CreateProcess error 206 occurs when a file's path or extension exceeds the maximum character limit allowed by the operating system. This error is common in Windows systems, where the maximum path length allowed is 260 characters. In this guide, we'll go through the steps to resolve this error by shortening the file paths or using alternative methods to bypass the character limit.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Identify the Problematic File Paths
• Step 2: Shorten the File Paths
• Step 3: Use the Unicode Path Prefix
• Step 4: Enable Long Paths in Windows
• FAQ Section
• What is the maximum file path length in Windows?
• How can I find files with long paths in Windows?
• Can I use relative paths to solve the CreateProcess error 206?
• Do other operating systems have a file path length limit?
• Can I use third-party tools to manage long file paths?

Step 1: Identify the Problematic File Paths

Before you can fix CreateProcess error 206, you'll need to identify the file paths causing the issue. Look for error messages in your application logs, or use a file search tool like Everything to search for files with long paths.

Example: If you receive the error while building a project in Visual Studio, you'll see the problematic file paths in the Output or Error List windows.

Step 2: Shorten the File Paths

Once you've identified the problematic file paths, try shortening them by renaming files or folders, or moving them to a higher level in the directory structure.

Example: Change a file path like C:\Users\Username\Documents\Projects\VeryLongProjectName\SubFolderWithLongName\AnotherSubFolder\LongFileName.extension to C:\Projects\ShortName\SubFolder\AnotherSubFolder\ShortFileName.extension.

Step 3: Use the Unicode Path Prefix

If shortening the file paths isn't an option, you can use the Unicode path prefix \\?\ to bypass the character limit. This method works with Windows API functions that support Unicode, such as CreateFileW.

Example: Change a file path like C:\LongFilePath\LongFileName.extension to \\?\C:\LongFilePath\LongFileName.extension.

Refer to the Microsoft Docs for more information on using the Unicode path prefix.

Step 4: Enable Long Paths in Windows

Starting from Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016, you can enable long paths to bypass the 260-character limit. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Group Policy Editor by pressing Win + R, typing gpedit.msc, and hitting Enter.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Filesystem.
3. Double-click on Enable Win32 long paths and set it to Enabled.
4. Click OK to save the changes, and restart your computer.

Note: This method may not work with all applications, as it depends on the application's support for long paths.

FAQ Section

What is the maximum file path length in Windows?

The maximum file path length in Windows is 260 characters, including the drive letter, colon, backslashes, and null-terminating character. This limit applies to the legacy Windows API functions, but can be bypassed using the Unicode path prefix or enabling long paths in Windows 10 and later versions.

How can I find files with long paths in Windows?

You can use file search tools like Everything or TreeSize Free to search for files with long paths. Alternatively, you can use PowerShell scripts or third-party tools to find and manage long file paths.

Can I use relative paths to solve the CreateProcess error 206?

Yes, using relative paths can help you avoid the character limit in some cases. However, the actual file path length will still be limited by the system's maximum path length, so this solution might not work for all scenarios.

Do other operating systems have a file path length limit?

Yes, other operating systems have file path length limits, but they are generally higher than in Windows. For example, macOS has a maximum file path length of 1024 characters, while Linux typically allows up to 4096 characters.

Can I use third-party tools to manage long file paths?

Yes, there are third-party tools available that can help you find, manage, and copy files with long paths, such as Long Path Tool or TLPD. These tools can be helpful in cases where renaming or moving files is not a feasible solution.