Maximum Path Length Limitation — by Microsoft Learn

advancedpageLink only (©)Windows 10 1607 and later

Explains the 260-character MAX_PATH limit and how to opt in to long paths on Windows 10 1607 and later. Both a registry value (LongPathsEnabled=1) and a manifest declaration in the app are required, so it does not affect every program. The \\?\ prefix is the alternative for extended-length paths. Editing the registry carries risk.

Quick steps

Set HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem LongPathsEnabled to 1, or use Group Policy Enable Win32 long paths
App must declare longPathAware in its manifest

Paraphrased from the source. Menus can differ by version, so check the original for full details.

Read the full article on learn.microsoft.com

Source: Maximum Path Length Limitation by Microsoft Learn. Licence: Link only (©).

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: 2026-11-02
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

long pathsregistrygroup policywindows

More in Windows

Manage drive space with Storage Sense — by Microsoft Support

beginnerpage

Shows how to turn on Storage Sense and set how often it runs, how long Recycle Bin and Downloads files are kept, and when unused cloud files go online-only. Also shows removing Previous Windows Installation files under Temporary files.

How Do I Get Rid of Phantom or Hidden Devices? — by John Baker (TechNet Blogs archive)

intermediatepage

An archived 2009 post showing how to reveal ghost devices left behind by old hardware: set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 in a Command Prompt, launch Device Manager from it, and enable Show hidden devices. The variable only lasts for that window unless made a system variable. Dated, so verify on current Windows.

How to enable long file path names in Windows 11 — by Molly on Microsoft Q&A

intermediateforum

Helpful answer: set the LongPathsEnabled registry value to 1 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem and restart. A commenter points out that the application reading the files may still not support long paths. Registry edit, so back up first.