Installing 25H2 from 23H2 stops at 96% w/o error code

Robin Hagedorn 0 Reputation points
2026-10-02T20:36:01.5733333+00:00

Installing 25H2 from 23H2 stops at 96% w/o error code, "but can't completed install". Attempted recommended fixes w/o success from CMD. Scannow, resolve update troubleshooter; RestoreHealth, etc each stating changes made but still won't finish installation. Installed the MS system diagnostic to make sure the laptop could accept the upgrade. Meets all needed requirements. Checked for ISO possibility, ISO isn't recommended for present setup.

Home computer not business. Moderate tech knowledge. I can follow recommended steps, but in-depth ability is not me. I've been working on this for since late September without success. Can this be resolved?

RDH

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade

3 answers

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  1. Robin Hagedorn 0 Reputation points
    2026-10-03T01:44:35.6133333+00:00

    did the instructions you just provided meant to say "25H2" not 26H2?

    Thanks!

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  2. Ramesh Srinivasan 88,360 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-03T00:55:53.6333333+00:00

    Hi Robin,

    To narrow down the issue, please upload the following setup log files to OneDrive or GoFile.io and post the link here:

    C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log

C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Rollback\setupact.log

    Note: C:\$WINDOWS.~BT is a hidden folder. To access it, press Win + R, type C:\$WINDOWS.~BT and click OK.

    Add the files to a zip archive and upload it.

    Step 2:

    Enable Memory Integrity. To do so, go to Windows Security → Device security → Core isolation details → Memory integrity. If the page lists any incompatible drivers, please post a screenshot.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-10-02T20:36:17.11+00:00

    Yes. The supported next steps are:

    1. Check free disk space first. Windows requires at least 16 GB free for 32-bit or 20 GB free for 64-bit to upgrade. If storage is low, free up space and try again.
    2. Remove anything nonessential before retrying:
      • Unplug external devices such as USB drives, printers, scanners, headphones, and external hard drives.
      • If the laptop uses a docking station, undock it.
      • Uninstall non-Microsoft antivirus temporarily.
      • Uninstall nonessential or outdated software that could block the upgrade.
    3. Make sure all important Windows updates are installed:
      • Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
      • Install any available updates, then restart and try the upgrade again.
    4. Since DISM and SFC were already tried, rerun them in the full supported order from an elevated Command Prompt, then retry Windows Update:
      • Search for command prompt
      • Select Run as administrator
      • Run:
        • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
        • then sfc /scannow
      • Wait for sfc to reach 100%
      • Try Windows Update again
    5. If Windows Update keeps failing near the end, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter again and then check for updates once more. A stalled install between 51% and 99% is specifically called out as a common update problem.
    6. If the upgrade still rolls back with messages like “We couldn't complete the updates” or “Failure configuring Windows Updates. Reverting changes.”, open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history and look for the failed update entry. The documented next step is to note the specific error code if one appears.
    7. If there is still no usable error code and the upgrade continues to fail, contact Microsoft support.

    Notes:

    • Command-line repair steps require administrator permissions.
    • A clean installation is available from the Windows software download page, but it is a more invasive option and should be approached carefully.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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