Solved Getting Files Ready for Installation Stuck

David Darlington

Apr 03, 2026 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

You click on the Download and the process begins! Suddenly you see a message on screen i.e. getting files ready for installation stuck. For sure this error is mainly due to the issues related to the hard drive i.e. the location of downloading. Others may include issues regarding the third party application software or the files getting ready for installation. In this article, all the reasons behind the problem will be discussed in detail.

Waiting for file download and suddenly it got stuck i.e. getting files ready for installation stuck. This kind of error usually occurs due to file system errors or the operating system itself. If related to the drive, it can be due to bad sectors, disk integrity corruption, or virus/malware attack. Sometimes, the third-party software that utilizes windows kernel to run is also the reason behind the problem. This issue can be solved via resetting windows, doing system file maintenance repairs, clearing the windows store cache, repairing component store, and reinstalling windows apps. This article supports all the related causes of this problem as well as the appropriate solutions to fix the problem. Here are some of the topics discussed in detail.

Part 1: Before the Fix: Restore Important Files

Before applying any of the solutions to fix getting files ready for installation stuck error, you must restore the important files to avoid any data loss. For this purpose, you can use a third-party application software i.e. a data recovery software. Recoverit data backup and recovery software should be your ultimate choice. It helps to restore lost or deleted files, photos, audio, music, and emails from any storage device effectively, safely, and completely. The software supports data recovery from recycle bin, hard drive, memory card, flash drive, digital camera, and camcorders. It facilitates to recover data for sudden deletion, formatting, hard drive corruption, virus attack, system crash under different situations. It always provides a preview before recovery allows you to make a selective recovery. The software facilitates a three-step procedure i.e. locate, scan, and recover to restore the data.

Following is the detailed stepwise procedure for restoring the important files via Recoverit data recovery. Launch the software on the device and get started.

Step 1: To restore data, the first step is to locate the point from where it is lost. In this case, the hard disk drive is the location. In the select location option, select either a hard disk drive or desktop.

Step 2: Click start to continue.

Step 3: Once the process proceeds, the software will scan the targeted location. The software will use an all-round scan mode.

Step 4: Once the scanning process is completed, the retrieved files would appear on the screen. You can toggle via different filers to only select the particular file for recovery.

Step 5: Once the files are recovered, preview them one by one. Click recovery to continue.

Part 2: Fix Windows 10 Stuck At Getting Files Ready for Installation

Getting files ready for installation stuck got some quick fixes in this section. Here are some of the appropriate solutions that could fix the error and you can proceed with the installation.

Method 1. Do Nothing but Wait

While the system is in process of downloading or installation, the foremost thing is to wait for the procedure to complete. The thumb rule is to not perform any further action unless the download is complete. In the process of downloading or installation, the operating system is working on several tasks in the background and any further command entered can disrupt the normal functioning of the ongoing process. So it is advised to wait till the time of completion before making any further move.

2026 Technical Update: Thermal Throttling & SSD Latency

While waiting is the "thumb rule," be aware that modern high-speed NVMe SSDs can experience thermal throttling during massive file extractions. If your drive lacks adequate cooling, the controller may drastically reduce write speeds to prevent damage, making the installation appear "stuck." If you are using a laptop or a small-form-factor PC, ensure it is in a well-ventilated area. If progress hasn't moved for over 2 hours, the system may have encountered a write-cycle timeout.

Method 2. Disconnect Any Peripherals

Getting files ready for installation stuck can also be due to unnecessary attachments attached to the device. If you are attempting to install any update, it is advised to disconnect all the attachments i.e. extra monitors, smart card readers, weird keyboards. Disconnect the peripherals and even the internet connection (Wi-Fi) and shift to the router with a LAN cable. Only C drive should be the only hardware connected to the device. Else any external attachment could disrupt the process.

Method 3. Reset the BIOS

Resetting the BIOS can resolve the error i.e. getting files ready for installation stuck. For doing so, here are the steps to follow:

1. Initiate the process by entering the BIOS and proceed to the boot section to check the boot priority.
2. In case your drive under examination is not marked as your boot drive priority, make sure to mark it as the priority instead of Windows Boot Manager or USB HDD or DVD Rom.
3. Once done, save the changes and exit from BIOS.
4. Reboot the device.

Method 4. Try Booting Your Computer in Safe Mode

When it comes to safe mode, it is about using your computer with only necessary drives and applications. It starts the computer in a safe zone where it limits the functionality of your device and your computer will only run basic functions. Hence, this all acts as a troubleshooting mechanism. Here are the steps for booting the device in safe mode.

1. Force shut down the device by pressing the power button.
2. Once the device is turned off, again start your device by pressing the power button.
3. A message i.e. Windows failed to start will appear on the screen.
4. Now choose the Advanced and repair option to continue.
5. Now in the next menu, select the option of troubleshooting followed by selecting the options of advanced options and lastly by startup settings.
6. Now click restart and select the option of safe mode.
7. In safe mode, reboot the device.

Method 5. Delete Problematic Files

One way to get rid of getting files ready for installation stuck error is to delete the problematic files and folders. Here are the steps to delete the files and folders aggravating the problem.

1. Restart your device and the windows boot system will appear on the screen. In the main menu, select the option of Troubleshoot.

2. Nextly, select the option of Advanced options, and then click on the command prompt.
3. In the command box, type C: cd Windows\System32\LogFiles\Srt. SrtTrail.txt. Click enter to continue.
4. Here if there appears Boot critical file c:\windows\system32\drivers\vsock.sys is corrupt, track the specific location and in the command box, type the del command to delete the problematic files.

Method 6. Take Your PC to a Microsoft Store Nearby

Here in case, if none of the methods work for you to resolve getting files ready for installation stuck error, the only way left is to take your computer/laptop to the nearby Microsoft store for getting technical support services. Specialized workers will fix the problem.

Hence, getting files ready for installation stuck error is quite frustrating. You initiate the process of installation and the file under the process gets stuck either at 0%, 10%, or any other completion percentage. This refers to issues with file systems or operating systems. Sometimes the drive with bad sectors or viruses and malware attacks can also aggravate the problem. To resolve the error, the first step is to restore all the data i.e. create a backup. In this article, Recoverit data recovery software is advised to use for restoring the data and then applying various techniques for booting the device to rule out the error.

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