How to overcome KRE long path issue on Windows

This document explains a work-around to the KRE long path issue on Windows machines.

Issue

The KRE long path issue on Windows is found when using Katalon Studio and Katalon Runtime Engine (KRE) version 10.2.0 and later. This issue causes occasional execution failures when executing test cases, test suites, or test suite collections, specifically on Windows machines.

When it occurs, you may see one of the following errors:

Error 1: Path length limitation

Example:

Package path is too long C:/Users/sample/.katalon/10.3.2/Katalon_Studio_Engine_Windows_64-10.3.2/.
Please shorten the package path to stay within Windows command length limits.

Error 2: Test run terminated without detailed logs

Example:

2025-10-13T09:55:23.0816398Z Launcher status after execution process completed: Terminated

Root Cause

From version 10.2.0 onward, Katalon Studio/Katalon Runtime Engine uses a new StandardVMRunner (org.eclipse.jdt.internal.launching), which auto-generates a temporary classpath argument file with all required classpaths for execution.

In some environments, the path of this temp file exceeds 255 characters, which is Windows' maximum supported file path length. This prevents Windows from processing the file properly, resulting in execution failures.

Solution

Katalon is aware of this issue and is actively working on a permanent fix. In the meantime, these are temporary workarounds you can apply:

Workaround 1: Use the “Pre-installed” KRE option

Pre-install KRE option allows you to allocate a more surface folder for KRE, hence shortening the path length of the temporary files as they are created during executions.

1. Manually download the desired KRE version from Katalon Releases.

2. Place the KRE folder in a short directory path, and copy this path for later use. For example:

   C:/Users/KRE_10.3.2

When executing KRE in Azure DevOps or TestOps, you are asked to specify a Katalon Studio version and the path to KRE. Leave the version blank, and use the path in step 2 for KRE.

3. Save the configuration and re-run your test.

Example configurations

With Azure DevOps:

With local agent in TestOps Legacy:

Workaround 2: Downgrade to an earlier version

If you prefer not to manually download and configure KRE, you can downgrade to a previous Katalon Studio version earlier than *10.2.x (10.1.x or 9.x...).