What is the maximum file + path name allowed in Windows?

EXCEPTIONS: There are exceptions, but you should avoid them. For example, you can use the DOS SUBST command to shorten a really long path, some languages allow coders to ignore the MAX_PATH constant, you can install the Unicode version of Windows, and finally, you can use "\\?\" prefix before the path to use paths greater than 260 characters (replace ? with a drive letter).

MALWARE NOTE: Some hackers exploit the exceptions above to cause problems, aggravation, and wasted time of normal healthy humans. Likely because they are just defective inferior humans incapable of interacting with others. Same level of social skills as the elementary boy who says he hates the girl he likes.

What about Resiliant File System (ReFS)? As of May 2016, yes, the limit still applies. ReFS is the new file system Microsoft has introduced starting with Windows Server 2012.

Why doesn't Microsoft change it? My opinion is that it is because changing it would break legacy applications and the 255 limit is not that serious for most, yet. Plus, relatively easy workarounds exist for I.T. professionals to implement for larger entities. The problem is that most applications error check for too long paths so those would all have to be rewritten. It's a big step Microsoft will have to take at some point, but as of May 2016 Microsoft has not. When they do, it is likely to be solved similar to the 8.3 LFN used to transition from FAT to FAT32. There will be problems, but it will set the path to the future.