---
title: "Solution: What to Do If Your PC Freezes During Windows Installation"
description: "If your computer becomes unresponsive during a Windows install—whether at the logo screen, while copying files, or during device setup—it’s frustrating, but it’s usually caused by a compatibility issue, installer media problem, or a hardware-related interruption."
url: https://help.activekeys.com/en/articles/51-solution-what-to-do-if-your-pc-freezes-during-windows-installation
collection: "Windows Troubleshooting"
updated: 2026-02-12
language: en
---

# Solution: What to Do If Your PC Freezes During Windows Installation

If your computer becomes unresponsive during a Windows install—whether at the logo screen, while copying files, or during device setup—it’s frustrating, but it’s usually caused by a compatibility issue, installer media problem, or a hardware-related interruption.

Below are the most common situations and the steps that typically get the installation moving again.

**🔍 Common moments when freezing happens**

This can occur when:

-   Setup hangs at “Getting files ready for installation”
    
-   The progress stalls at a percentage like 0%, 64%, or 100%
    
-   The system restarts and gets stuck on “Just a moment…”, a black screen, or a loading loop
    
-   The PC stops responding completely (mouse/keyboard not working)
    

**✅ How to fix it**

1.  Wait first (it may still be working)  
    Some installation stages—especially near the end—can take **15–45 minutes** depending on your hardware. If you see drive activity lights blinking or hear the system working, give it additional time before forcing a restart.
    
2.  Disconnect non-essential devices  
    Unplug anything that isn’t required for the installation:
    

-   USB devices (keep only the installer USB)
    
-   Printers and external storage
    
-   Wi-Fi adapters, dongles, or wireless keyboard/mouse receivers
    

Then restart the installation.

3.  Recreate the installer using Microsoft’s tool  
    A damaged or outdated installer is a common cause of freezes. Create a new bootable USB using Microsoft’s latest installation tool for Windows 10 or Windows 11.
    

Use a USB drive of **8 GB or larger**, and if possible create it on a different USB than the one you previously used.

4.  Switch USB ports (prefer USB 2.0)  
    If you’re installing from a USB drive:
    

Use a **USB 2.0** port if available  
Avoid USB hubs and (on desktops) avoid front-panel ports when possible—rear motherboard ports are usually more stable

5.  Advanced: Reset BIOS/UEFI settings or update firmware  
    If the freeze keeps happening:
    

Enter BIOS/UEFI settings (commonly **DEL**, **F2**, or **ESC** on startup)  
Reset settings to **Default/Optimized Defaults**  
If you know what you’re doing, you can review settings such as Secure Boot and storage mode (AHCI/RAID) based on your system requirements  
On older systems, installing a BIOS update from the manufacturer can improve stability during installation