How to change the default 256 character path limitation (MAX_PATH) in Windows 10 and newer versions


By default, Windows uses a path length limitation (MAX_PATH) of 256 characters: Naming Files, Paths, and Namespaces.

Starting in Windows 10 (Version 1607), the MAX_PATH limitations have been removed from Common Win32 file and directory functions. To use the new extended path behavior, you must opt-in by using a registry key change. 


To enable the long path behavior in Windows 10:

  1. Go to Windows Start and type REGEDIT.
  2. Choose the Registry Editor.
  3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location: at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem.
  4. Select the entry named: LongPathsEnabled. 
Note: If the registry key does not exist, the entry can also be added by doing the following:
  1. With the FileSystem folder selected, right-click in the empty space of the Name column where the registry keys are located.
  2. Select New.
  3. Choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value, as shown in the picture below
  4. Right-click the newly added key and choose Rename.
  5. Name the key LongPathsEnabled.
  6. Press Enter.
  7. Double-click on the LongPathsEnabled entry to open the key.
  8. In the Value data field, enter a value of 1. This will enable to long paths option.


The registry key's value will be cached by the system (per process) after the first call to an affected Win32 file or directory function. The registry key will not be reloaded during the lifetime of the process. In order for all apps on the system to recognize the value of the key, a machine restart might be required because some processes may have started before the key was set.

Additionally, the registry key can also be controlled via the Group Policy in Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem > Enable NTFS long paths.