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Windows 11 an error occurs when copying files with excessively long path names
When copying files from one folder to another on the same drive, Windows sometimes displays an error indicating that the destination path is too long, even though the total path length is well below the 260-character limit.
This error does not occur consistently; the same file may be copied successfully to other folders without changing its filename. The issue is more common when using OneDrive or network sync folders.
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Success in a shorter destination means the filename alone is not decisive. Windows evaluates the complete absolute path, and Microsoft notes that the shell and file system can have different limits. Long-path support also requires both the Windows setting and an application that declares itself long-path aware; enabling the policy does not remove every Explorer limitation. Copy the file to a short local path such as C:\Temp and compare. Then measure the full source and destination paths, including the drive, OneDrive organization folder, every separator, and filename. Check each folder name for trailing spaces, reserved names, or unsupported characters, and review OneDrive’s sync status. Shorten the destination root or one parent folder instead of renaming a project file that other software references. If local copying works but the synced location fails, capture the exact path and OneDrive error and apply the documented OneDrive or SharePoint naming and path restrictions.
