Windows: File name too long - cannot be deleted

If a file name or a file path is too long, Windows cannot delete the file. We'll show you how to solve the problem.

Windows: filename too long - you can do that

Windows files and paths can be a maximum of 256 characters long. Anything above that will cause deletion problems.

• If the name of the file is too long, you can simply shorten it. If you are not authorized to do so, this practical tip will help you.
• If the path of the file is too long, move the folder to your desktop. You should then be able to delete it from here.
• If the file still cannot be deleted, the free program Unlocker will help you. The FileAssassin tool can also be helpful.

Windows: delete file via CMD

You can also delete individual files and folders from the command prompt.

1. Press the Windows key and "R" at the same time, so that the "Run" command opens.
2. Enter "cmd" and confirm with "OK". Then the command prompt opens.
3. Type in the command "del" followed by the folder path of the file and confirm with the "Enter" key. The complete command could look like this, for example: del C: \ Users \ Chip \ Desktop \ Test123
4. Then confirm the upcoming query with "j" and the "Enter" key. Then all files in the folder are deleted.
5. Note: If that doesn't work, use the command "del / s" or "del / f" instead of "del". This would look like this, for example: del / s C: \ Users \ Chip \ Desktop \ Test123

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to restore files deleted from the recycle bin.