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PBR Image Is Almost Full: Should you Delete it?

Detailed guide to help you decide on the PBR partition

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

PBR image is one of the recovery features that come with Dell computers. However, upon opening File Explorer, some users find that PBR imagememory is almost full.

This looks concerning, and users are wondering if the PBR Image can be deleted. If you are also in a dilemma about what to do with the drive, the information in this guide will help you make an informed decision.

What does PBR Image mean?

What does PBR Image mean?

PBR (Partition Boot Record) is the first block of the bootable partition that is often part of Dell computers. Its major function is to help back up your Windows operating system and restore it when you want to upgrade your PC or perform a clean install.

Basically, it serves as a backup for your PC that you can fall back on when you experience system or hard drive failure. So, it is pretty important on every Dell computer that has it.

Despite its importance, some users are complaining that the PBR image is almost full. But can you delete it?

While there are ways to delete the PBR image,you should never delete it. It is true that deleting it will have no immediate effect but can be detrimental when you need to restore orrecover your PC.

You might be wondering what to do with it when it is almost. We will show you quick workarounds for that in the next section of this guide.

How can I fix the PBR image if it is almost full?

How can I fix the PBR image if it is almost full?

1. Ignore it

In most cases, if your PBR image is almost full, it is not something to worry about. The drive contains important files for recovering your PC in case there is a software failure.

You should know that this does not in any way affect the performance of your PC. So, you have no reason to worry and ignore it.

2. Turn off system protection

With this, you can prevent the PBR image almost full issue. Note that this is just a workaround and not a permanent solution to the problem.

3. Create a recovery drive

After downloading process completes, your recovery drive should now be ready. With this, you will now have a backup in case the PBR image that is almost full eventually gets filled up.

Note that using an empty USB drive is important because this process will wipe its contents. Also, this process will take time because many files will be copied.

Hence, you must be patient and ensure your device is connected to a power source and active. If you want to knowhow to use the recovery drive, check our guide.

We have now reached the end of this guide on the PBR image is almost full complaints. While it is true that you can delete the file, it is not advisable, as you will lose your recovery files.

If youcan’t create a recovery drivefor some reason, check our detailed guide to fix it for good.

Feel free to let us share your experience with the PBR image in the comments below.

More about the topics:hard drive

Ola-Hassan Bolaji

Windows Hardware Expert

A Computer Engineering graduate, he has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers.

He finds joy in simplifying complex topics into simple solutions for PC users. The quality of his work and providing step-wise tested and proven solutions to PC issues are all that matter to him.

Away from computers, he is either reading or watching football!

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Ola-Hassan Bolaji

Windows Hardware Expert

He’s a Computer Engineering graduate who has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers & operating systems.