'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Office Deployment Tool Installation Stuck at 3 Percent
Question details
The user is unable to complete a Microsoft Office installation because the process hangs indefinitely at 3% when using the Office Deployment Tool.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Deployment Tool
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Deploying Microsoft Office via Command Prompt using the setup /configure command.
- Observed behavior
- The installation progress bar freezes exactly at 3% and does not proceed, even after clearing temporary files, restarting the computer, and running the command as an administrator.
Ensure your computer has an active internet connection and wait at least 15-20 minutes before troubleshooting, as the setup might simply be downloading large background files.
Allow Windows Background Updates to Finish
Use this solution if Windows is secretly downloading updates, which blocks the Office installer from continuing past the 3 percent mark.
The Microsoft Office installer relies on certain Windows services that might be locked by background Windows Update operations. When Windows Update is actively downloading or installing system patches, the Office Deployment Tool enters a waiting state.
Click the Start menu, go to Settings (gear icon), and select 'Update & Security' (or 'Windows Update' in Windows 11).
If there are updates downloading or pending a restart, click 'Install now' or 'Restart now' to finish applying them.
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), locate the 'Microsoft Office Click-to-Run' process, right-click it, and select 'End task'.
Open an elevated Command Prompt and run your 'setup /configure configuration.xml' command again to see if it bypasses the 3 percent freeze.
Update the Office Deployment Tool
Use this method if the Office Deployment Tool executable itself is outdated and failing to communicate with Microsoft's current download servers.
Skip Complex Deployments with WPS Office
Struggling with command-line installations, XML configuration files, and stuck progress bars? WPS Office provides a powerful, hassle-free alternative. It installs in seconds with a single click, requires no complex deployment tools, and works seamlessly with all major operating systems.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
- 2. Run the setup: Open the downloaded installer and agree to the terms.
- 3. Install in seconds: Click 'Install Now' and enjoy a fast, uninterrupted installation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Office installation usually get stuck at 3% or 51%?
These specific progress markers generally indicate that the installer is attempting to acquire necessary background services or is waiting for Windows Update to release locked files. The installer pauses until those background tasks complete.
Where can I find the Office Deployment Tool error logs?
If your installation fails or hangs, you can find the detailed logs in your temporary folder. Press Windows Key + R, type %temp%, press Enter, and look for text files that start with your computer's name and include the installation date and time.
Can an antivirus block the Office Deployment Tool?
Yes, overly strict third-party firewall or antivirus settings can block the ODT from reaching Microsoft's content delivery network. You may need to temporarily disable your antivirus software while running the setup command.
How do I perform an offline installation to avoid downloading issues?
You can modify your workflow by first running 'setup /download configuration.xml' to fully download the Office files to your local drive. Once the download finishes, you can run 'setup /configure configuration.xml' to install the files locally without relying on an active internet connection.
