is not applicable to your situation, continue with next method.

Method 3: delete folder with DeleteLongPath

If you have a folder that exceeds the limit of 260 characters, you can use a reliable freeware to avoid this problem. DeleteLongPath is a free program that will delete the folder immediately. The lightweight program is designed to automatically delete the folder structure and all the subfolders and files it contains.

Here is a quick guide on how to use DeleteLongPath to delete a folder showing error of “Destination path too long” when it is removed:

1. Visit this link (here) and download the free DeleteLongPath software.

   

2. Extract the DeleteLongPath executable from the zip file and open it.

3. Use the Browse button to set the path of the folder that cannot be deleted and press the Delete button to get rid of it.

   

4. Click Yes on the last warning and wait for the folder structure to be removed. But note that all subfolders and files in that particular folder will also be deleted.

   

Method 4: enable long path support (Windows 10 built 1607 the superior)

If it is on Windows 10 and you have already applied the anniversary update, it is possible to disable the MAX_PATH limit at the system level. Long path support can be enabled using Registry Editor. Here's a quick guide to the whole thing:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command. Type »regedit» and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

   

2. Using the left panel, browse through Computer> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE> SYSTEM> CurrentControlSet> Control> FileSystem.

   

3. With FileSystem selected in the left pane, double click LongPathsEnabled (right panel).

   

4. In Edit LongPathsEnabled DWord value, set the value data to 1 and click OK to save.

5. Close Registry Editor and try to operate the folders or files showing the error “Destination path too long”.

If this method is not applicable, go to next method.

Method 5: use the xcopy command at an elevated command prompt

Some users have been able to resolve the error “Destination path too long” using the xcopy command on an elevated command line. Here is a quick guide on how to do it:

1. Use the launch bar in the lower left corner to search for »cmd«. Then right click and click Run as administrator.

   

2. Paste the following command in the elevated command prompt and hit Enter:

   xcopy * path to source files * * route to destination * / O / X / E / H / K

   Note: note that * path to source files * Y * way to destiny * they are simply placeholders for the exact routes. Replace placeholders with actual locations before hitting Enter.