How To Windows

How to Fix “There Is Not Enough Free Disk Space” BIOS/Firmware Update Error

By Raj Bepari 3 min read
Recommended: Download Windows Speedup Tool to quickly fix PC issues.

Some Windows 11 users encounter the error message “There is not enough free disk space to complete the System BIOS and Device Firmware update operation” while installing BIOS, firmware, or system updates through Windows Update or manufacturer utilities. This issue usually appears even when the main system drive seems to have plenty of free storage available.

In most cases, the problem is related to insufficient space in the EFI System Partition, Recovery Partition, or temporary update storage areas rather than the main Windows partition itself. Firmware updates often require reserved system partitions to store temporary update files before the installation process can complete successfully.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through several effective methods to fix the “There is not enough free disk space to complete the System BIOS and Device Firmware update operation” error in Windows 11.

How to Fix “There Is Not Enough Free Disk Space” BIOS/Firmware Update Error

Before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting methods, make sure you back up important data and keep your laptop connected to power during BIOS or firmware updates. Interrupting firmware installations can potentially damage the system firmware. Follow the methods below in order for the best results.

1. Free Up Storage Space on the System Drive

Even though the issue often involves system partitions, low C: drive space can still interfere with updates.

  1. Press: Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to: System > Storage
  3. Remove unnecessary files such as:
    • Temporary files
    • Downloads
    • Recycle Bin contents
    • Old Windows update files

Aim to keep at least 20GB of free space available if possible.

2. Run Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup can remove hidden update caches and temporary files.

  1. Press Windows + S and search for: Disk Cleanup
  2. Select the system drive.
  3. Click: Clean up system files
  4. Check items such as:
    • Windows Update Cleanup
    • Temporary Windows installation files
    • Temporary files
  5. Start the cleanup process.

This can free additional update-related storage.

3. Check EFI System Partition Size

Firmware updates sometimes fail because the EFI partition is too small.

  1. Press: Windows + X
  2. Select: Disk Management
  3. Locate the EFI System Partition.
  4. Verify whether it has sufficient free space.

Many older systems use EFI partitions that are too small for modern firmware updates.

4. Extend the EFI Partition (Advanced)

If the EFI partition is extremely small, you may need to resize it.

Important

Incorrect partition modifications can make Windows unbootable. Backup important data before proceeding.

  1. Use a partition management tool such as:
    • MiniTool Partition Wizard
    • AOMEI Partition Assistant
  2. Shrink the adjacent partition slightly.
  3. Extend the EFI partition size.

Increasing EFI partition size often resolves firmware update failures.

5. Delete Temporary Update Files

Corrupted firmware cache files may consume reserved update storage.

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
  1. Delete the contents of the folder.

You may need administrator permissions to complete the process.

6. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in tools for update-related issues.

  1. Open: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
  2. Run the: Windows Update troubleshooter.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

This may automatically fix update storage problems.

7. Disable Hibernation Temporarily

The hibernation file can consume large amounts of storage.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run:
powercfg /h off
  1. Restart your PC.

This removes the hibernation file and frees additional disk space.

8. Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

Large installed programs may reduce available update storage.

  1. Open: Settings > Apps > Installed apps
  2. Remove applications you no longer need.
  3. Restart the system afterward.

This can create more room for firmware installation files.

9. Install the BIOS Update Manually

Instead of using Windows Update, you can install the firmware directly from the manufacturer.

Visit your PC manufacturer’s support page and download the latest BIOS update manually.

Common manufacturers include:

  • Dell
  • HP
  • Lenovo
  • ASUS
  • Acer

Manufacturer tools sometimes bypass Windows Update storage limitations.

10. Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupted update components may trigger incorrect storage errors.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the following commands one at a time:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
  1. Restart your PC.

This rebuilds Windows Update components from scratch.

Conclusion

The “There is not enough free disk space to complete the System BIOS and Device Firmware update operation” error is usually caused by insufficient EFI partition space, temporary update files, corrupted update caches, or low available storage. Fortunately, most users can resolve the issue using methods such as cleaning up storage, resizing the EFI partition, resetting Windows Update components, or manually installing firmware updates.

By following the solutions outlined above, you should be able to complete BIOS and firmware updates successfully on your Windows 11 system without encountering storage-related errors.

Raj Bepari

I’m a digital content creator passionate about everything tech.