Windows 11 installation stuck at 85% for 24 hours

Raul Perez 20 Reputation points
2026-08-05T05:05:15.33+00:00

I tried to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, and now my laptop has been stuck like this for 24 hours.

Is it worth it to keep waiting? Do I reboot?

The screenshots says

"Working on the updates 85%"

"Keep the computer plugged in"

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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DaveM121 931.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-05T05:38:36.14+00:00

There is no point in continuing to wait, that process should have completed within 1 - 2 hours, if it has been 24 hours, that process has either succeeded in the background or it has already failed.

Press and hold the power button on the case of your PC for 5 - 10 seconds to perform a hard shut down, then wait a few seconds and start your PC again, the update should then either run to completion or it will roll back.

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  1. Raul Perez 20 Reputation points
    2026-08-05T13:32:30.23+00:00

    Thanks for the answer. I rolled back as you suggested.

    Do you think it's worth trying again?

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  2. DaveM121 931.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-05T13:57:08.13+00:00

    The most successful method to upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 is to use the Windows 11 ISO.

    Also, you will need at least 40GB of free space on your C drive for the upgrade, this space will be recovered later.

    Please ensure you download the ISO in the same language as you use for the Windows UI, follow the steps, this is then not like re-installing Windows, it is just like an update and your personal files, settings and installed software will not be affected.

    Click this link:

    https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

    to download the Windows 11 ISO

    When the ISO file completes downloading

    Disconnect from the Internet

    Disconnect all external devices with the exception of a mouse or keyboard.

    Temporarily disable any 3rd party Anti-virus you may have installed

    Then, in Windows File Explorer, double click the ISO and then run Setup.exe and select the Install option.

    Very Important - ensure you select the option to keep your files and apps.

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