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Windows 10 Update Assistant is Stuck at 99 %: 5 Quick Fixes

6 min. read

Updated onMarch 26, 2024

updated onMarch 26, 2024

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Worried that Windows 10 Update Assistant is stuck at 99 percent? Apparently, the setup download procedure works as intended, but problems arise in the final installation segment.

Sometimes a hefty dose of patience is all you need. As stated by Microsoft technicians, this isn’t an error. Basically, if there’s an upgrade error at hand, you’ll be timely prompted. Therefore, if your Windows Update Assistant is stuck at 99 %, you can wait and have a little faith in it before acting.

Since this occurrence isn’t followed by any kind of error prompt, we can concur that all you should do is simply wait and Windows Upgrade Assistant will finish the installation.

On the other hand, certain Windows 10 users reported that the 99 % installing stuck issue lasted up to 24 hours which is, to say the least, ludicrous. With that in mind, we advise you to wait up to 20 minutes.

If the Assistant is still stuck at 99 %, it’s time to take action. For that purpose, we prepared a list of possible solutions in order to help you troubleshoot this issue.In case you want todownload the Windows 10 Update Assistant, you can do so by following the link anchored.

When can Windows 10 Update Assistant get stuck?

Users have reported different scenarios in which the Windows 10 Update Assistant got stuck. Some of them are the following:

This being said, let’s see what you can do about this issue and get back to using your computer. Follow along!

How do I fix Windows 10 Update Assistant stuck at 99 %?

1. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus

Even though Windows Defender is great protection-wise, some people are more fond of third-party antivirus solutions. That’s a reasonable choice for various reasons.

But, on the other hand, third-partyanti-malware solutionsoccasionally tend to create a stir within the system. Some of them might even block the upgrade process.

Now, don’t get us wrong, we don’t advise you to ditch a third-party solution in favor of Windows Defender. However, you can disable the real-time protection for a limited period of time, until the upgrade installs, or even remove it.

We recommend you try a more stable antivirus that does not interfere with other processes or apps on your PC. Check out someantivirus software with free trial versions, so you can test them before switching to a new one.

2. Unplug peripheral devices

The fact that Windows Update covers drivers as well hints that they could be the cause of the problem. Too many outdated peripheral devices can certainly cause turmoil in the upgrade process.

So, just for the sake of trying, make sure to unplug all peripheral devices from USB ports. Additionally, if you have theUSB-C SD card readeror any other similar device, unplug those, too.

Of course, this doesn’t include a mouse and keyboard. Once the procedure is finished, you can plug in all your devices and deal with drivers later on. You may thenupdate your driversas well since it is a necessary action in order to ensure your PC’s functionality.

If the Windows 10 Update Assistant stuck at 99 percent issue is persistent and the upgrade is stuck, give it another try, but this time without the peripheral devices. In case it still misbehaves, continue with the troubleshooting method below.

3. Temporarily disable your Internet connection

Some users were able to resolve this issue by disabling their Internet connection. For some odd reason, the network connection negatively affects the upgrade process.

So, you can try unplugging your Ethernet cable, or disabling your Wi-Fi, and then look for any changes with the updating process. They should be visible immediately after the connection is disabled.

If that’s not the case, you can restart the upgrade procedure and, right after the download is finished, cut the Internet connection again. Nonetheless, this might not work for everyone.

4. Restart the Windows Update service

Another valid troubleshooting step is to restart the Windows Update service. This covers all update-related processes thus fixing the Windows 10 Update Assistant not working issue.

Occasionally, this service can stop working for no apparent reason and this will, consequently, prevent the upgrade operation from finishing.

5. Perform a clean system reinstallation

Finally, if you’re repetitively unable to upgrade your system, the last resort lies in a clean reinstallation. Ages ago, reinstallation was a lengthy and complicated procedure, but that’s not the case in Windows 10.

Besides the bootable media, like USB or DVD, it takes only the Media Creation Tool to make it work. Note that you’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 4 GB of free space in order to create a bootable installation drive.

Of course, before you start, it’s of supreme importance to backup your data on the secondary partition or to an external drive, since you’ll wipe clean the system partition.

In addition, backup your license key because you might need it later on. You may use some of thebest local data backup software toolsof the moment in that regard.In order to avoid or fix a slow Windows 10 Update Assistant, take a look at our post on how tostop Windows 10/11 from being unresponsiveand make it faster.

That should do it. In case you have any questions regarding this Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant issue, make sure to post them in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!

Windows 10 Update Assistant is Stuck at 99 %: 5 Quick Fixes#

When can Windows 10 Update Assistant get stuck?#

How do I fix Windows 10 Update Assistant stuck at 99 %?#

1. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus#

2. Unplug peripheral devices#

3. Temporarily disable your Internet connection#

4. Restart the Windows Update service#

5. Perform a clean system reinstallation#