“The file name(s) would be too long for the destination folder” error may occur while trying to move, copy or transfer files stored on your hard drive or any removable storage medium such as USB stick, external hard disk.
This error is displayed when your system fails to move or copy files because they contain too many characters. The error can also appear if the file was created by another non-Windows based operating system that supports complex naming structures. The only way to fix this error is to rename your files and make them short and simple. Read on to find out how.
Method 1: Rename Files with an Entirely New Name
File Explorer allows you to batch rename your files. However, there are major limitations. You may not be able to use different renaming patterns of your choice. You’re limited to only a single renaming pattern- replace existing file names with a complete new name.
- Open the File Explorer using the Taskbar icon.
- Go to the folder that contains your files.
- Select the files you want to rename.
- To select all files inside the folder, use Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut.
- To select random files without any sequence, press and hold the Ctrl key of your keyboard while selecting your files.
- To select your files in an orderly manner, select the first file you want to select. Press and hold the Shift key of your keyboard. Now, select a file to end the selection.
- Press the F2 key.
- Enter a short and descriptive name for your files and press Enter to batch rename your files.
Method 2: Remove Specific Word or Part of Your File Name
You may remove specific characters or words from your file names to make them short and simple. You can accomplish it using PowerShell.
- Click on Start.
- Type PowerShell.
- Right-click on Windows PowerShell.
- Select Run as Administrator.
Assuming, you want to rename only Word Documents (.docx) in a folder (D:\MyFiles), type the following commands:
The above command will search for only .docx files in the specified folder and remove the “SharedProject -” word from your filenames.
You may change the above command to rename file types of your choice. If you wish to rename all files regardless of whichever types they belong, use the commands given below:
Method 3: Remove Specific Characters from File Names
You can also remove specific characters from the file names to shorten your long file names.
- Open Windows PowerShell.
- Type the following commands:
The above command deletes the first 5 characters from all PDF Documents located in the D:\MyFiles folder.
Method 4: Remove Spaces from File Names
Another way to fix long file names is to remove spaces. You may use one of the following commands depending on the PowerShell version installed on your machine.
Open PowerShell.
Run the following command:
Note: You can download PowerShell from Microsoft Download Center here.
Method 5: Rename Files Using a Non-Windows Operating System/ Device
If the renaming fails due to any reason and the long file name error continues to occur during file copying or moving, you may want to insert the removable media containing your files onto another device where the files were originally created and then rename the files.
Method 6: Using Easy File Renamer (Multiple Renaming Patterns Available)
The easiest and recommended way to batch rename your files is to use a specialized software. Easy File Renamer contains multiple file renaming patterns to choose from. Using EFR, you can rename files from multiple folders, drives simultaneously.
The best thing about EFR is that unlike PowerShell which is a complex command mostly preferred by system administrators, there is no fear of losing any important data with Easy File Renamer. The program has a simple, beginner friendly interface to make the entire renaming job easier and quicker.
- Install & open Easy File Renamer.
- Click on Add Files.
- Choose your files.
- Click on Open.
- Once you’ve selected your files, they will be automatically added into the listbox on the right-side of your screen.
- Choose your renaming pattern from the Rules drop-down box on the left. For example, Remove or Replace.
- Click on the Add Rule icon.
- Click on Rename to start renaming.
Note: Easy File Renamer also contains add-on features to simplify the file transfer (moving/ copying). You can easily transfer your files from one location to another without errors or technical difficulties.