How to overcome file length limitation

Question

Here's the situation,

We have users who have backed up their files in OneDrive/SharePoint and have synced the files to their PC and now are unable to open the files in File Explorer which I assume is caused by the 256 characters limitation in Windows.

These users have lots and lots of folder and sub-folders with very lengthy folder and file names and telling them to rename their files to make it shorter isn't practical hence I need suggestions what can be done to fix this.

The files can be opened via SharePoint online or MS Teams but not in File Explorer which the users wants to use. It makes them easier to access the files through File Explorer instead of the online page or MS Teams.

I've a another question too, does the 256 characters includes drive letter too?

Answer 1

Hi,

The URL path length limit for OneDrive and SharePoint has been increased from 256 Unicode code units to 400. This means that the total length of the file path, including the protocol, server name, folder or file path, folder or file name, and parameters, cannot exceed 400 characters. But for Windows the default length limit are 260 characters. This could be that you can open via SharePoint online or MS Teams but not in File Explorer.

I suggest you refer to this support article and if you're using Windows 10, version 1607, and later, you can enable long paths:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/fileio/maximum-file-path-limitation?tabs=registry

Hope the information is helpful.

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