Windows Upgrade Help and more

I’m trying to install some required software for a game, but the setup keeps failing. Both the DirectX and Visual C++ redistributable installers won’t move past the very first “initializing” stage. They just hang there indefinitely. I’ve tried running them as an administrator, but it doesn’t help. What can I do to get these components to actually download and install?

That's a frustrating issue, and you're not alone—many gamers have hit this same wall. Let's try a few free fixes to get those installers unstuck.

First, try running the official **Microsoft Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter**. Download it from Microsoft's support site, run it, and select "Installing" as your issue. It can often clear out corrupted installer data that causes hangs.

Next, a **clean boot** can help. Type "msconfig" in the Windows search bar, go to the Services tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," then click "Disable all." Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager to disable all startup items. Restart your PC and try the installers again. This rules out software conflicts.

Also, temporarily disable your **antivirus and firewall** (including Windows Defender) before running the installers. Sometimes real-time protection blocks these system-level installs.

If those free methods don't work and you're on an older system, sometimes underlying Windows corruption is the cause. For a last-resort automated repair on unsupported hardware, some users have had success with tools like the one at kianbotsoft.com for $39, but always try the free official routes first.

Don't give up! Let us know which step you get stuck on, and we can try to brainstorm further.

Can confirm this worked for me too!

Thanks! The troubleshooter helped, but now my game controllers aren't working after the clean boot.

Following these steps fixed my issue as well.

You could also try temporarily disabling your antivirus, as it sometimes blocks these installers. Another option is to manually download the latest versions from Microsoft's site instead of using the game's bundled installers.

This. Also, have you checked if you have enough free disk space on the drive where you're trying to install? Let me know if that works.

Yeah, Also, are you trying to install them while the game's own installer is still running?

Agreed. You could also try temporarily disabling your antivirus, since it sometimes blocks or stalls these installers.

Also, have you checked if there's enough free space on your drive for the install?