Forum Discussion
Windows 11 not updating to Windows 11 Insider Preview Feature Update (26220.7051)
Respected Madams/Sirs,
I am facing a very unexpected problem while updating to Windows 11 Insider Preview Feature Update (26220.7051), which encounters an error and says, "couldn't extend system reserved partition". My disk has a lot of free space available, but the EFI, of course, was full with 6mb left, so I had to extend its capacity. To fix this, I tried numerous methods, but they eventually proved fruitless.
- Tried extending the EFI size (currently 100 MB) using GParted, but couldn't, so created a new EFI with a 500 MB size. Executed the necessary steps and commands to make sure the computer used the new EFI as its primary EFI. The computer boots using the new EFI, but the update error hasn't gone.
- Tried clearing unnecessary files from the original EFI. Nothing worked.
- Tried cleaning my hard disk, which of course might not be the key for this since the error is related to EFI, not the hard disk itself. Still, nothing worked.
To put it short, I may have tried every method possible, but nothing has worked. I urgently require assistance.
My current Windows version is Windows 11 Home, version 24H2, OS build is 26120.6982, on a Dell Inspiron Laptop
Please help.
Thanks!
6 Replies
any new fixes for the same problem
Same issue no luck whatever I try
- Fixing Windows 11 Insider “Fix Issues” / “Reserved Partition Can’t Be Updated” Error (Full EFI Method)
If you get the “Fix issues” or “Reserved partition can’t be updated” message when trying to install a Windows 11 Insider Preview Feature Update, it usually means your EFI (System Reserved) partition is too small — typically 100 MB.
This guide shows how to create a new, larger EFI partition, make Windows boot from it, and safely remove the old one.
- Step 1 – Create a new EFI partition
Open Disk Management.
Shrink any existing partition to free about 1 GB of unallocated space.
Create a new partition, format it as FAT32, and label it EFI_New.
Assign it a drive letter (for example, S:).
- Step 2 – Copy boot files to the new EFI
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
bcdboot C:\Windows /s S: /f UEFI
This copies the necessary boot files to the new EFI partition.
- Step 3 – Point Windows Boot Manager to the new EFI
Run these commands (replace the X with the correct volume number for your new EFI, check it using diskpart → list volume):
bcdedit /set {bootmgr} device partition=HarddiskVolumeX
bcdedit /set {bootmgr} path \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\bootmgfw.efi
- Step 4 – Verify that Windows now uses the new EFI
bcdedit /enum all | find "device"
Check that {bootmgr} and osdevice now point to your new EFI partition (e.g. partition=S:).
- Step 5 – Delete the old EFI partition
Reboot into Windows Recovery (Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt).
Run DiskPart:
diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
list partition
select partition 1
delete partition override
exit
Delete the old 100 MB EFI partition only after confirming the system boots properly from the new one.
- Step 6 – Run Windows Update again
Now run Windows Update.
The Insider Feature Update (like build 26220.7051) should install normally — no more “Fix issues” or “Reserved partition can’t be updated” errors.
Tips
• Always back up your BCD before making changes:
bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup
To restore:
bcdedit /import C:\BCD_Backup
• Double-check partition numbers before deleting anything.
• You can verify the active boot partition any time using bcdedit /enum all.
Result
Your PC now boots from the new EFI partition, has enough reserved space for future Insider updates, and the Windows Update problem is permanently solved.
🤗
Update:
The problem was solved for this build, and I proceeded smoothly to eventually install Windows 11, version 25H2, except that the next update is now frozen by showing an installation error:Preview Update (KB5067036) (26200.7019)
Install error - 0x800f0991
1. Have run System checks. Nothing worked.2. Ran several scans and troubleshooters. Nothing worked.
3. Tried to install the build update manually. Nothing worked.
Again, I may have tried every method possible, but nothing has worked.
I would request someone to look into this matter, because even though the update may run smoothmly after a few days later, it is not of any good that every next update must show an error and update only after a few days henceforth.
Thanks!Yeah, same on HPElitebook, 840G6
Edition Windows 11 Pro
Version 24H2
Installed on 18/03/2025
OS build 26120.6982
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.266.0Same problem on my Dell Alienware 16 Aurora, Core 7 240H, RTX 3050. Nothing solves the problem. Waiting for some fix.
