Fix : The source file names are larger than is supported by the file system

Fix : The source file name(s) are larger than is supported by the file system

So Today we are going to see one weird situation where you are trying to copy or delete something on your computer and this error pop up appears.

Which says "The source file name(s) are larger than is supported by the file system. Try moving a location which has a shorter path name, or try renaming to shorter name(s) before attempting this operation." Even If you right click on this file, there are no options like Rename, Delete, Copy and Properties. So basically you can not do anything with this file except let it use your disk space for nothing.

Solution for this is very simple. We need to shorten the file path. You can see here the file which I am trying to copy, is way deeper inside the E Drive. And along with the file name the file path is also very long probably exceeding 255 characters. Microsoft restrics users from using the file name that exceeds 255 characters. This is the reason file became unusable.

We can not rename the file we can not shorten the file name. So go to the previous directory and rename the directory name to something shorter. Now if you go into the folder and right click on it, it will show all the options which were previously unavailable. And if you try to copy, rename or delete this file, you can easily do that.

Even after shorterning the previous directory, still gives you the same error while copying, deleting the file in this folder, than there is a posibility that the file path is still more than 255 characters. So again go to previous directory and shorten the file name.

As you can see the error is self explanatory, and tells us the root cause of this issue, which is "Source Path Too Long" and also the resolution is given in the same error saying "Try moving a location which has a shorter path name, or try renaming to shorter name(s) before attempting this operation."

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[DavidLorellHoskins]

Thanks Techno Math... I've been trying for 2 hours to figure this out. I followed your advice and shortened names in the path and now I'm able to work with the files. Thanks again.

[Sunnyside--Up]

Excellent!
I was going nuts trying to delete my backup files on my new computer that started cluttering my important folders with partially deleted folders. Even the microsoft site did not provide a proper and simple solution.
Thank you very much!

[mrth]

I tried everything and couldn't figure it out. I feel foolish not realizing it until you explained it. Thanks you for your help.

:-)

[samione]

Man this was so simple! And other so called "gurus' made it even more complicated. Thanks a lot!

[texaseyeofthetiger]

This does not work when your are copying/backing up multiple files and you have many files with long names. The only options it gives you is to skip these files or shorten the names. Shortening the names is impractical because there are so many and in different folders, and not copying them by skipping is not an option, since these files are too important.

[SzymonWarunek]

Thank you for this tutorial.I forgotten about that solution.At least - you fixed it - in the past i had that error

[MuhammadSaeed-gdfr]

thank you so much .... I was Unable to delete my some files and after your video I deleted my all files successfully.

[FreddyRozen]

THANK YOU!!!! I was breaking my head on this!!

[marckkonkers]

Wow, thanks a lot brother, I've got nervous that much I couldn't figure out this simple thing to do! :) I really appreciate your tutorial :) Cheers!

[Gift]

Thank you a million times. this is the simplest way so far

[shwetamainde]

Thank you very much after 3 yrs i am able to delet that folder....😊

[ClickHow]

Thank you friend. this error is just hitting my head but now problem is solved.

[ryanbeck]

You can use LongPathTool for deleting long path files.

[adiyatmojp]

I try To Understand what mr Techno say, its hard. But Its Works. Just Focusing On Changing "Previous Folder" Name, where the Problem Found.

[AlexShavkunov]

Thank you, Cap Obvious!
What if you do not want to change the names of the sub-folders?

[AsimChoudhury]

It seems like that it is too much work however with some patience it worked...Thanx!

[edwinmorris]

Dear sir, thank for this easy tip. It really worked. It was so annoying and I am not a computer gru. Your video explained well. Thanks for sharing and I also liked your video.

[Davogre]

Thanks a lot man. Do you know best data recovery software. If you know which is the best software please tell us. Thanks

[tonydicken]

Thanks! Simple solutions always the best!

[sfmech]

Works like charm, Thank you very much.