What is error message 'upgrade assistant stuck at 99' in Windows 10?
Upgrade assistant stuck at 99 in Windows 10 is an error that usually occurs when it appears as if the installation has stalled but it’s still installing. Users upgrading to Windows 10 or updating between versions of Windows 10 have reported the error. It may be caused by either a slow PC or an old device.
It appears that the situation is not specific to an upgrade tool and the error has been shown to happen with Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant, ISO Media, USB Media, and Media Creation Tool.
How can you fix 'upgrade assistant stuck at 99'?
Some of the solutions to this error include:
- Waiting for the process to finish
- Using Microsoft Media Creation Tool
Please see our in-depth walk-through solutions below.
1. Wait for the process to finish
“Upgrade assistant stuck at 99” in Windows 10 could be caused by your computer hardware. According to Microsoft, the progress bar is not stuck but it is strangling to load due to low hardware specification. Even if the upgrade appears to be stuck, it is still running. Wait until the upgrade is completed before doing anything.
According to Arvind Ram of Microsoft:
"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. Canceling 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."
NOTE: If you do not meet the minimum requirement of Windows 10, please upgrade your PC.
- Processor: Dual core 2.5 gigahertz (GHz) or faster.
- RAM: 4 GB of RAM
- Free hard disk space: 16 GB.
- Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver.
2. Use Microsoft MediaCreationTool
If “upgrade assistant stuck at 99” in Windows 10 does not progress, using a bootable Windows 10 to upgrade your Windows may fix the error.
Create a USB Bootable Device
- Please download the tool using this link http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209.
- Insert a 4gb or higher flash drive and run MediaCreationTool.exe.
- Select create installation media device and then click Next.
- Select USB flash drive and then click Next.
- Select your USB flash drive location and then click Next.
- Wait until the process is done.
Installing Windows 10
- Insert the USB flash drive, to the computer where you want to install the Windows 10.
- Turn on the computer and Click F11 to select a bootable device.
NOTE: Not all computer uses F11, some use F9. - Insert the Window installation USB.
- A message will appear “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD”, press any key to boot from the Windows installation USB.
- Select your language, time and keyboard, and click Next.
- Click Install Now.
- Click I accept the terms of the license, and then click Next.
- Click "Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, setting, and applications."