Microsoft often rolls out Feature Update with a lot of improvements, features, changes, etc. Although it is very straightforward to install a Feature Update on Windows 11/10 PC, you might have problems at times. There could be times when it might be stuck on the Cleaning up screen with a percentage of 100%, 95%, 0%, etc.
Windows computer stuck on Cleaning up screen
We recommend you wait – even if it takes an hour or two! But still, if your PC is stuck, then to fix the Windows Update stuck on Cleaning up screen issue, follow these steps: You need to access Safe Mode or Advanced Startup Options since your PC is stuck! Safe Mode or Advanced Startup Options let you repair your Windows PC. Advanced Startup option offers you System Restore, System Image Recovery, Startup Settings, Startup Repair, and several such recover or repair options. Safe Mode offers you access to all system tools like the CMD, System Restore, etc., that can help you. So when your computer doesn’t boot normally, is stuck in an endless reboot loop or is stuck on some screen, then your focus should be on getting into Safe Mode or boot to the Advanced Startup Options screen
1] Use Automatic Startup Repair
When the installation is stuck at a certain percentage for a long time, you can start the troubleshooting by using the Automatic Start Repair. It is an in-built tool included in Windows 11 as well as Windows 10. Whether you can log in to your user account or not, you must open the Advanced Startup options on your computer. If you can restart your computer without installing the update, the process is simpler for you. That said, you can press Win+I to open the Windows Settings, go to System > Recovery and click on the Restart now button. However, if you cannot log into your account, you need to follow a different method. In simple terms, you need to restart your computer 2-4 times continuously to opt for the Advanced Startup options. Following that, you can go to Troubleshoot > Startup Repair.
Then, you need to spare a few moments until your computer fixes things up for you. Once done, you will be able to sign in to your system normally.
3] Use System Restore Point
Since you cannot boot into your computer, you need to use the System Restore point. You must open the Advanced Startup options. Once it is opened, navigate to Troubleshoot > System Restore.
Then, you can find the System Restore points, and it is possible to choose a suitable System Restore point as per your requirements. Read: How to perform System Restore when Windows won’t boot to desktop
3] Install the Update in Safe Mode
In general, Safe mode helps you fix things when there is a driver issue or something like that. However, the good news is that you can install updates in Safe mode. On the other hand, booting into the Safe mode is pretty easy when you are using Windows 11 or Windows 10. However, if you cannot log in to your computer, you need to go through the Advanced Startup options. For that, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings. Then, restart your computer and press the Number 4 key on your keyboard. It will boot into Safe mode within moments. Then, you can download and install updates on your PC. Whether it is a Feature update or anything else, you can install it without any problem.
Why is my Windows Update stuck at cleaning up?
There could be several reasons why the Windows Update is stuck at the Cleaning up screen. For example, an interruption, corrupt download, etc., could be the possible reasons. However, you can fix the issue by following the aforementioned guide. Read: Disk Cleanup is stuck on Windows Update Cleanup.
How long should Windows Update cleanup take?
Depending upon the size of the update, it should not take more than 15 minutes to complete in the worst case. However, it depends on the computer hardware, internet connection, type of update, etc. If it is a regular Windows Update, it must be done within 5-10 minutes once the download is complete.
