Understanding File Name and Path Length Errors

MSLLC Guide to File Name and Path Length Issues

Overview of File Name and Path Length Limits

File save or sync operations can fail when file names or full paths become too long, or when they include characters that are not allowed by the operating system or application. Depending on the version of the system, file name character limits typically range between 255–400 characters. It is important to keep file names concise to avoid potential saving errors and to ensure compatibility across different platforms, including SharePoint and other file systems.

Quick Actions When You See File Name Length Errors

If you're experiencing file name length errors, you can often resolve them quickly by adjusting how the file is named or saved. MSLLC recommends the following practical steps:

• Shorten your file name to reduce the number of characters. Keeping file names concise helps stay within the typical 255–400 character range and minimizes issues with different systems.

• Use the “Copy to” feature as an alternative method of saving files. This can sometimes bypass limitations encountered during a direct save or sync operation.

• Check the specific character limit for your version of the operating system or application so you know the maximum file name or path length that is supported in your environment.

SharePoint File Name and Path Restrictions

SharePoint has strict file naming restrictions and character limits. Files with long names, especially those containing special characters or exceeding path length limits, may be prevented from saving. Some SharePoint or file systems may have limitations on file name length that are more restrictive than the underlying operating system, so it is essential to design names with these constraints in mind.

Common SharePoint Naming Problems

When saving to SharePoint, the following issues can cause errors:

• File names that are too long relative to SharePoint’s character limit.

• Use of unsupported or special characters in the file name.

• File names that start with a space.

If you're experiencing issues saving files in SharePoint due to name length or invalid characters, try shortening the file name to 3–4 letters or removing special characters. Ensure the file name does not contain any unsupported characters or exceed the maximum character limit for your specific SharePoint environment.

Unsupported Characters and Formatting in SharePoint

To resolve SharePoint save issues related to naming, MSLLC recommends the following:

1. Rename files to shorter names, avoiding special characters such as:
   ~, ', #, %, &, *, :, <, >, ?, /, \, {, |, }

2. Avoid starting file names with a space.

3. If direct saving fails, first save the file to your desktop, then drag and drop it into the SharePoint folder. This alternate workflow can help when an application has trouble communicating naming rules directly to SharePoint.

Best Practices for Naming Files in SharePoint

To prevent file name and path length errors in SharePoint and improve overall manageability of your content, MSLLC recommends the following best practices when saving files:

• Keep file names relatively short. Avoid unnecessary words or characters to reduce the total path length.

• Avoid special characters. Follow SharePoint’s restrictions by not using characters like ~, ', #, %, &, *, :, <, >, ?, /, \, {, |, } in file names.

• Use underscores or hyphens to separate words. This improves readability and helps avoid issues with spaces or other separators.

• Use clear, descriptive names without excessive numbers or dashes. Descriptive names make content easier to find while staying within character limits.

• Ensure the total file path length is within SharePoint's character limit. Remember that the full path includes site, library, folder, and file name segments.

An example of a good, SharePoint-friendly file name is:

Crypto_Acknowledgement_2025.docx

By following these practices—shortening file names, avoiding disallowed characters, and keeping total paths within the applicable character limits—you can significantly reduce file save and sync errors in SharePoint and other systems.