Windows 11 24H2 Updated Failed: Partition error

Question

Windows 11 24H2 cannot update and I am getting the standard partition error. I am on a Lenovo laptop that had Windows 11 pre-installed.

I have already tried the following with no success. How is this update so broken?

C:\Windows\System32>mountvol y: /s 

C:\Windows>y: 

Y:>cd efi\microsoft\boot\fonts 

Y:\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\Fonts>del *.*

Answer 1

Hello,

Here are some troubleshooting steps and considerations:

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1. Check EFI/System Partition Capacity

• Windows updates sometimes need extra space in the EFI or recovery partitions. Many OEM devices (like Lenovo laptops with Windows pre-installed) have slimmed‐down system partitions, and updates may fail if there isn’t enough room.

• Use Disk Management or Diskpart to verify the EFI (usually around 100–500 MB) and System Reserved partitions.

• If the partition is nearly full, you might need to increase its size using third-party partition management software (e.g., MiniTool Partition Wizard, EaseUS Partition Master). Be sure to back up your data before attempting any changes.

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2. Repair EFI Boot Files

Corruption or missing boot files can cause update failures. Try repairing the EFI boot environment as follows:

a. Open an elevated Command Prompt.

b. Identify and mount the EFI partition (if not already done):

1. Type:

diskpart

2. In Diskpart, list disks:

list disk

3. Select your system disk (often Disk 0):

select disk 0

4. List partitions:

list partition

5. Identify the EFI System Partition (usually small in size, e.g., 100–500 MB). Suppose it’s Partition 1:

select partition 1

6. Assign a drive letter (e.g., S):

assign letter=S

7. Exit Diskpart:

exit

c. Now repair boot files by running:

bcdboot C:\Windows /l en-us /s S: /f UEFI

This command copies boot files from your Windows folder to the EFI partition. Adjust the language code (en-us) if necessary.

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3. Run System Repair Tools

Before trying the update again, use these commands to verify and repair system files:

• Run System File Checker:

sfc /scannow

• Run DISM to repair the Windows image:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After these commands complete, try running Windows Update again.

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4. Reset Windows Update Components

Sometimes residual cache or component issues can interfere with updates. You can try resetting Windows Update:

a. Stop Windows Update services:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

b. Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

c. Restart the services:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Then, try to update again.

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5. Verify BIOS/UEFI Settings

Modern updates require UEFI boot mode. Ensure that:

• Your system is booting in UEFI mode (check in the BIOS/UEFI settings).

• Secure Boot is enabled if applicable.

Sometimes toggling these settings (or simply verifying them) helps clear update issues.

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6. Consider In-Place Upgrade or Repair Install

If the above steps don’t resolve the partition error, you might consider an in-place upgrade (repair install) using the Media Creation Tool or the Windows 11 ISO. This process reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and applications intact. It can resolve complex partition or boot configuration errors that are preventing updates.

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