LongPathsEnabled 1: enabling paths longer than 260 characters in Windows
Short answer
UpdatedWindows limits file paths to 260 characters for older programs. LongPathsEnabled set to 1 lifts the limit for programs that declare support for long paths. In the registry it sets LongPathsEnabled to 1 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem.
HKLMSYSTEM\
LongPathsEnabledYour previous value1
What it does
Windows limits file paths to 260 characters for older programs. LongPathsEnabled set to 1 lifts the limit for programs that declare support for long paths.
In the app the switch is called "Enable Long Paths", described there as: Lets apps use file paths longer than 260 characters, which some mod and developer tools need.
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- Mod managers, game modding tools, Git and developer tools that build deeply nested folders.
When it hurts
- Nothing. Programs that do not support long paths behave as before, File Explorer among them in parts.
What it writes
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Key and value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| HKLMSYSTEM\ | 1 | Your previous valueSaved before the change, or deleted if there was none.Windows default: 0. |
From the app's source (pack_extra.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem" /v "LongPathsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /freg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem" /v "LongPathsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /freg query "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem" /v "LongPathsEnabled"How to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
Verdict
Safe. Turn it on if you mod games or develop.
Questions
- What does the "Enable Long Paths" tweak change in Windows?
- In the registry it sets LongPathsEnabled to 1 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem.
- What is the default value of LongPathsEnabled?
- The Windows default of LongPathsEnabled is 0. Frozen Tweaks sets it to 1, and switching the tweak off puts back the value you had before.
- Is "Enable Long Paths" safe to switch on?
- Safe. Turn it on if you mod games or develop. The main cost: Nothing. Programs that do not support long paths behave as before, File Explorer among them in parts.
- How do I undo it?
- Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
- Is "Enable Long Paths" free in Frozen Tweaks?
- Yes. It is one of the free tweaks, with no time limit.
In the app
- Switch
- Enable Long Paths
- Category
- Windows
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Related guides
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More tweak explainers
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Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- Windows
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
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