Fix Visio Installation Stuck at 'We're Getting Things Ready'
Question details
The user needs to troubleshoot and resolve an issue where the Microsoft Visio Plan 2 installer freezes continuously at the preparation stage.
- Product
- Microsoft Visio
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Installing Microsoft Visio Plan 2 on a system that may already have other Microsoft Office applications installed.
- Observed behavior
- The installation window hangs indefinitely (for over 30 minutes) displaying the message 'We're getting things ready' without progressing.
Ensure the installation has been stuck for at least 30 minutes before intervening, and verify the architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) of any existing Microsoft Office applications on your computer.
Clear Background Processes and Run Recovery Assistant
Force close frozen installation processes and utilize Microsoft's official diagnostic tool to resolve setup conflicts.
Conflicting background processes or a mismatch between 32-bit and 64-bit Click-to-Run configurations can cause the installation to stall.
Right-click the Windows taskbar and select 'Task Manager'. Locate any 'Microsoft 365 and Office' processes, right-click them, and choose 'End task' to close them completely.
Download and launch the official Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant tool. Follow the on-screen prompts to automatically diagnose and fix installation issues.
Once the background processes are cleared and the assistant has finished its repairs, launch the Visio setup file again to complete the installation.
Remove Conflicting Registry Keys
Manually delete the 'DisallowRun' Windows registry key that might be blocking the installation executable from launching properly.
Try WPS Office for a Fast, Conflict-Free Experience
Tired of dealing with long installations, Click-to-Run conflicts, and registry errors? WPS Office provides a lightweight, all-in-one productivity suite that installs in seconds and runs flawlessly alongside other software.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the setup file.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file. The lightweight installation takes only a few clicks and finishes rapidly without registry conflicts.
- 3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office and instantly begin working on your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Visio installation hang at 'We're getting things ready'?
This commonly occurs due to conflicts with existing Microsoft Office installations on your computer, specifically when there is a mismatch between 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, or when background Click-to-Run processes become frozen.
How do I check if my existing Office apps are 32-bit or 64-bit?
Open any Office application like Word or Excel, click on 'File', select 'Account', and then click 'About Word'. The window that pops up will clearly display whether you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit version.
What is Click-to-Run in Microsoft Office?
Click-to-Run is a Microsoft streaming and virtualization technology designed to reduce installation times and allow multiple versions of Office to run on the same computer. However, it can occasionally cause conflicts during the setup of new applications like Visio.
Is it safe to delete the DisallowRun registry key?
Deleting the specific 'DisallowRun' key under the Explorer policies is generally safe if it is mistakenly blocking your installations. However, modifying other registry keys incorrectly can damage your Windows operating system, so you should always back up your registry before proceeding.
