Resolved: Issue with installation files preparing stuck at 0%, 1%, 10%, 100%

Resolving the Issue of "Stuck on 'Preparing to Install Files'"

One way to fix the “Preparing to install updates” stuck error is by deleting problematic files and folders. Here's how to delete the files and folders causing the issue:

Step 1: Restart the device, and you should see the Windows Boot Manager screen.

Step 2. Select “Advanced options” and then click “Command Prompt”. Read more >>

7 Ways to Fix the “Preparing to Install” Error

To address the "Preparing to Install" error, follow this detailed guide to understand the root cause and appropriate solutions for this issue.

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The installation file is stuck at 0%, 1%, 10%, 100%...

Recently, many Windows users have been complaining about the “Preparing to install files” issue that gets stuck. The problem starts occurring during the installation process, where it gets stuck at the “Preparing to install files” stage, whether it's at 0%, 1%, 10%, or 100%.

Scenario 1: I just built a brand new computer and am in the process of installing Windows. Yesterday, the installation got stuck at 92% while "Preparing to install files." I tried again this morning and it got stuck again, but this time at 0%. Now every attempt gets stuck at "Preparing to install files."

Scenario 2: I just built a custom PC that's supposed to run Windows 10. But every time I try to install it, the process stops at 75%-76% on the “Preparing to install files” screen. Help!

Have you encountered the “Windows 10 stuck on 'Getting ready'” issue? Has your installation been stuck at 0%, 1%, 10%, or 100%? Try these tested solutions to fix the installation hang.

Also read: Fix Total Identified Windows Installations 0 Error

Fix 1: Do nothing and wait for the installation to finish

Microsoft advises users to wait for the installation to finish before taking any further steps. If your computer is showing the "Preparing files" screen, your system might be handling some background tasks. It can take some time for these tasks to complete. Hence, if you want your computer to start normally, you might want to try waiting first. We suggest not waiting for more than 2-3 hours before attempting to cancel.

Solution 2: Disconnect all peripherals to fix installation issues

Make sure that all non-essential hardware is disconnected, and that you've unplugged all hard drives except your C: drive. Remove external hard drives, and disconnect any unnecessary peripherals, including extra monitors, smart card readers, quirky keyboards, and so on. If you can, turn off Wi-Fi and plug in with an Ethernet cable directly to your router (this worked for me). Then try the upgrade again.

Read more:

How to Fix Windows 11 Update Stuck at 100% | Full Guide

When upgrading to Windows 11, the update download process might get stuck at 100%. Fortunately, in this guide, you'll find effective and quick solutions to fix the Windows 11 update stuck at 100% error.

Fix 3: Delete Problematic Files to Repair "Preparing Files Error"

Another way to fix the “Preparing to install update” error is by deleting problematic files and folders. Follow these steps to delete these faulty files:

Step 1: Restart your device, and you'll see the Windows Boot Manager screen. On the main menu, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Delete the problematic file - 1

Step 2. Type C: cd Windows\System32\LogFiles\Srt. SrtTrail.txt in the Command Prompt window, and press Enter to continue.

Step 3. If you see the message “The startup file c:\windows\system32\drivers\vsock.sys is corrupted,” locate the file and type the del command in the Command Prompt to delete it.

Delete the problematic file-2

Fix 4: Resolve the 'Preparing to install updates' issue by booting in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode of a computer operating system (OS). Its purpose is to help fix most, if not all, issues within the OS.

Step 1. Hold down the Power button for five seconds, or until your computer turns off.

Step 2: Press the power button again to turn it on.

Step 3: You should see a message saying "Windows failed to start" or something similar.

Step 4: Choose “Advanced repair options” > “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings.”

Step 5: Click “Restart,” then choose “Safe Mode” to boot into Safe Mode.

Step 6: Log in and restart.

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Fix 5: Solve the Windows 10/8/7 installation stuck issue by resetting BIOS

If the issue persists, you can try resetting your BIOS. Here are the steps to resolve the 'Preparing to install files' issue by resetting BIOS:

Step 1: Restart your computer and press F2/F8/ESC to enter the Boot Settings to check the boot priority.

If the detected drive is not marked as the boot priority drive, make sure it is set to boot before the Windows Boot Manager, USB HDD, or DVD-ROM option.

Step 3: When you're done, save your changes and exit the BIOS.

Step 4. Restart your device.

Fix 6: Clean up large and junk files for installation later

After trying these, you're advised to clean up your junk files and then attempt a clean install of Windows 10. Don't let Microsoft do the cleanup for you – it takes forever. Stop the upgrade in progress, wipe the hard drive with a clean-up utility, download the software, and learn how to clean up big files.

Step 1: Download and install Partition Master Free, and then run it on your Windows computer.

On that page, hover over “PC Cleaner,” and click the download icon to install and run the CleanGenius tool.

Step 2: In CleanGenius, tap on “Clean” on the main screen, and then tap on “Scan” to start the scan.

Step 3: After the scan, select the unnecessary large files and tap on “Clean” to delete them.

4. When CleanGenius finishes cleaning the selected files, click on “Finish” to end the process.

Fix 7: Take it to a Microsoft Store

If everything else falls flat, you can always take your computer to a Microsoft Store and have an engineer install the update for you. This is the easiest and most efficient way to resolve the "Getting ready to install" glitch that's stuck at 0%, 1%, 10%, or 100%.

The bottom line?

It can be frustrating to encounter the preparing to install files stuck error. Hopefully, one of the solutions above will work for you. If the problem persists, try performing a clean installation of Windows 10. Alternatively, contact us for further assistance. If your C drive is full, you can use a partition tool like Partition Master to increase the C drive space.

"Frequently Asked Questions: Stuck on 'Windows 10 Installation Files Preparation'"

These are just a few of the questions that people ask about this topic. Read on to learn more.

How long does it take for Windows to get ready?

About 2-3 hours.

This can take a while, depending on the number of programs installed on your computer and the tasks that the system is performing. To allow your computer to boot normally, the first thing you can do is wait for these system processes to finish. It's generally recommended to be patient and wait for about 2-3 hours.

How do I fix the "Windows couldn't install required files" error?

If you get the error 0x8007025D while doing a clean install, you need to replace the media because it's damaged or corrupted. Whether it's a CD, DVD, USB, or ISO, you'll have to download a new copy using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool.

Why does “Preparing Windows” take so long?

When your computer shows "Preparing Windows," it might be downloading and installing files or processing some tasks in the background. It can take a while for this to complete. As such, the first thing you should do if you want your PC to boot correctly is wait.

What does error code 0x8007025D mean?

Encountered an error with the code 0x8007025D while attempting a clean installation of Windows 10, with the message: "Windows couldn't install required files. Make sure all required installation files are available and restart the installation."

If your computer is stuck while installing updates, try the following steps: 1. **Wait it out**: Sometimes, update processes can take longer than expected, especially for larger updates. Give it some more time to see if it completes on its own. 2. **Force Restart**: If it remains stuck after waiting, attempt a force restart. For Windows systems, typically holding down the power button for several seconds will shut down the computer, then power it back up. 3. **Boot in Safe Mode**: After restarting, try to boot into Safe Mode. In Windows, you can access Advanced Boot Options by repeatedly pressing F8 during startup, and then select "Safe Mode". In this mode, you can attempt to update or uninstall the problematic update. 4. **Review Update History**: In Safe Mode, open "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "View update history" to check if any recent updates might be causing the issue. 5. **System Restore**: If you identify a problematic update, you can try to restore your system to a point before the update. This is usually found under "Control Panel" > "System" > "System Protection". 6. **Clean Boot**: A clean boot helps to rule out conflicts with third-party software. Close all non-system processes and services, then attempt to reinstall the update. 7. **Contact Technical Support**: If none of the above works, you may need to reach out to your computer manufacturer or the official technical support of the operating system for professional assistance. Remember to back up important files before each reboot or system change to prevent data loss.

How to fix Windows 10 update stuck issue:

1. Restart your computer. 2. Enter Safe Mode. 3. Perform a System Restore. 4. Try Startup Repair. 5. Do a clean Windows installation.