Installed Brave fine but now Win 11 won't update SRP full

System reserve partition full, can’t update win 11

Version 1.77.97 Chromium: 135.0.7049.84 (Official Build) (64-bit)

I’m using a gmtec mini pc 16gb ram , 1tb ssd, 660m etc… so pretty standard and modern. But my first windows issue comes a day after I install Brave where now I get an error saying system reserve partition full. I have heard of a workaround saying to delete fonts in said partition to free up space but people say any mistakes could make unbootable system. Any ideas or recommendations before I proceed with any actions. Thanks in advance, I’m not a complete dummy so should be able to follow instruction.

@houseOnArock

Contact GMKtec:

https://www.gmktec.com/pages/contact-us?spm=..index.footer_1.1


The following section of info is about, Where the Brave Browser installation usually is - the system level install:

Brave Browser installation location on Windows OS

Application “brave.exe”

64 architecture

C:\Program Files\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\Application\brave.exe

The initial Brave Browser Profile is, by default, named “Profile 1” (unless you change that namebrave://settings/getStarted).

The folder that contains the initial Brave Browser Profile, is the Default folder (a name that you must not change):

C:\Users[UserName]\AppData\Local\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\

That path may also be written:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\


If you create 1 additional Profile (aka “Profile 2”), it will be stored in folder Profile 1:

C:\Users[UserName]\AppData\Local\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Profile 1\

If you create a 2nd additional Profile (aka “Profile 3”), it will be stored in folder Profile 2:

C:\Users[UserName]\AppData\Local\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Profile 2\


IMPORTANT - Replacing Profile folders

When replacing Brave Browser Profile folders:

Folder named Default (including its contents) can only replace its likeness: the folder named Default.

Folder named Profile 1 (including its contents) can only replace its likeness: the folder named Profile 1.

Folder named Profile 2 (including its contents) can only replace its likeness: the folder named Profile 2.


IMPORTANT - Brave Browser Preferences

Some Brave Browser Preferences are stored in the Preferences file:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\Preferences

The contents of that Preferences file, are not exactly the contents of, brave://prefs-internals/.

Some Brave Browser Preferences are stored in the Local State file:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\Local State


Bookmarks and Bookmarks.bak files:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\Bookmarks
%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\Bookmarks.bak

Cache (folder):

%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\Cache\

Cookies (file):

%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\Cookies

History (file - usually lots of data):

%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\History

Crash Reports:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\CrashReports\


But . . . be aware of a custom installation - the user level install:

June 2023, anon57438784 wrote:

Custom installation folder - #4 by anon57438784

Brave uses the OMAHA updater . . .

Brave uses the OMAHA updater, which is open source alternative to what Chrome uses, and probably what Edge uses as well.

OMAHA update can only update in two locations, Program files when you install with admin rights and %localuserdata% when you install without admin rights, but the User Data never changes, it always goes to where it goes.

Brave by not having a custom installer, they have the way to use Policies and all that which is good for enterprise, unlike other Browsers.

So, in that case, what you have to move is the User Data.

Brave in their Github page already offers a zipped version of the Browser which doesn’t have the updater, which means you can place it anywhere you want, and then you can create a BAT file [batch file?] or Shortcut and use whatever directory you want for the User Data.

You can use --user-data-dir="User Data" and the folder will be placed wherever the Brave.exe you are starting is.

If you want to keep the ‘updater’ but move the files, then you should use Junctions or Symbolic Links, which is exactly what Windows users all over Windows, so using them will not cause issues.

The best way to use it is by installing Brave without admin rights, so everything Application, Updater and User Data will be placed in the same folder, in %localappdata%\BraveSoftware

Then you use move it somewhere else and create the junction or symbolic link to it in the same place so Updater and everything works as expected.

It is the way Chromium works, this has to be something Chromium offers easier without using the --user-data-dir=.



Be Prepared


Every day, BEFORE running Brave Browser, create a Windows OS System Restore Point:

https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/create-system-restore-point-script-windows-10-8-7-vista-xp/

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/create-system-restore-point-in-windows-11.3602/

(Please bookmark those sites.)


I have been using GoodSync for almost 20 years, in order to backup Windows OS machines.

In particular, re using an Internet browser, I use backup scripts - could be a Windows OS batch file, or a WinZip feature - for backing up the “BraveSoftware” folder in the following Windows OS path (Brave Browser system level installation):

C:\Users[UserName]\AppData\Local\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\

Other users, back up the “Brave-Browser” or “User Data” folder - which are also good choices. (I prefer the senior-most container.)




So are you saying I should not have installed automatically but somehow installed without administrative privileges? If I uninstall and start again would it remove any user data from the SRP?

@houseOnArock

You need a large, external drive on which, to move: enough of the mass of your data that has accumulated on your Windows OS 11 PC.

Thus, removing - let’s say 200 MB worth - of data, from your Windows OS 11 PC.

Thus, freeing up some space.

After lightening the PC’s load, restart the PC at least TWO TIMES.

Let the Windows OS do some maintenance of its own, that occurs when restarting.

How to Check Free Hard Drive Space in Windows
https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-check-free-hard-drive-space-in-windows-2619187

[Microsoft:] Monitor Disk Space
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/system-center/orchestrator/standard-activities/monitor-disk-space?view=sc-orch-2022


The information in my previous reply, will help you to:

  • know what and where, are the pieces / parts of the Brave Browser installation
  • maintain routine data backups

My ssd has loads of free space, came with 2 partitions one of which is empty. The System Reserve Partition I believe is separate partition

@houseOnArock

See:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/-we-couldn-t-update-system-reserved-partition-error-installing-windows-10-46865f3f-37bb-4c51-c69f-07271b6672ac

Note, there:

“The System Reserved Partition (SRP) may be full. The System Reserve Partition (SRP) is a small partition on your hard drive that stores boot information for Windows. Some third-party anti-virus and security apps write to the SRP, and can fill it up.

Study that Microsoft Support webpage.

For each of the commands, type them completely into a text editor window and save that text file. Practice that work, and know the command character strings.

Note the webpage’s words of wisdom:

“Caution: these steps are complicated, and carry some risk. This is best done by advanced users with experience using the command line. If you make an error in entering these commands, you could put your device in a no-boot situation, and possibly lose data you have stored on the device.”

BEFORE you attempt that - IF you are going to attempt that - BACK UP YOUR DATA.

AND, PROBABLY you should contact GMKtec Support and consult with them, too . . . BEFORE you attempt a fix.

THEY might have some useful tips.


1 Like