Windows has native support for extracting ZIP files and is experimenting with adding support for other archive formats in Windows 11. However, some users encounter a “Path too long” error when extract file ZIP in Windows 10 and 11.
Possible causes of this error include a malfunction in Windows Explorer, unusually long file names, and missing support for long file paths. We'll list six ways to resolve the issue and help you successfully extract the ZIP archive.
1. Restart Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer provides interface support for many system applications, and if it encounters a malfunction, you may encounter a problem with File Explorer. Therefore, you need to restart the process using Task ManagementHere's how:
Step 1: Press the keyboard shortcut Control + Shift + Enter To open Task Manager.
Step 2: Click on the search bar and type Explore In it. Click on Enter To search for the process.
Step 3: Right click on the process Windows Explorer and select Restart option.
Your computer screen will flash briefly while the Windows Explorer process restarts. However, all open application windows will remain as they were.
2. Rename the compressed file.
If the compressed file name is too long, you can try Rename the file To a shorter name. Right-click on the compressed file and select the option Rename of context menu. Type a short name and then tap . Enter To change file name.
Right click on the renamed archive file and select the option extract all. Check whether the extraction process was successful or not.
3. Extract files to the root directory
Trying to extract an archive file located deep within a directory can cause problems. Windows also includes the folder structure in the file name, and it can become unnecessarily long while extracting the file.
The simple solution is to extract the archive to the root of the drive. A simpler path will reduce the number of characters and help you successfully extract the compressed file. Here's how:
Step 1: Press the keyboard shortcut Windows + E To open File Explorer.
Step 2: Go to Archive file location Right click on it. Select the option extract all.
Step 3: Delete everything in the path except root directory name (C Or D or any other drive).
Step 4: Click on the button Extract.
Step 5: Check if you are facing long path error while decompressing or not.
4. Enable long path support using the Group Policy Editor
If the subfolders within the ZIP archive also have long names, the renaming technique will not work on your Windows 11 or 10 computer. If you are using the Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition of Windows, you can take advantage of Group Policy Editor To enable long path support, you'll be able to extract ZIP files with names longer than 260 characters. Here's how:
Step 1: Click on Windows key To open a menu Start. Type gpedit.msc in the search bar and tap Enter To open Group Policy Editor.
Step 2: Go to section computer configuration On the left side. Click on the option Administrative templates.
Step 3: tap on the system from the right part.
Step 4: Scroll down and tap file system.
Step 5: Look for Enable Win32 for long paths policy. Right click on the policy and select the option Editing.
Step 6: Click on the option Maybe.
Step 7: Click the button "Application" Then click the button "OK".
Step 9: Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Try extracting the file and check if the error appears. 0x80010135: “The path is too long” or not.
5. Enable support for long paths using the Registry Editor
If you are using the version Windows HomeIf you don't, you won't be able to access the Group Policy Editor. Instead, you must use the Registry Editor to enable support for long file paths on your computer. But before you do that, do a Registry backup Manually copy your .NET file and export it to a USB drive as a safety measure. Then, repeat the following steps:
Step 1: press the . key Windows To open a menu Start. Type regedit in the search bar and tap Enter.
Step 2: Will be launched Control window In the user account. Click the button "Yeah" To open Registry Editor.
Step 3: Go to address bar At the top, paste the following path, then press Enter:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem
Step 4: Scroll to the left pane and select Value. LongPathsEnabled. Right click on it and select option Modification.
Step 5: Click text box value data And type 1 In it. Then click on the button OK.
Step 6: Close window Registry Editor.
Step 7: Restart your computer to allow the changes to take effect.
6. Use a third-party archiving software
If you still can't extract the ZIP file after enabling long path support, use a third-party archiver like WinRAR or 7-ZIP. These programs don't have a 260-character limit and can help you successfully unarchive ZIP files with long names unless the files themselves are corrupted. Here's how:
Step 1: Download a program WinRAR.
Step 2: Run the file preparation And install the application on your computer.
Step 3: turn on WinRAR And press Ctrl + O To launch the open window, browse your computer for the ZIP file and double-click it to select it.
Step 4: Click on the icon extract to.
Step 5: Locate Extraction site and click the . button OK.
Step 6: press the . key Windows + E To open File Explorer. Go to the location where you extracted the zip file to access its contents.
Extract compressed files easily
The "Path is too long" error when extracting a ZIP file in Windows 10 and 11 can prevent you from accessing the archive contents. Restart Windows Explorer, rename the file, and try extracting it to the root directory of the drive. After that, enable long path support on your Windows 11 computer or use a third-party archiver as a last resort.
