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We Couldn’t Update the System Reserved Partition [Windows 11 Fix]
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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When updating Windows 11 or upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you might encounter the errorWe couldn’t update system reserved partition.
This might be accompanied byerror codes 0xc1900104, 0x800f0922, or0xc1900201.
What is causing the System Reserved Partition error?
This may be caused by a full System Reserved Partition (SRP) that can’t be written into anymore.
Additionally, some third-party security and antivirus applications write into the SRP and can quickly fill it up.Dual-booting with Linuxcould also be the reason for the error.
Also, if you are running a new Legacy install, bypassing the Windows 11 requirements, you may have a System Reserved Partition with only 50 MB, too small.
What is the Function of the System Reserved Partition?
The SRP is a hidden partition in the system drive that contains crucial boot and system recovery information.
The data includes boot manager code and boot configuration data as well as the startup files used for BitLocker Drive Encryption. In Windows 10, recovery environment data is also stored in this partition.
What can I do if Windows 11 couldn’t update the system reserved partition?
1. Find out what is your partition type
Although usually, you can only install Windows 11 on a GUID Partition Table (GPT), it is possible to do that on MBR.
That’s why we first need to check what we’re dealing with because the solutions for the two cases are slightly different.
2. Delete the font files
2.1 For GUID Partition Table (GPT)
Apparently, by removing the fonts, you should now have enough space in the SRP to continue with your upgrades or installation.
2.2 For MBR (BIOS)
The System Reserved Partition should now have more free space. You can confirm this by checking the Disk Management console, where you should then proceed to remove the drive letter.
To remove theYdrive letter, right-click theSystem Reserved Partitionin theDisk Managementtool and selectChange Drive Letter and Pathjust like you did within the solution.
But this time, choose theY:drive, and selectRemove, then clickOKto save the changes.
Restart the computer (if needed) and proceed with yourupgrade or update. The errorWe couldn’t update system reserved partitionshould be gone.
3. Extend the System Reserved Partition with third-party Software
If you find the above method daunting, then third-party tools like the MiniTool Partition Wizard and AOMEI’s Diskpart can help solve the problem.
Such tools avail graphical interfaces and near-one-click operations to carry out the various fixes.
In particular, theMiniTool Partition Wizardclearly shows the partition style and other relevant properties for each partition.
Whether it’s a GPT or MBR disk, the software includes intuitive tools to help you extend or shrink the partitions. Just be sure to follow their documentation to the letter.
In a nutshell, these tools help you shrink the main C: drive and extend the System Reserved Partition with the resulting Unallocated Space.
As a last resort, you might want to consider performing aclean installof the affected Windows version.
Essentially, a clean install resets the hard drive and creates a fresh System Reserved Partition out of the main system drive. Remember to back up all your data before proceeding with a fresh install.
More about the topics:Windows 11,Windows Update
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
