how long does it take to install windows 10

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How long does it take to install Windows 10? All Windows 10 updates come with exciting new features and a bunch of other useful improvements. If you're reading this because you want to know how long does it take for Windows 10 to download and install, you've come to the right place.

It's worth mentioning that there is no right answer to this question since it depends on many factors such as your computer's hardware performance, your internet speed, and your software configurations.

We know that downloading the necessary files can be frustrating if it takes longer than you expected.

How long does it take to install Windows 10

How long does it take to download Windows 10 and how long does Windows 10 take to install? The download and installation times can vary based on factors such as your internet connection, processor speed, memory, hard drive performance (if it is a regular hard drive or an SSD) and your data set, which includes your personal files, settings and installed applications that need to be transferred during the upgrade.

Some upgrades can take from 25 minutes to an average of 2 hours, but there have been cases of up to 20 hours.

Reasons why installation takes so long

Windows 10 updates typically take longer to complete since it transfers large files and a bunch of data that could take more than four hours to install.

Your internet speed and that of the server from which you're downloading the update also play a key role and can significantly affect the time you need for installation. Microsoft's server has a typical speed of 10mbps per connection.

If your internet speed is considerably higher than this, using software like Internet Download Manager will boost the installation process.

How to speed up a slow installation

If you're sure that the loading problem is not being caused by a slow internet connection or poor performance of the hard drive, there could be other problems preventing a smooth installation. Below are some steps you can go through to help.

Disable startup programs that could interfere with the update

A good way to troubleshoot is to disable all third-party applications. Most of the time when seeking help from the internet, you might be asked to do a "clean reboot" of Windows.

This prevents all non-Windows programs and services from starting, so the system runs clean. No third-party software launches on boot. You can do this by:

Pressing Windows +R which takes you to Run launch box;
Type "msconfig" in the Run Box;
Click OK;
Click the "Services" tab under "System Configuration";
Check "Hide all Microsoft services";
Click "Disable all";
Click "Startup".

This displays all the apps with permissions to open automatically when you log in to Windows 10.

Press the "Disable all" button. This stops all third-party applications from starting with your Windows.

Note: If you're a Windows 8/8.1 user, you got to do things a bit differently since the Start Up tab is under Task Manager.

Additionally, the Windows 8/8.1 doesn't allow you to disable all like the previous Windows. You have to disable each of the entries manually. This is what you need to do.

Right-click on the Task Bar > Task Manager;
Click on the "Start Up" tab;
Right-click on each entry and select Disable.

At this point consider restarting your computer and see if your problem is temporarily solved.

Right-click any apps that are not important at that moment and select "Disable".

This should significantly speed up the installation process.

Fix Windows Update errors with Windows Update Troubleshooter

Start by checking whether if there are broken software components that are causing installation problems. This step may fix the issue and shorten the installation time.

Do it by pressing the Windows button and typing "Troubleshooting Settings". It will take you to a new window with an option for Windows Update.

The Windows Update Troubleshooter can fix broken components that are probably breaking the update progress.

Free up the storage and defragment the hard disk

Windows 10 updates can take up a lot of disk space causing installation problems. Solution? Free up some disk space so that you create enough room.

You can do this by going through disk clean up or uninstall a game that's taking valuable space, deleting old files, and removing any software that you don't need.

To defragment your hard drive, do this:

Press the Windows button;
Type "Defragment and Optimize Drives";
Select the hard drive and click "Analyze";
If the disk is more than 10% fragmented, press "Optimize".

Schedule your installations when you are not needing to use your PC

Sometimes massive updates might seem to take longer because you're there staring at a loading icon that gives no information at all.

Besides, your internet connection may not be stable especially during the day when there are many people using it. You can disable the auto updates and schedule when you're not using your computer.

If you know you can't wait without feeling impatient, schedule when your computer and network is least busy. Open the Windows Update Window and set when you prefer the installation to begin.

Wrap Up

Knowing how long to install Windows 10 is a very common question. This guide demonstrates how long does Windows 10 update take and why it can be so time-consuming. The possible solutions discussed here can help you fix Windows 10 update when it takes longer than you can handle.

Among them, freeing up storage space, defragmenting the hard disk, and using the Windows update Troubleshooter. Above all, a little patience will go a long way.

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