Background Installation Hanging

Issue/Question

When installing Microsoft 365, I see the message stating Office is installing in the background, but the installation gets stuck between 79% and 90% completion.

Environment

  • Windows 8.1

Resolution

If the installation hangs between 79% and 90% completion, the Print Spooler service may be causing the problem. The service can be temporarily stopped to allow the installation to continue. In order to disable the Print Spooler Service:

  1. Click on the Start Button.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Scroll to the service named Print Spooler and select it.
  4. Click Stop.

If the Microsoft 365 installation does not progress after 2 or 3 minutes, restart the installation of Microsoft 365 and try again. If Microsoft 365 installs successfully, the Print Spooler service can be re-enabled by clicking Start in the Services window.