I tried updating my windows pc to the latest version. But i received a message that my system reserved partition couldn't be updated.

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I tried updating my windows pc to the latest version. But i received a message that my system reserved partition couldn't be updated.

GEM 0

I tried updating my windows pc to the latest version. But i received a message that my system reserved partition couldn't be updated. I have attached the message i received, my disk management partition info and my Pc health check info. How do i go by it. WhatsApp Image 2026-05-14 at 12.09.08 PM

WhatsApp Image 2026-05-14 at 12.05.01 PM

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2 answers

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Answer 1

David-M 112.1K Independent Advisor

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

Do you have a third-party antivirus installed? If yes, which one?

Also. What is the current version and "OS Build" of your Windows?

Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Be sure to censor your email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

Looking forward to your reply.

GEM 0 Reputation points

2026-05-14T13:50:56.5266667+00:00

I use AVG antivirus and the current OS version is Windows 11 24H2. I was updating it to the 25H2 and received the error message. How do i correct that error
David-M 112.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-05-14T14:15:42.36+00:00

Thanks for the clarifications.

Since you are on Windows 11, your system uses the GPT partition style, and having AVG Antivirus installed is highly likely the main reason your System Reserved partition is full.

AVG (and some other third-party antiviruses) often store boot-time security logs and signatures in that partition, leaving no room when you need to upgrade.

I believe the safest course of action is to first uninstall AVG. Uninstall it in the usual way, and if the message persists, I suggest using the uninstallation tool provided by the developer. Find instructions on how to use the tool and download it at the link below:

https://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?l=en&urlName=Uninstall-AVG-software-Clear-Remover&supportType=home

Please let me know how it goes.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.
GEM 0 Reputation points

2026-05-15T09:03:20.74+00:00

Hello, David. I uninstalled AVG as you suggested and tried updating again. I still got the same error message. Which other solution can I try, please?
David-M 112.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-05-15T12:53:20.9866667+00:00
Got it. Since even the deep uninstallation didn't clear enough space, it means those files are permanently locked, or your partition is simply too small for what Windows 11 25H2 requires.

If you prefer to avoid dealing with the complex steps of the Command Prompt, as mentioned by the AI, the absolute best and safest way to fix this permanently is to slightly increase the size of that partition using a free, visual tool.

I recommend using AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard (the free version) or any other similar partition tool of your preference.

Here is how to do it step-by-step:

Open the partition tool and locate your main drive.

Right-click your main C: drive, select Move/Resize, and shrink it slightly to create about 200 MB of unallocated space.

Right-click the System Reserved partition, select Move/Resize, and expand it into that newly created unallocated space.

Click Apply to execute the changes.

If you feel uncomfortable proceeding, share a screenshot of what the tool is showing.

After completing this process, restart your computer and try updating again.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Answer 2

The message means the System Reserved Partition (SRP) is full and Windows cannot write the boot files needed for the upgrade. Space must be freed on that partition, then the upgrade can be retried.

Follow these steps in order.

Determine partition style (GPT vs MBR)
Press Windows + R, type diskmgmt.msc, press Enter.
In Disk Management, right‑click the disk that contains the System Reserved/EFI partition (for example, Disk 0) and select Properties.
On the Volumes tab, check Partition style:
- GUID Partition Table (GPT) → follow the “Windows 10 with GPT partition” method below.
- Master Boot Record (MBR) → follow the “Windows 10 with MBR partition” method.

The goal is to free at least 15 MB on SRP for an upgrade (13 MB for an update).

If the disk uses GPT (most modern Windows 10/11 systems)
Open Start, search for cmd.
Right‑click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.
At the prompt, run:
```
   mountvol y: /s
```
This mounts the EFI System Partition as drive Y:.
Switch to that drive and go to the Fonts folder:
```
   Y:
   cd EFI\Microsoft\Boot\Fonts
```
Delete font files to free space:
```
   del *.*
```
Confirm with Y when asked.
Close Command Prompt and restart the PC. The drive letter will be removed automatically.
Run Windows Update or the Windows 11 setup again.
If the disk uses MBR
Press Windows + R, type diskmgmt.msc, press Enter.
In Disk Management, right‑click the System Reserved partition → Change Drive Letter and Paths → Add → assign drive letter Y:.
Open Start, search for cmd, right‑click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.
In Command Prompt, switch to the SRP:
```
    Y:
```
Grant SYSTEM full control so files can be removed:
```
    icacls . /grant system:f /t
```
Remove unneeded files from the SRP (for example, language or font files placed there by third‑party security software) until at least 15 MB is free.
Set the owner back to SYSTEM:
```
    icacls Y: /setowner "SYSTEM" /t /c
```
In Disk Management, right‑click the System Reserved partition → Change Drive Letter and Paths → select Y: → Remove.
Run Windows Update or the Windows 11 setup again.

Important notes

These operations are advanced and mistakes can make the system unbootable or cause data loss. A full backup is strongly recommended before proceeding.
If uncomfortable with command‑line work or with deleting files from system partitions, contact a professional technician or Microsoft Support and reference the official guidance for the “We couldn’t update system reserved partition” error.

References:

“We couldn’t update system reserved partition” error installing Windows 10

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I tried updating my windows pc to the latest version. But i received a message that my system reserved partition couldn't be updated.

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