Windows 11, version 25H2 (repair version) 99% For The Last Hour

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Windows 11, version 25H2 (repair version) 99% For The Last Hour

LGLDSR73-6492 1,110

Three hours ago I began the Windows Update 'Windows 11, version 25H2 (repair version)'. For the last 45 minutes it has been at 99%. There is substantial disk activity:

Regardless, this seems wholly abnormal and I am tempted to abort it shortly. Any input greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

LGLDSR73

Alex Nii Adjei Ablorh Obedeka 0 Reputation points

2026-05-16T07:21:52.3633333+00:00

Same over here I started the update 12:20 am it's 7:21 am now and it's still at 99%, I'm even frustrated I want to interrupt the Internet
LGLDSR73-6492 1,110 Reputation points

2026-05-16T13:53:31.87+00:00

Alex,

Severn hours? Did you go into Task Manager --> Performance --> Disk 0 and see what it's usage was? Were you able to resolve the issue?

After seven hours I don't see what else you can do but abort it; my only concern would be a BSOD at reboot. Did you make a Restore Point prior to the upgrade?

If the Update took, you are also going to have a directory named C:**$WINDOWS.~BT** which you can delete if you run Disk Cleanup as Administrator. Do not try and delete it manually. By rights you should wait before doing so as "...the C:$WINDOWS.~BT folder is a hidden temporary directory created by Windows during major OS upgrades (like moving between feature updates or Windows versions). It stores setup logs and rollback files, allowing you to downgrade if the update fails. It can consume up to 20-25GB of space."

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Alex Nii Adjei Ablorh Obedeka 0 Reputation points

2026-05-16T07:21:52.3633333+00:00

Same over here I started the update 12:20 am it's 7:21 am now and it's still at 99%, I'm even frustrated I want to interrupt the Internet
LGLDSR73-6492 1,110 Reputation points

2026-05-16T13:53:31.87+00:00

Alex,

Severn hours? Did you go into Task Manager --> Performance --> Disk 0 and see what it's usage was? Were you able to resolve the issue?

After seven hours I don't see what else you can do but abort it; my only concern would be a BSOD at reboot. Did you make a Restore Point prior to the upgrade?

If the Update took, you are also going to have a directory named C:**$WINDOWS.~BT** which you can delete if you run Disk Cleanup as Administrator. Do not try and delete it manually. By rights you should wait before doing so as "...the C:$WINDOWS.~BT folder is a hidden temporary directory created by Windows during major OS upgrades (like moving between feature updates or Windows versions). It stores setup logs and rollback files, allowing you to downgrade if the update fails. It can consume up to 20-25GB of space."

Answer 1

Hi, good day!

Kindly try to wait an hour or two and make sure the hard disk icon on your computer is blinking, indicating activity.

If there's no activity, you may proceed to abort it.

I recommend doing a Repair Install via In-place upgrade instead. It will definitely help in resolving update errors. Performing this can repair broken operating system files while your personal files, settings and installed applications will not be removed.

Few things to check on the PC

Unplug all external peripherals except for the Mouse, Keyboard, and LAN cable before starting
Disable or uninstall any third-party Antivirus program to prevent it from interfering with the upgrade

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4252110/how-to-run-in-place-upgrade-in-windows-11?forum=windows-all&referrer=answers

I look forward to your update and am happy to continue working with you until the issue is resolved. If you find the answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and consider upvoting it. Otherwise, please keep me posted by clicking "Add comments" below instead of selecting Yes or No.

Answer 2

LGLDSR73-6492 1,110

John,

I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. It did take another 30 minutes before it completed.

Thank you again for your assistance.

Best,

LGLDSR73

Alex Nii Adjei Ablorh Obedeka 0 Reputation points

2026-05-16T07:27:06.4966667+00:00

Mine just started installing, so I think u need to wait a little longer , whoever is facing these kinda issues

Answer 3

Windows feature updates, including Windows 11, version 25H2, can legitimately stay between 51–99% for a long time while they finish downloading, applying changes, and cleaning up. High, sustained disk activity during this phase is expected and does not by itself indicate a failure.

Recommended actions:

Wait longer before aborting
- The installation time depends on update size, disk speed, and system configuration. Guidance for Windows Update issues notes that if an update appears stuck between 51–99%, it can still be progressing in the background and should first be allowed more time to complete.
If it truly remains stuck with no progress
- After giving it substantial extra time, if the percentage never changes and the system appears frozen, restart the device once and then:
- Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and let Windows attempt the update again.
- If problems persist, run the Windows Update troubleshooter:
  1. Open Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Find Windows Update and select Run.
If repeated attempts fail
- Use the advanced steps from the update troubleshooting guidance, such as renaming the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders and restarting the update services, or consider an in-place repair/upgrade using current Windows 11 media.

Avoid powering off repeatedly during the 99% phase unless it has clearly stopped responding for an extended period and no disk or CPU activity is occurring.

References:

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Windows 11, version 25H2 (repair version) 99% For The Last Hour

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