How to Fix Error 0x80010135: Path Too Long When Extracting ZIP Files

Error 0x80010135, also known as the “Path too long” error, is a common issue encountered by Windows users when attempting to extract files from a ZIP archive using the built-in File Explorer utility or other extraction tools. This error occurs when the destination path for the extracted files exceeds the maximum character limit set by the Windows operating system, which is 260 characters by default.

When faced with this error, users are unable to extract the contents of the ZIP file, preventing them from accessing or installing software packages contained within the archive. This can be a frustrating experience, but fortunately, there are several methods to resolve this issue and successfully extract your files.

Causes of Error 0x80010135

The primary cause of the “Path too long” error is the default limitation of the Windows filesystem, which imposes a cap of 260 characters for file paths. This limitation is due to the legacy Win32 API used by the operating system. Other factors that can contribute to this error include:

1. Lengthy file or folder names within the ZIP archive
2. Deeply nested folder structures inside the ZIP file
3. Extracting the ZIP archive to a destination path that already has a long file path

Solutions to Fix Error 0x80010135

Method 1: Reduce the ZIP File Name Length

One of the simplest ways to resolve the “Path too long” error is to shorten the name of the ZIP file itself. By default, the extracted folder will have the same name as the ZIP archive, so reducing the file name length can help avoid exceeding the character limit. Follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the directory containing the ZIP archive you want to extract.
2. Right-click on the ZIP file and select “Rename” from the context menu.
3. Enter a shorter file name for the ZIP archive in the text box. Try to keep the archive’s name within 5 or 6 characters if possible.
4. Press Enter to save the changes.

After renaming the ZIP file, attempt to extract its contents again.

Method 2: Extract to the Root Directory

Another approach to circumvent the “Path too long” error is to extract the ZIP archive to the root directory of your drive. This method reduces the overall path length by eliminating subfolders from the extraction path. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the ZIP file in File Explorer.
2. Right-click on the ZIP file and select “Extract All” from the context menu.
3. In the “Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders” window, click on the “Browse” button.
4. Select the root directory of your drive (e.g., C:) and click “Select Folder.”
5. Click “Extract” to unzip the archive to the root directory.

Extracting the files to the root directory should resolve the error, as the destination path will be significantly shorter.

Method 3: Use a Third-Party Extraction Utility

If the built-in Windows extraction tool fails to handle the ZIP archive due to the “Path too long” error, you can try using a third-party extraction utility like 7-Zip. These alternative tools often have better support for handling long file paths and various archive formats. Follow these steps to use 7-Zip:

1. Download and install 7-Zip from the official website (https://www.7-zip.org/).
2. Open 7-Zip and navigate to the directory containing the problematic ZIP archive.
3. Right-click on the ZIP file and select “7-Zip” > “Extract Here” from the context menu.
4. 7-Zip will extract the contents of the ZIP archive to the current directory, bypassing the “Path too long” error.

Method 4: Enable Long Path Support in Windows

For a more permanent solution, you can enable long path support in Windows, which allows file paths to exceed the default 260-character limit. This method involves modifying the Windows Registry, so proceed with caution and create a backup of your registry before making any changes.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following registry key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem
4. In the right pane, look for a DWORD value named “LongPathsEnabled.” If it doesn’t exist, right-click on an empty space, select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value,” and name it “LongPathsEnabled.”
5. Double-click on the “LongPathsEnabled” value and set its “Value data” to 1.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes and close the Registry Editor.
7. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After enabling long path support, you should be able to extract ZIP archives with longer file paths without encountering the “Path too long” error.

Conclusion

Error 0x80010135, or the “Path too long” error, can be a hindrance when trying to extract files from a ZIP archive on Windows. However, by applying one or more of the methods discussed in this article, such as reducing the ZIP file name length, extracting to the root directory, using a third-party extraction utility, or enabling long path support in Windows, you can successfully overcome this issue and access the contents of your ZIP files.

Remember to exercise caution when modifying the Windows Registry and always create a backup before making any changes. If you continue to face issues or are unsure about the steps involved, it’s recommended to seek assistance from a technical support professional. By following these solutions, you can bid farewell to the frustrating “Path too long” error and seamlessly extract your ZIP archives on Windows.