The file name(s) would be too long for the destination folder

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Recently while browsing through some of my backup files and folders on my Windows PC, I came across some old fill-in files that I wanted to delete. I did non have any use for an old backup, so wanted to delete the compressed .tar file.

Only when I went on to delete it, I received the following error message:

The file proper name(s) would be too long for the destination folder

Evidently, the compressed file contained a JPG image file, which my Windows was unable to delete. Using the Skip option, I deleted all only this file. Now, why did this happen?

Under standard Windows file naming system, the full name cannot, or path exceeds 259 characters. This includes the folder path, file name, and file extension. If it does, and so when y'all try to delete it, you will receive this mistake.

Maximum Path Length Limitation: In the Windows API (with some exceptions discussed in the following paragraphs), the maximum length for a path is MAX_PATH, which is defined as 260 characters. A local path is structured in the following order: drive letter, colon, backslash, name components separated by backslashes, and a terminating null graphic symbol. For example, the maximum path on drive D is "D:\some 256-grapheme path cord" where "" represents the invisible terminating null character for the current system codepage. (The characters < > are used here for visual clarity and cannot be part of a valid path string) says MSDN.

Related: How to Enable Win32 Long Paths in Windows.

Filename likewise long for destination folder

Now in my case, the full folder path was:

D:\ Site Backups\ Misc\ backup-4.vii.2012_23-41-31_thegadget.tar\ backup-iv.7.2012_23-41-31_thegadget\ backup-4.7.2012_23-41-31_thegadget\ homedirect\ 2\ public_html2\ wp-content2\ uploads\ 2022\ 08

And the file name was really long to – like Music-producer-…-and-video-games.jpg – every bit tin can exist seen in the image.

I opened its location and tried to delete or rename the file. I was non even offered the option to do and so. If you tin rename it, fine – simply I wasn't offered this option.

So I went 'Dorsum' to its subfolder and tried to delete information technology. No success. I received the same error message.

I then used the Movement To folder selection to move the folder to my D Bulldoze. This worked! The path had of a sudden go shorter, and I was able to delete.

This simple trick worked in my instance, and I hope information technology helps y'all too.

Sometimes simply rebooting, running Check Disk or using tertiary-party delete freeware are too known to assist delete undeletable files and folders.

Y'all tin likewise use the freeware Long Path Fixer to set up Path As well Long errors in Windows.

If null helps, and then y'all may desire to have a await at this Microsoft thread where some advanced ways take been suggested using CMD and Robocopy .

Related read: The source file name(south) are larger than is supported by the file system.

Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP. Delight read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Signal before making whatever changes to your system & be careful well-nigh any tertiary-party offers while installing freeware.