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Is your Windows 10/11 Install Stuck? Fix it in 4 Quick Steps
Everything you need to push the installation through
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
I remember that when I installed Windows 10 on my laptop, it stuck at 10% for quite a while.
MyWindows 10copy was a genuine one (albeit I didn’t pay for it since I got it for free in the university program), so, naturally, I was afraid that it would fail toinstall.
This problem has been affecting all Windows users, from Windows 7 toWindows 10. Below we will try to come up with a few basic solutions that could help you out.
But before we start, below are some of the stages where your Windows installation can get stuck:
What can I do if my Windows 10 installation process gets stuck?
1. Install the final version
Most of these issues will happen with versions ofWindows 10that are not final. I tried myinstallwith a final version ofWindows 10, so I managed to overcome the issues just by … waiting.
But, if you’re getting yourWindows 10installstuck at different stages and you’re not using a final version (or a pirated, illegal one), I strongly advise you topick a final, legal version.
2. Unplug all external devices
I remember that a few years back, when I was installing Windows 7, I got the same issue. My mouse was plugged in, as my printer, and my USB cable to my smartphone.
As soon as I unplugged all that, myinstallresumed and finished very quickly. Try doing that, too, and it should get past that stuck point.
3. Just wait
I know one doesn’t have to be a techie to do this one, but you feel different when people tell you it’s only natural that it is happening.
So, don’t worry; you’ll be able to finalize your Windows 10 install. Grab a book, open your TV, and let it do its job.
4. Update your BIOS
This has been reported by our reader, Charan. He tried the basic advice we’ve given, and it didn’t work. Check to see whether yourBIOS is outdatedand if it is, then update it. Thanks again, Charan!
Sometimes, you might want to check again if your PC iscompatible with Windows 10, but unless you’re installing it on something very old, you should not have this issue.
Also, this is a non-advice because I’m not sure 100% if it’s genuine. Before installingWindows 10, be sure you have a littlemore spacethan just what is required. So, if you need 16 GB forWindows 10, make sure you have at least 25, for example.
If you’reinstallingWindows 10from a DVD, don’t forget to eject your DVD if you no longer need it or when it says you to. If you forget to do it, it might start the installprocessall over again.
Try the above solutions and if they don’t work, let us know in the comments section and we’ll try to work out a solution together, but, usually, this is nothing to be worried about.
Upgrade to latest Windows versions
If you are on Windows 10, you probably have had enough of this, but really – you should go ahead andupgrade to Windows 11.
Besides the various security issues that you might encounter, older operating systems also don’t get enough attention from Microsoft.
If you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.
More about the topics:installation error,windows 10 upgrade
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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