Alex Ruben
How To Resolve the “Path Too Long” Error When Extracting Zipped Folders (Error 0x80010135)
Encountering the dreaded “Path too long” error (0x80010135) while trying to unzip files can feel like Windows is fighting against you. Basically, this is because Windows has a max path length of 260 characters, and sometimes zipped folders carry long paths or nested folders that push that limit. It’s frustrating because no matter how many times you try, Windows throws a fit. The good news is, there are some workaround tricks to get your files out without tearing your hair out. This guide lays out a few practical methods you can try — probably in the order of easiest to more involved, depending on your setup.
How to Fix the Path Too Long Error When Extracting Zipped Folders in Windows
Shorten the Zip Folder Name
First, try making that zip file’s name shorter. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary by fussing over the folder names. On one setup, just renaming the zip to something simple like “Project.zip” worked, but on another, it didn’t. Anyway, here’s what to do:
- Locate the zip folder in File Explorer.
- Right-click on it, then choose Show more options (or just click Rename if it’s visible).
- Rename it to something shorter — for example, “Proj.zip” — and hit Enter.
- Now, try extracting again. Sometimes Windows just gets tripped up by long names or nested folders and shortening helps clear that hurdle.
Extract to the Root of Your Drive
If shortening the filename didn’t do the trick, another trick is to extract directly to your root drive, not a deep folder. This avoids all those nested folder path pitfalls that push your total path length over the limit. Here’s the drill:
- Right-click on the zip file and choose Extract All.
- In the extraction wizard, click Browse.
- In the folder picker, click on the left sidebar and pick This PC.
- Double-click on your main drive (usually C:).
- Select a very shallow folder — like C:\Extracted — or just select the drive itself.
- Click Select Folder and then Extract.
This helps because extracting into a top-level folder drastically reduces the length of each file’s path, hopefully avoiding the limit. Expect Windows to maybe complain a bit, but give it a shot — sometimes it just works.
Use Alternative Extraction Tools Like 7-Zip or WinRAR
If Windows’ built-in extractor is being stubborn, switching to a third-party tool can often help. Both 7-Zip and WinRAR are known for better handling of long paths. Here’s what to do:
- Download 7-Zip or WinRAR.
- Install the program (simple enough).
- Right-click on your zip file, then choose the new extraction option, like 7-Zip > Extract Here or Extract to [folder].
This often works better on long paths or deep folder structures, so it’s worth trying if the above methods fail. Not sure why, but these tools seem to handle longer paths without the fuss.
Adjust Windows Settings for Longer Paths (Advanced)
If you’re working with super-long paths regularly, and are comfortable tinkering with settings, Windows 10 and 11 can actually support longer paths — but it’s a bit of a hassle. You need to tweak a registry or Local Group Policy setting:
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.mscand hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor. - Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem.
- Find the setting called Enable Win32 long paths and double-click it.
- Set it to Enabled and click OK.
- Reboot your machine.
For those who prefer registry edits, it’s a similar concept, but more risky if you mess up. Do this only if you’re comfortable with pushing some advanced buttons.
Heads up: Sometimes, a reboot or even waiting a bit helps Windows recognize the new settings. Also, this only works if your apps support long paths, which most modern ones do, but a few might still choke.
Extra Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Try to keep your folder and file names short from the start, especially if you’re working with nested folders or many subfolders to avoid hitting the 260-character limit.
- Use simple names with no weird symbols or spaces — Windows tends to get confused easier with those.
- Regularly organizing your files and avoiding such long nested structures can prevent this headache in the future.
Wrap-up
Basically, these methods are the main ways to get around the “Path too long” error. Shortening folder names, extracting to a simple top-level directory, or switching tools like 7-Zip make a huge difference. Sometimes, a combo of these works best, especially on stubborn files. And if you’re willing, enabling long path support can turn a nightmare into a breeze — but it’s not foolproof and requires a bit of fiddling. Hopefully, this got one update moving — at least enough to unstick that stuck file.
Summary
- Shorten the zip or folder name
- Extract to a root or shallow directory
- Use third-party tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR
- Adjust Windows settings for long paths (if comfortable)
Conclusion
These tricks should cover most scenarios where Windows throws a fit with long paths. Not everything works every time, but trying a few should get your files out finally. Sometimes, it’s just about tricking the system or switching tools. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a bunch of time and frustration — definitely a common pain point that’s worth solving.