Why isn't long paths enabled by default in windows 11.

Anonymous
2021-11-17T08:13:44+00:00

Why isn't long paths enabled by default in windows 11? The 260 character limit has been crippling to the user over the years. It only takes someone to change (lengthen) a folder name further up the path to make access to some file impossible. I know the restriction was removed in Win 10, but only by Registry and Group Policy Mods - This is beyond the average user - so why isn't it enabled by default). Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. SD - IA 177.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-11-17T09:11:23+00:00

    Hello IP,

    I am Sumit here to assist you with this question.

    MAX_PATH limit is something that is by design for Win32 apps and not changed in Windows 11 due to backwards compatiblity where apps were designed keeping in mind the same. You may get some answers here:

    https://www.adoclib.com/blog/why-does-the-260-c...

    Because the Kernel version is same for Windows 10 and Windows 11, I believe that is why it wasn’t introduced as default.

    Hope that helps.

    Disclaimer:

    The link included is a non-Microsoft website that would provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site which are frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers as they do more harm than good sometimes.

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