Windows 10: Windows 10 installation process freezes at 32% and 6%

Update the chipset drivers. This usually improves compatibility with newer Windows. Then you could also update the graphics drivers to avoid the "black screen" issue many have. Uninstall your antivirus. Also see this post for things to do before the upgrade.

 

I just had the same problem. Windows upgrade stuck at 32% (6% of drivers). I resolved it, so I post here the specs of the system and what I did for reference.

Specifications:

Computer: Custom-build server system
Motherboard: Supermicro PDSG4 (Intel socket 775)
Chipset: Intel Glenwood 955X (supports up to Pentium D dual-core CPU socket 775, not newer models)
CPU: Intel Pentium D 945 3.40GHz dual-core socket 775
RAM: 2GB DDR2 667MHz (2x 1GB modules in dual channel mode)
Graphics: XFX GeForce 7300GS
SATA Controller: Intel ICH7R with RAID support
SCSI Controllers: Adaptec 7901 Single channel Ultra 320 SCSI & Adaptec SCSI RAID 20105/Supermicro AOC-LPZCR supported
LAN: Intel 82573V PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Audio: Realtek AC'97 audio high quality 6-channel sound
Previous OS: Windows 8 Pro with WMC

At first, I did the usual stuff, that is I uninstalled Antivirus and old version of Classic Shell and one or two outdated utilities which I would reinstall after the upgrade. To make sure it won't fail due to I/O errors from the old DVD-ROM drive, I copied all Windows 10 files to a folder and run Setup from there. It was stuck at 32% (6% drivers etc), I let it over an hour and then decided to restart. By restarting the previous Windows version was restored.


How I fixed that:

I read earlier posts in this thread that some device caused the problem, so I decided to disable/uninstall any unused device. I booted into BIOS and disabled the SATA controller (my hard disk and DVD-ROM where both IDE, so I didn't need it). I then disabled the SCSI controllers, the USB controller (both keyboard and mouse were PS/2) and even the AC'97 audio controller, just to be on the safe side. I also disable the C1E CPU feature, as I wasn't sure the CPU supported it. I then booted into Windows 8 once mode, went to Device Manager and then checked the box to show all hidden devices. I could see and delete/uninstall any disabled device (and old long-removed devices) just in case Windows would try using them and got stuck again. Then I deleted the WINDOWS.~BT folder and started Windows 10 Setup again. This time it succeeded! Now I can try to enable the devices again and install them manually.

I think the problem arises because Windows ignores all "old" drivers and tries to replace them with Windows 10 drivers. If there is one for the device and works without issue, there is no problem. But for older systems, some device might not have Windows 10 driver or might not work with the generic Microsoft driver and hence the problem at 32%. The old approach in earlier Windows was to use the old driver if no new was available and worked flawlessly. Windows 10 tries to change things and introduces compatibility problems with old hardware. I would say this is done in purpose to render older computers incompatible with Windows 10 and force us to upgrade our hardware. They didn't count this forum's support!


EDIT: I think I found the culprit in my case! The Realtek AC'97 audio driver is known to cause BSOD in Windows 10. The official Vista drivers cause BSOD due to a specific incompatible DLL. I was looking for alternative driver and then found an old Windows XP version of Realtek's driver! Yes, you read it right, the XP driver worked and now I have sound! Read more at this thread. So anyone else having Realtek AC'97 audio, disable it from Device Manager (and BIOS if applicable) to upgrade to Windows 10. After the upgrade manually install the XP driver. See the other thread for details.

 

My first couple of attempts froze - I deleted AV and cleared as much space as I could, I needed around 40-50gb free for it to install.

 

I had the same problem but I removed bluetooth dongle for keyboard and used a wired keyboard instead. Then removed WiFi stick when Windows had finished downloading. Then software update completed successfully.

 

Yeah, when you encounter this problem, disconnect or disable any non-important device and it will pass.

 

I unplugged everything, except the network connection and this being the sixth time I've tried to install Windows10 on a laptop and in all attempts it gets stuck at 32% *Sad ?

 

Disable any non-important device in Device Manager, so Windows Update won't bother to find drivers for it and proceed. After a successful upgrade to Windows 10, you can re-enable the devices and install any drivers.

 

Any other suggestions before I go for the 7th attempt ?

 

I disabled what I found that may cause the installation to stop at 32%; unfortunately after attempting yet another installation the same thing occurred *Sad

I just want to do an upgrade install and I'll I'm having is nothing but problems.

 

See the BSOD section. Download the report utility, create a report and post it in case someone can tell you what's wrong. Sorry, I don't have this knowledge. In Device Manager select View -> Show hidden devices and make sure you disable some of these too. Post a screenshot of Device Manager to help you.

 

You mean the BSOD Mini-dump ?

 

I mean the BSOD Crashes and Debugging section. Read the instructions, there is a link to the report utility. Create a report and post it. Meanwhile, post some screenshots of your Device Manager. Maybe I can identify some unnecessary devices to temporarily disable to prevent Windows Update trying to install drivers for them and crashing the upgrade. Even better, uncheck the "search for updates" box at Windows Setup and disconnect from the Internet. Then try again.

 

I tried un-checking search for updates and disconnecting the network connection and trying, it didn't work.





Here is screen shots of my Device Manager as well the Report Utility.

 

Some other posters had problems with the card reader (unbelievable!). Try disabling the card readers and the SDA controller. Disable anything not absolutely necessary for the installation.

 

Disable the SDA Controller as well as all the Ricoh controllers. What about the Ricoh bus host controller ?