Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant is stuck at 99%

Hi, 

We are aware that a set of users are reporting a slow or seemingly-stuck upgrade experience when attempting to upgrade to Windows 10 or update between versions of Windows 10. The upgrade process usually takes 90 minutes or less to complete, but there is a very small subset of PCs, usually older or slower devices, where the upgrade process can take longer than typical. This situation is not related to a specific upgrade tool and has been shown to happen with Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant, Media Creation Tool, USB media, and ISO media.  

In these cases, even if the progress percentage appears stuck, the upgrade is still running. An error message should be displayed in case of actual failure. Cancelling and trying alternate methods is unlikely to improve the experience and will reset any upgrade progress made.  

We recommend the user wait until the upgrade completes before taking further action. Users can keep working as normal while the upgrade is in progress. A delay of one day would be highly unusual, but we recommend that users wait that long for the upgrade complete or to confirm there is an issue.  At that time, users should reach out to Microsoft Support or visit a Microsoft Store location so we can look into issues with the PC.

Regards

If the problem does not improve, please try the following methods below:

If the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant becomes stuck or unresponsive at various percentages: 0%, 32%, 62%, 87%, 99%, please wait at least 4 to 7 hours. If setup does not progress, close the wizard then restart your computer. Follow the instructions to upgrade manually using the Media Creation Tool or the Windows 10 ISO file.

If you are finding it difficult to carry out some of the steps described below, please review detailed instructions how to perform them:

http://windows10forum.com/blogs/entry/3-how-to-ensure-a-smooth-upgrade-to-windows-10-anniversary-update/

If you encounter an error regarding enough space to complete the upgrade, review instructions:

How to Install Windows 10 on Devices with Limited Space

Pre-requisite Task

When making significant changes to your computer such as updating the operating system, you should always backup. See links to resources about backing up by clicking the link for the respective version of Windows you are running: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1

• How to manually backup and restore your files
• How to free up disk space in Windows

• How to: 10 Tips before installing Windows 10
• How to: 10 things to do if Windows 10 Setup fails.

Then try upgrading manually:

Option 1: Using the Media Creation Tool

Download the Media Creation Tool Now

Right click the MediaCreationTool.exe file then click Run as administrator.

Note: How to verify if you downloaded or installed the Windows 10 November Update

Select Upgrade this PC now then click Next

Option 2: Upgrade using the Windows 10 ISO file.

Pre-requisite Task

When making significant changes to your computer such as updating the operating system, you should always backup. See links to resources about backing up by clicking the link for the respective version of Windows you are running: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1

• How to manually backup and restore your files
• How to free up disk space in Windows
• How to: 10 Tips before installing Windows 10

then

• How to download official Windows 10 ISO files
• How to: upgrade from previous versions of Windows using Windows 10 ISO file

then

• Disable (preferrably uninstall) your Antivirus utility before attempting the upgrade.
• Restart a few times then try again.
• Disable General USB Devices (example - Smart Card Reader). You can do this from the Device Manager.
• If you have any external devices attached to the machine, disconnect them (example, gaming controllers, USB keys, external hard disk, printers, non-essential devices).
• Load your BIOS the reset the BIOS defaults.
• Check if there any available BIOS updates for your system, then apply them.
• If you are using a SCSI hard disk, make sure you have drivers available for your storage device on a thumb drive and it is connected. During Windows 10 setup, click the Custom Advanced Option and use the Load Driver command to load the appropriate driver for the SCSI drive. If this does not work and setup still fails, consider switching to a IDE based hard disk.
• Perform a clean boot, restart then try again.
• If you are upgrading using the .ISO file, disconnect from the Internet during setup, if you are connected by LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi, disable both then attempt setup again. 
• If you are updating through Windows Update, when the download reaches 100% disconnect from the Internet LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi then proceed with the installation.
• If that does not work, try using the .ISO file to upgrade if possible.
• If you are connected to a domain, switch to a local account.