When setting up Windows 10/8/7, you might encounter an issue where the installation process gets halted while preparing files, getting stuck at percentages like 17%, 27%, 70%, 72%, or 94%. What steps should you follow to resolve this issue? In this post, MiniTool Solution provides several practical methods that you can attempt to fix the problem.

Encountering Issues While Preparing Files for Installation in Windows 10/8/7

During the installation of Windows 10 using a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD, failures such as the installation process getting stuck can occur. Although the computer does not freeze completely and you retain control over the mouse, the installation process halts at certain percentages like 17%, 27%, 70%, 72%, or 94%.

Possible causes for this issue include file system errors, problems with the operating system itself, bad sectors, virus or malware attacks, corruption of disk integrity, issues with third-party software, and others. Fortunately, there are numerous methods available to address this issue effectively. Let’s explore them.

Tip: Prior to making any changes, it is advisable to back up your important data. For backing up files, you can utilize the professional backup software—MiniTool ShadowMaker. This post offers detailed guidance on how to back up data without booting Windows—Easy Methods Are Available!

Methods to Resolve the Issue of Windows 7/8 or Windows 10 Installation Getting Stuck During File Preparation

Allow Time for the Installation Process to Complete

As stated by Microsoft, you should allow the process to proceed and only take further action if it does not complete within a reasonable timeframe. When the screen indicates "preparing files for installation," the system might be handling some background tasks that require time to finish. Therefore, patience is key. If your PC remains stuck on the screen after 2 or 3 hours, consider applying the subsequent methods.

Disconnect All External Devices

Connecting additional peripherals to your PC can lead to the issue of Windows 10 getting stuck during setup file preparation. Ensure that all external devices (extra monitors, card readers, keyboards, etc.) except the C drive are disconnected. If feasible, disable Wi-Fi and connect via a LAN cable to a router.

Boot Your PC into Safe Mode

Safe Mode operates with only essential drivers and applications running, serving as a troubleshooting mode. To overcome the issue of Windows 10 getting stuck at 0, 17, 27, etc., you can boot your machine into Safe Mode.

1. Restart your computer multiple times, and it will access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Alternatively, prepare a Windows repair disk to boot the PC and select Repair your computer to enter WinRE.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. Press a specific key to enter Safe Mode.
4. Reboot the computer in Safe Mode, and the stuck screen should resolve.

Verify BIOS Settings

This could be a solution to fix the issue of getting files ready for installation stuck. Follow these steps to check BIOS settings:

1. Restart your PC to enter BIOS. Refer to related articles like [5 Ways] How to Get Into BIOS on Windows 11 on Restart.
2. Check the boot priority—ensure the PC boots from the drive used to install Windows.
3. Save the changes and exit BIOS. Restart your PC.

Remove Problematic Files

Here are the steps to delete problematic files or folders:

1. Boot your Windows 10 to WinRE.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
3. Type C: cd Windows\System32\LogFiles\Srt.SrtTrail.txt and press Enter.
4. If you see a message indicating that the Boot critical file c:\windows\system32\drivers\vsock.sys is corrupt, locate the specific location and type the del command in the command window to delete it.

Seek Professional Assistance

If none of the aforementioned solutions resolves the issue of getting files ready for installation stuck, the final option you can try is to bring the PC to a repair shop and consult a professional.

Closing Remarks

Windows 10/8/7 getting files ready for installation stuck at 17%, 27%, 70%, 72%, 94%, etc.? Attempt the solutions listed above, and you should be able to resolve the problem effortlessly. Hopefully, this post proves beneficial to you.

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