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There could be several reasons why your external backup drive in Windows 11 stops at 97% and does not complete the backup process. Here are some common issues to consider:
- Disk Errors: The external drive may have errors or bad sectors that prevent the backup from completing. You can check the disk for errors using the built-in Windows tools.
- Insufficient Space: Ensure that there is enough space on the external drive for the backup. If the drive is nearly full, it may not be able to complete the backup.
- File System Issues: The file system on the external drive might be corrupted. Running a disk check can help identify and fix these issues.
- Backup Software Issues: If you are using third-party backup software, there may be compatibility issues or bugs that prevent the backup from completing.
- Connection Issues: Ensure that the connection to the external drive is stable. A loose USB connection can interrupt the backup process.
- Windows Settings: Check if there are any settings in Windows that might be interfering with the backup process, such as security settings or group policies.
To troubleshoot, you can start by checking the disk for errors and ensuring there is sufficient space available on the external drive. If the problem persists, consider using a different backup method or software to see if that resolves the issue.