Historically, Windows has a built-in limitation that restricts file paths to a maximum of 256 characters. This restriction can cause issues when working with networked environments or cloud services like TeamDrive, especially when other operating systems—such as macOS—allow longer file paths. For example, a macOS user might create a file path that exceeds this limit, which Windows cannot process properly.

Since TeamDrive 5.2.1, it is now possible to extend file path support in Windows, preventing and resolving related issues. To enable long file paths (LongPaths) in Windows, you need to modify a setting in the Windows Registry. Here’s how:

Method 1: Via the Windows registry

  1. Open the registry editor:
    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type regedit and press Enter. (Make sure you have administrator rights).
  2. Navigate to the correct registry key:
    • Go to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem

  1. Change or create the LongPathsEnabled value:
    • Search for an entry named LongPathsEnabled.
      • If this entry already exists, double-click on it and change the value to 1.
      • If the entry does not exist, you will need to create it:
        • Right-click on the empty area in the right-hand window and select “New” > “DWORD value (32-bit)”.
        • Name the new value LongPathsEnabled
          and set the value to 1.
  1. Restart the computer:
    • After changing the registry, you must restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: Via the group policy (for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, Education)

If you have a Pro, Enterprise or Education version of Windows, you can use the group policies:

  1. Open the Group Policy Editor:
    • Press Win + R, type msc and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the file system policies:
    • Go to the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > File System

  1. Activate “Allow long file paths”:
    • Double-click on the “Allow long file paths” policy and set it to “Enabled”.
  2. Restart the computer.

What does the change do?

By enabling LongPathsEnabled, programs can use paths that are longer than 260 characters, which is the Windows default limit for file paths. This setting is particularly useful if you need to work with deeply nested folder structures.

Note that not all applications can automatically handle long paths, even if this setting is enabled. Some programs or APIs may not support this feature.