Destination Path Too Long Error When Moving/Copying a File

If you are receiving an error “Destination Path Too Long” when trying to copy or move a file to a folder, try the quick trick below. The reason you are receiving the error is because Windows Explorer will fail to copy/delete/rename any path-name longer than 256 characters. The instructions below apply to Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.

Full Error: “The file name(s) would be too long for the destination folder. You can shorten the file name and try again, or try a location that has a shorter path.”

Screenshot of “Destination Path Too Long” error on Windows Server 2008

Screenshot of “Destination Path Too Long” error on Windows 8

Step 1

The quickest fix for this, especially if you are needing to simply migrate a lot of folders from one place to another is to map a drive to the drilled down folder.
What I would do is browse to the hidden share path and copy it to your clipboard.

Step 2

Then browse to “Computer” or “My Computer” and click on Map Network Drive. Depending on your OS it might appear under the tools menu.

Step 3

Then simply paste your long path and hit Finish.

Step 4

Now you will be able to copy the files/folders into this location without receiving that error.

Tip #1

There also is a great tool called “Long Path Tool” that works great to fix this: http://longpathtool.com/ However it isn’t free, the method above is.

Tip #2

Thank you Colin Albright for the comment below. Yes, you can also use 7-zip or any zip utility to fix the problem. Sometimes on single files, this could be a better and faster solution. Just zip the folder up, and your good to go.

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