Fixing "Error 0x80010135: Path Too Long" in?Windows

Introduction

Encountering “Error 0x80010135: Path Too Long” in Windows can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to copy or move files. This error occurs because Windows has a maximum path length limit of 260 characters. When a file’s full path, including folder names and file name, exceeds this limit, Windows cannot process the operation.

Fortunately, there are several methods to resolve this issue. This guide will walk you through multiple solutions, from simple renaming to registry edits and command-line techniques.

1. Enable Long Path Support in?Windows

Windows 10 (Version 1607 and later) and Windows 11 support long file paths, but this feature is disabled by default. You can enable it through the Windows Registry.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem        

Locate LongPathsEnabled (or create it if it doesn’t exist).

Double-click it and change the Value data to 1.

Click OK and restart your computer.

This enables support for paths longer than 260 characters.

2. Rename the File or Parent?Folders

Since the issue is caused by excessive path length, shortening folder or file names can help.

How to Do?It:

• Navigate to the file’s location.
• Rename the file or move it to a directory closer to the root (e.g., C:\Temp).
• Try copying or moving the file again.

3. Use Command Prompt to Copy or Move the?File

Using Command Prompt, you can bypass the Windows Explorer limitations.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter).
2. Use the xcopy or robocopy command:

xcopy "C:\source\very_long_path" "C:\destination" /E /I        

or

robocopy "C:\source" "C:\destination" /E /COPYALL /R:1 /W:1        

Press Enter and wait for the operation to complete.

4. Use PowerShell to Copy the?File

PowerShell offers a more advanced way to handle long file paths.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run the following command:

Copy-Item -Path "C:\source\very_long_path" -Destination "C:\destination" -Recurse        

This will copy the file to the new destination without the length limitation.

5. Use Third-Party Software

Several tools can help you manage long file paths:

• 7-Zip: Compress the file and extract it in a shorter directory.
• TeraCopy: A file-copying tool that supports long paths.
• Long Path Tool: A specialized tool for handling long filenames.

6. Use a Network Path to Bypass Limitations

Mapping a network drive to a shorter path can sometimes bypass the issue.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Use the copy command with \?\ prefix:

copy "\\?\C:\source\very_long_path\file.js" C:\destination\        

Press Enter and check if the operation succeeds.

Conclusion

The “Path Too Long” error can be annoying, but with the right approach, you can overcome it. Whether you prefer a quick fix like renaming or a permanent solution like enabling long path support, these methods will help you manage long file paths effectively.