1. Windows Explorer

In Windows 10 it has been renamed to File Explorer.

1.1. Maximum Path Length Limitation

Windows Explorer uses the Windows API. In the Windows API (with some exceptions), 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 character.

The maximum path on drive D is D:\Some 256-character path string<NULL> where <NULL> represents the invisible terminating null character for the current system codepage. Thus MAX_PATH = 3 + 256 + 1 = 260.

drive letter, colon, backslash    3
256 character path              256
<NULL> character                  1
                                ---{sp}+
MAX_PATH                        260

The get-toolongpaths alias (DOSKEY macro) lists all files and folder that exceed the MAX_PATH limit.

find-toolongpaths <Folder>

Whenever there are files or folders with too long paths File Explorer / Windows Explorer will fail when copying, deleting or moving the files or folders that have too long path names. Instead use robocopy.exe that does not have the MAX_PATH limitation.

2. File Explorer UWP

File Explorer UWP is the touch-friendly version of File Explorer in Windows 10 version 1703 and later. This new file manager app does not have the MAX_PATH limitation (see above).

2.1. Installation

  • Right-click the desktop and select New > Shortcut.

  • Type explorer shell:AppsFolder\c5e2524a-ea46-4f67-841f-6a9465d9d515_cw5n1h2txyewy!App in the texbox.

  • Click Next.

  • Replace explorer.exe by File Explorer UWP in the textbox.

  • Click Finish.

  • Copy: Drag and drop the File Explorer UWP icon to the Quick Launch bar while holding the Ctrl key.

  • Move: Drag and drop the File Explorer UWP icon to the Quick Launch bar.

3. Explorer++

3.1. Remarks

  • Does not seem to have the MAX_PATH limitation.

  • It is a standalone 32-bit or 64 bit executable.

  • Latest version is from 2013-02-03.

4. Long Path Tool

4.1. Remarks

  • Does not have the MAX_PATH limitation.

  • Double-clicking on a file does not start the program associated with the extension.

  • Have to buy full version.

  • It is a standalone 32-bit executable.

  • Needs .Net Framework.