How to Fix Zip File Error 0x80010135 (Path Too Long)

If you’ve ever tried to unzip a file in Windows 10 or 11 and seen the message “Error 0x80010135: Path too long”, you’re not alone. This happens when the full path of the file (including folder names) goes beyond Windows’ 260-character limit. The good news is that there are a few simple ways to fix it.

Why This Error Happens

Windows still has a path length restriction in some cases. If your zip file has a very long name, or if you’re extracting it into several nested folders, the combined path can easily exceed that limit. Once that happens, File Explorer won’t be able to unzip it.

Fix 1: Shorten the Zip File Name

The easiest fix is to rename the zip file to something shorter.

1. Right-click the zip file.
2. Select rename.
3. Give it a short name, ideally just a few characters.

When you extract it, the folder created will also have a shorter name, which often solves the problem.

Fix 2: Extract to the Root of C: Drive

Another way to shorten the path is to extract directly to the root of your drive.

1. Right-click the zip file and choose extract all.
2. Click browse and select C: as the destination.
3. Hit extract.

This avoids the issue of deeply nested folders. Alternatively, copy the zip file to C:\ first and then unzip it there.

Fix 3: Use 7-Zip or Another Tool

Windows’ built-in extractor has the path limit, but third-party tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR don’t.

• Download and install 7-Zip.
• Right-click your zip file and choose 7-Zip > Extract Here (or Extract to…).

These tools ignore the 260-character restriction, so the file will unzip without issue.

Fix 4: Enable Long Path Support in Windows

If you don’t want to keep running into this problem, you can enable long path support permanently.

Using PowerShell (quick method):

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run this command:
   New-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem" -Name "LongPathsEnabled" -Value 1 -PropertyType DWORD -Force
3. Restart your computer.

After this, Windows will allow paths longer than 260 characters.

Other Things to Try

• Re-download the zip file if it might be corrupted.
• Recover the zip with repair tools if you suspect data loss (useful for files from external drives).

Conclusion

The “Path too long” error is annoying, but it’s easy to fix. Most of the time, renaming the file or extracting it to C:\ works. If you want a permanent solution, enable long path support or use a tool like 7-Zip. Once fixed, you’ll be able to unzip and use your files without issues.