How Long the MAX-PATH can be in Windows 11

In Windows, the MAX-PATH which means the maximum length for a full file path (including the drive letter, punctuation, folder names, file name, and file extension) is 260 characters by default, while the maximum file or folder name length (including the extension) can be up to 255 characters.

In some cases, if your file is located deep within a bunch of nested folders and subfolders with long names, you may not successfully open, modify or copy it. This WiseCleaner post will walk you through the steps to maximum the length for the file path on your Windows 11.

Two ways to enable the maximum file path

Windows 10 and 11 allow users to exceed the 260-character file path limit by modifying in Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor. Before using Registry Editor and Group Policy Editor, it is essential to back up the full Windows registry and create a system restore point to ensure your system remains stable and functional. Below are the two ways:

Method 1. Using Registry Editor

• Press Windows + R to open the Run tool. Enter regedit in the dialog box to open Registry Editor.

• Navigate to the following key in Registry Editor:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem

• Find a value named LongPathsEnabled from the right-side pane, double-click it and set its Value data from 0 to 1. If the value does not exit, create a new DWORD Value and name it correctly first.

• Click on OK and restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 2. Using Group Policy Editor

• Press Windows + R to open the Run tool. Enter gpedit.msc in the dialog box to open Local Group Policy Editor.

• Navigate to the following setting from the left-side pane in Group Policy Editor.

Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem

• Find a policy named Enable Win32 long paths, double-click on it and check Enabled on the window that pops up.

• Click Apply then OK, and restart your computer.

Conclusion

In either method introduced in this WiseCleaner Think Tank, you will successfully maximize the file path length to 32767 characters.