It is easy to display or list paths with more than 260 characters in Windows Explorer, but you have to pay attention to a few things!In Windows 11, 10, around MS Server 2022, 2019, ... you can enable file paths with more than 260 characters, but MS File Explorer and the popular Quad Explorer have problems creating new folders and new files. But you can work with the Windows command prompt or MS Powershell ! Contents: 1.) ... Activate path with more than 260 characters in Windows!
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(Image-1) Accept paths with more than 260 characters in Windows Explorer! |
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2.) LongPathsEnabled in the MS Windows Group Policy!
1. Please press the key combination [Win-Logo]+[R]
2. Then simply use the gpedit.msc command in the MS Windows Run dialog and confirm!
3. Open the sub-folder:
Administrative / Templates System / Filesystem
4. And just enable the "Win32 long paths"
3. Open the sub-folder:
Administrative / Templates System / Filesystem
4. And just enable the "Win32 long paths"
(... see Image-2 Point 1 to 6)
See also: ► Update group policies on MS Windows OS!
(Image-2) Accept paths with more than 260 characters in Windows Explorer! |
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By simply enabling long Win32 paths, applications and also Windows Store applications get access to long folder paths that are above the normal limit of 260 characters per node. This applies to file systems that support it. If you enable the setting, long paths can be accessed during the process.

3.) What should I watch out for with the long file paths!
Nothing major to note here, except that these paths are quite confusing and almost impossible to edit in the address bar of MS File Explorer and other file explorers like Quad Explorer !Most apps and desktop programs shouldn't have a problem as long as they don't need to access these paths. Still, don't risk anything if you don't want applications to not work! The worst that can happen is that you won't be able to open or save files stored in locations where the full path is over 260 characters.
FAQ 8: Updated on: 7 June 2022 12:22