8 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Reset Stuck at 1%, 18%, 39%, 99% or Other %

About the Windows 10 reset stuck problem

According to Wikipedia, in the five years since its debut on March 16, 2020, Windows 10 will reach more than 1 billion devices, becoming the most popular version in every country.

However, even the most dominant systems cannot achieve perfection. Windows 10 also has its fair share of glitches that can leave users in stubborn limbo.

Resetting Windows 10/11 becomes the last resort to solve system problems and restore the default state without errors. Alas, sometimes factory reset stuck Windows 10 at 1%, 26%, 36%, 76%, 99%, and so on.

While a brief glitch may temporarily halt the process, root causes include corrupted files, hardware failure, outdated drivers, or a defective installation. These ordeals are a microcosm of the trials for Windows 10 users around the world.

How to fix Windows 10 reset stuck

When you happen to get the computer stuck while resetting the system or your computer happens to stuck in Windows 10, don't panic. Follow the below-recommended solutions, you'll easily fix the Windows 10 stuck-in resetting problem without any obstacles then.

Way 1. Wait patiently for 1-3 hours

The reset utility may seem stagnant, but usually, it works hard, albeit slowly. Wait 1-3 hours to proceed. If inertia persists, continue to the next solution.

Way 2. Disable the internet connection

Sometimes, after a reset, your PC may freeze while downloading updates. Disable the Internet connection by unplugging the Ethernet cable or turning off the power to the wireless router.

Way 3. Force restart the PC

If the reset process takes too long, initiate a force restart.

Step 1. At startup, click the Power option, hold down the Shift key, and then select Restart.

Step 2. If the system boots into the Windows Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC to hopefully complete the reset.

Way 4. Change the BIOS settings

Certain BIOS configurations may prevent the reset process and cause the Windows 10 reset stuck issue. Navigate to BIOS and make the following adjustments:

Step 1. Disable Secure Boot.

Step 2. Enable Legacy Boot.

Step 3. Enable CSM (if available).

Step 4. Enable USB boot.

Step 5. Set bootable CD/USB drive as the primary boot drive.

Step 6. Save changes and try factory reset again.

Way 5. Use Safe Mode

When reset PC windows 10 stuck, even if the system is shut down, booting into Safe Mode in Windows 10 is possible as long as you have enabled the fast boot key in advance for seamless activation.

Step 1. Press Shift and click Restart to access the Advanced startup options screen.

Step 2. Use the F8 key or the Ctrl key to navigate to the startup settings screen and follow the prompts to enter Safe Mode.

Step 3. Open Settings, and find the Recovery option under the System tab.

Step 4. Click Restart now next to Advanced startup to initiate the process.

Way 6. Run Startup Repair

If you are unable to enter Safe Mode, boot Windows to the Advanced Startup Options screen and run Startup Repair to fix the startup error.

Step 1. Create a Windows 10 installation USB drive.

Step 2. Access the BIOS and prioritize the USB drive in the boot order.

Step 3. Boot into the Windows installation interface and select Repair your Computer.

Step 4. Proceed to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.

Step 5. Then follow the on-screen instructions to fix the Windows 10/11 reset stuck error.

Way 7. Restore from an image backup

Restoring the system to a previous state or image pre-reset can correct corrupted system components, allowing for an easy reset without problems.

Step 1. Start the computer from the installation USB.

Step 2. In the Windows recovery environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Image Recovery.

Step 3. Follow the prompts to perform the recovery process.

Way 8. Clean install Windows 10

If the previous method fails, do a clean installation of Windows on your PC. However, a clean installation will remove all your programs and data. You are suggested to back up crucial files beforehand. Then follow the instructions below:

Step 1. Download the Windows 10 media creation tool from Microsoft's official website and prepare an 8GB USB flash drive.

Step 2. Insert the USB with Windows 10 installation media into your computer.

Step 3. Turn on the computer, press the F8/F2/F12 keys or the specified startup keys to enter the BIOS menu, change the startup sequence, and select USB as the primary boot drive.

Step 4. The Windows Setup interface appears; select language and preferences, and click Next.

Step 5. Click Install Now.

Step 6. Select I don't have a product key.

Step 7. Select the desired operating system version and click Next.

Step 8. Select Customize: Install Windows only (advanced) to ensure a factory reset.

Step 9. Select the destination drive for Windows 10 installation; if multiple partitions are present, consider deleting them and recreating them if necessary.

Step 10. Select Next to continue. Now, Windows 10 is being installed. Wait for the installation to be completed.

How to protect your computer system

System issues, such as the Windows 10 reset stuck on spinning circle issue and installing Windows 10 stuck at 0 after reset, can unexpectedly disrupt your computer's functionality. Although solutions exist, executing them can be complicated and dangerous, especially for Windows newbies.

Additionally, relying solely on the "Reset this PC" feature carries risks as it requires the reinstallation of all programs and can result in permanent data loss without a backup copy.

To prevent such system failures, consider pre-emptively cloning your system. System cloning has many uses, including backup and disaster recovery, disk upgrades, operating system migration, and more.

Due to the lack of native cloning tools in Windows, it is recommended to opt for top cloning software like AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, the software provides a range of seamless disk cloning features:

♬ Clone system: Easily migrate the operating system to another SSD/HDD without reinstallation.
♬ Clone Disk: Transfer the entire source drive to the new SSD/HDD without data loss.
♬ Secure Boot: Ensure successful boot from the cloned drive.
♬ Clone Disk Quickly: transfer only used sectors, allowing you to clone larger drives to smaller drives.
♬ Clone All Sectors: Copies used and unused sectors from the source disk, requires a larger destination drive.

Here is a simple guide to clone your system using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional Edition:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, click "Clone" in the main interface, and select "Clone Disk".

Step 2. Choose the hard disk that you need to clone as the source disk and click "Next".

Step 3. Select the destination disk to store the data on the source disk, and then click "Next".

Step 4. Then, you can check the source and destination disk in the next window or change to "Sector to Sector clone", and click the "Confirm" button to continue if there is no problem.

Here, you can also click the "Settings" button to adjust the partition size on the destination disk or tick "4k alignment" to optimize performance of SSD.

① Clone without resizing partitions: all partition will be cloned to the target disk as the original partition size. It is available when the target disk is large enough to hold all partitions on the source disk.
② Fit partitions to entire disk: all partitions will be cloned to the target disk and take up its full capacity according to the original partition size proportion.
③ Edit partitions on this disk: you can change every partition size on the target disk as you need.

Step 5. After returning to the main interface, check the pending operation and click "Apply" and "Proceed" to commit the operation.

If you are cloning the system hard drive to another hard drive, to successfully boot from the destination hard drive and avoid the embarrassing moment that cloned SSD won’t boot, please do as below:

Step 1. Restart your computer, long press the "F2" key (perhaps other keys like DEL), and access the BIOS environment.

Step 2. Change the boot order and set the cloned hard drive as the first boot drive in BIOS.

Step 3. Press "Enter". Now you should boot the computer from the cloned hard disk successfully.

Final words

All in all, how to fix Windows 10 reset stuck issue can pose a challenge, but with 8 step-by-step solutions at your fingertips, you’ll be better equipped to deal with such dilemmas. To strengthen your computer from system errors, consider taking advantage of AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro for system cloning beforehand.

In addition to system cloning, this program offers countless advanced features. From converting MBR to GPT disk without losing data to extending the free space on your C drive, or even BitLocker protecting USB drive, its usefulness is vast. In addition, the Server Edition is suitable for Windows Server systems, ensuring comprehensive system management.

FAQs about resetting PC Windows 10 stuck

Q1. Why does my factory reset take so long?

The duration of a factory reset is affected by several factors such as file size, settings, configuration, and age of the operating system. Older computers with outdated components and software tend to require more time to reset.

Q2. Can I cancel a computer reset?

Certainly. You can stop the reset process by turning off the computer's power (press and hold the power button for a few seconds), effectively terminating the operation.

Q3. Will resetting my computer delete all my files?

Yes, a reset usually removes all installed applications and configurations. While you can choose to keep your files, it's wise to back up important data before starting the reset.

Q4. Will my computer run faster if I do a factory reset?

A complete factory reset can slightly improve the performance of an older laptop. However, a reset must be performed before ownership can be transferred or the device can be recycled. Even if it's a gift for a friend or relative, a fresh start ensures optimal functionality.