Windows 11 File Explorer cannot create folders in multiple locations - File system error (65535)

Question

Windows 11 File Explorer cannot create folders in multiple locations - File system error (65535)

=D 185

Recently, I have been unable to create new folders using File Explorer. This previously worked.

When I try to create a folder, I receive this error:

Unable to create the folder 'New folder'. File system error (65535).

I have tried creating folders in other locations and receive the same error, so the problem is not limited to one directory. I have attached a screenshot of the error.

System details:

Windows 11 Pro, version 25H2

OS build: 26200.9457

64-bit operating system

What could cause this error, and how can I restore the ability to create folders?

2026-10-07_09-24-47

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2 answers

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Answer 1

Emma1-N 13,785 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Welcome =D,

Thank you for providing the screenshot and Windows build information. Since the same “File system error (65535)” occurs when creating folders in multiple locations, I suggest first checking the Windows system files rather than focusing on permissions for one particular folder.

Before proceeding, could you confirm two things?

Can you create a folder directly under a simple local location such as C:\Users\Public\Documents?
Can you create a folder from Command Prompt by running mkdir "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\TestFolder"?

Also, please repair the Windows system files:

Search for Command Prompt, select Run as administrator, and approve the prompt.
Run: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
After DISM completes successfully, run: sfc /scannow
Restart the computer when the scan finishes, then test New > Folder in File Explorer again.

Looking forward to your update.

Emma1-N 13,785 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-09T00:05:33.5366667+00:00

Hello =D,

I just wanted to check if my previous response addressed your question correctly. If there is anything I may have misunderstood, I would truly appreciate it if you could provide a bit more detail to help me better understand your needs.
=D 185 Reputation points

2026-10-09T18:41:10.83+00:00

Hello Emma,

Thank you for your response. The folder-creation error has since cleared up, but I do not know what caused it or why it stopped occurring.

One potentially relevant detail is that I regularly pause OneDrive syncing because File Explorer becomes extremely slow (insufferably slow) while syncing is active. Creating a folder can leave Explorer unresponsive for approximately 1–10 seconds, and creating a Word document can cause delays lasting several seconds to tens of seconds.

Pausing OneDrive improves responsiveness to what I'd call just normal, but I have also noticed unusual errors while it is paused, including errors when renaming Word documents.

I therefore suspect OneDrive may be involved, although I cannot confirm that it caused the “File system error (65535).” The recurring performance problems remain even though folder creation is working again.

For comparison, I experience none of these issues with Apple’s iCloud Drive on my Mac. I create a folder, and the folder appears. No noticeable lag, no daily ritual of pausing synchronization, and no troubleshooting project attached to a routine file operation. A remarkably useful feature.

Yeah, anyway, is there a specific log or diagnostic that could help determine whether OneDrive is contributing to these delays and file-operation errors?
Emma1-N 13,785 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-13T04:55:49.2166667+00:00

Hello =D,

Thank you for the update. I’m glad the original folder-creation error has cleared.

Since File Explorer becomes noticeably faster when OneDrive is paused, please test creating and renaming a folder in a location outside OneDrive, such as C:\Temp, both while OneDrive is syncing and while it is paused.

If the slowdown occurs only inside OneDrive locations, that will help narrow down the issue. I would not attribute error 65535 specifically to OneDrive without further evidence.

Please let me know the result of this comparison.
Emma1-N 13,785 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-14T08:18:43.0966667+00:00

Hello =D,

Is there any update from you? Please let me know, I will be here to assist you

Answer 2

Horace Wiggins 535

Look at this and see if it helps.

https://en.windowsnoticias.com/How-to-fix-error-65535-in-Windows-easily/

Can you provide an image of where you want to create a new folder? Does it offer New? See example image below.

User's image

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