Windows File Recovery Stuck at 99%? Here’s How to Fix It Fast

Windows File Recovery stuck at 99%, still at 99% after 96 hours. So my question is, should I cancel this, or should I leave it till it reaches 100%? Or should I cancel this and use another software to recover?

— From Reddit Community

Many users complained about Windows File Recovery gets stuck at 99%. That can be a frustrating experience when you are trying to recover important files. In this guide, you will learn why Windows File Recovery may hang at 99% and how to resolve this error.

Part 1: Why Is Windows File Recovery Stuck at 99%?

Windows File Recovery stuck at 99% error occurs, which means you cannot finish the recovery process as usual. In order to solve this error effectively, you need to figure out the reason. Here are possible causes:

Scanning a Large or Encrypted Drive: Scanning a large hard drive, USB drive, or encrypted device can take much longer than expected. Often, Windows File Recovery appears stuck but is still running in the background.

Insufficient System Space: High CPU usage, limited disk space can slow down the data recovery process or cause it to stop responding.

Too Many Background Applications: Running many apps at the same time interferes with recovery speed and performance.

Antivirus or Security Software Interference: Security programs may lock file access during the scan.

Insufficient Space on the Destination Drive: Windows File Recovery may get stuck at 99% due to limited space on the target drive.

Windows File Recovery Software Issues: In some cases, the Windows File Recovery tool may encounter internal errors or bugs, causing the recovery process to freeze.

Part 2: How to Fix Windows File Recovery Stuck at 99%?

When Windows File Recovery stuck at 99%, stay calm. Here are 9 solutions, from basic troubleshooting to more advanced fixes.

• Way 1: Wait for a while
• Way 2: Reopen Your Computer
• Way 3: Close Other Apps
• Way 4: Free up Disk Space
• Way 5: Choose Another USB Port/PC
• Way 6: Stop Using Security Software Temporarily
• Way 7: Run CHKDSK Commands
• Way 8: Adopt a Different Recovery Mode
• Way 9: Reinstall Windows File Recovery

Way 1: Wait for a while

It is normal for scanning a large drive or recovering many files to take a long time. Please be patient if Windows File Recovery is stuck at 99%. You can wait for 2 to 4 hours and then check whether the recovery process continues. If it still does not move, try the next fix.

Way 2: Reopen Your Computer

Sometimes, simply restarting your computer can resolve the Windows File Recovery stuck at 99% error.

Way 3: Close Other Apps

As previously mentioned, running too many apps on your PC can undoubtedly cause Windows File Recovery stuck at 99%. You can follow these steps to resolve it.

Here’s the guide:

• Right-click the Windows icon
• Select Task Manager
• Under the Processes tab, find programs you do not need
• Right-click them and choose End Task

Way 4: Free up Disk Space

Insufficient disk space can slow down or stop the recovery process. Delete temporary files, clear your browser, or move large files to an external drive. These steps free up space and speed up recovery.

Way 5: Choose Another USB Port/PC

When Windows File Recovery stuck at 99% happens on recovering from a USB drive, SD card, or other external devices, you need to change another USB Port/PC.

Way 6: Stop Using Security Software Temporarily

Windows File Recovery may get stuck at 99% due to interfering security or anti-virus software. To fix this, temporarily disable real-time protection.

Here’s step-by-step guide:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings. navigate to Privacy & Security, then Windows Security, and finally Virus & threat protection.
• Click Manage settings, then Turn off Real-time protection.

Way 7: Run CHKDSK Commands

Windows File Recovery stuck at 99% due to file system corruption, logical errors, or bad sectors.You can run CHKDSK to help repair this problem.

Here are the steps:

• Search for cmd
• Click Command Prompt and run as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter: chkdsk G: /f /r

Replace

• g: Replace g: with any drive letter you want to scan (for example, C:, D: etc.)
• /f: Fix any file system errors that it discovers (eg:Directory Corruption/File Index Errors)
• /r: Scan bad sectors and recover any readable data

If drive errors are causing Windows File Recovery not working, this method may help resolve this issue.

Way 8: Adopt a Different Recovery Mode

When Windows File Recovery gets stuck at 99%, you can change the recovery mode. Windows File Recovery offers multiple scan modes, each designed for different file systems and data loss scenarios.

1. Regular Mode
Best for: recently deleted files on NTFS drives.
winfr C: D: /regular /n \Users\Documents

2. Segment Mode
Useful for: FAT/exFAT drives or deeper scans.
winfr C: D: /segment /n \Projects\*.xlsx

3. Extensive Mode
Best for: seriously damaged or formatted drives.
winfr H: D: /extensive /n \*.txt

Way 9: Reinstall Windows File Recovery

If Windows File Recovery Stuck at 99% due to itself, reinstall Windows File Recovery software is an effective way to solve this error. You can follow my guide:

• Search for Windows File Recovery in the search bar
• Uninstall Windows File Recovery
• Download from the Microsoft Store and install it again
• Right-click them and choose End Task

Part 3: Windows File Recovery Still Not Working? Try This Alternative

If the Windows File Recovery stuck at 99% issue still exists after trying these solutions, it’s time to use an easier alternative. We strongly recommend iToolab RecoverGo Window Data Recovery.

RecoverGo Windows Data Recovery is an effective solution that makes it simple and quick to get back lost or lost files from a computer or other storage devices.

Why Choose iToolab RecoverGo?

• Command lines are not required: Instantly recover any loss or deleted data with simple steps.
• 99% High recovery success rate: Quick scan and advanced scan increase the recovery rate.
• Support common data loss situations: Such as accidental deletion, emptied recycle bin, physical damage, virus or malware attacks, formatted hard drive.
• Beginner-friendly interfaces: Simple and easy-read interface allows beginners to recover lost files in just few clicks.
• Works with any device: Recover data form 2000+ devices, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, SD memory cards and wide range of storage devices.

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files with iToolab RecoverGo Windows Data Recovery?

Step 1 Download and install iToolab RecoverGo Window Data Recovery and start it on your PC. Select the location that need to retrieve data. Next, click “Search for Lost Data.”

Step 2 Scan your drive. The scan time based on the size of your drive or data. Once scan finished, you can quickly find deleted files through file types or file path.

Step 3 Click the “Preview” on the right panel and then choose the “Recover”; button to retrieve the file. Now, you must choose where to save the retrieved file. To avoid overwriting data, please store the file on a different drive.

It is simple to use it, isn’t it? Now, download the tool. Retrieve your important data immediately.

In Conclusion

This post summarizes possible causes and offers practical ways to fix Windows File Recovery stuck at 99% error. Obviously, Windows File Recovery tool still has limitations on dealing with complex situation. Why not try a simpler and more reliable alternative? iToolab RecoverGo Window Data Recovery — a powerful tool that significantly guarantee the success rate of data recovery up to 99%.