Latest PoE Update via Steam - Stuck at 99%

I'm having an issue on 2 different machines where the latest update stops at 99% downloading and as a result PoE can't be played/started. Both machines use Steam to access the game. Eventually Steam just gives a "connection timed out" message.

Prior to the latest update I've never run into this issue. I've been playing PoE since it was launched a few years ago and have installed every patch since then with no issues. I had no issues playing Prophecy and any related patches until very recently.

I'm on a fast 50 Mbps wired (not wi-fi) connection. My ISP hasn't changed. I still use the same anti-virus/firewall software (Kaspersky) that I've always used and it hasn't had any major updates for a while, so I don't think it has anything to do with that, but regardless I disabled it and still get the same 99% connection timed out error.

I've also restarted Steam multiple times. I have completely uninstalled PoE and made sure the game folder was removed, then reinstalled twice, each time on a different hard drive. I have rebooted my router. I also temporarily shut off the firewall in my router and also turned off the AIProtection features (I have an ASUS router) temporarily, but nothing seems to make a difference. I still get stuck at 99% downloading.

Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this or how to fix? I have no idea what else to try at this point and want to get back into PoE. It seems odd that it would be happening on 2 different PCs all of a sudden. The only thing that's common is the router and ISP....both are using wired connection.

Have you tried deleting the local content via the steam menu and reinstalling it?

I know that it doesn't provide an "easy" solution, but it may be quicker than logging a support ticket or even waiting for a reply to your post.

Yeah, I removed the game via Steam (local content) twice and reinstalled twice trying 2 separate hard drives to rule out a drive or path issue.

UPDATE:

Well I don't know what happened, but while I was doing other things on my PC out of the blue Steam popped up and said PoE finished downloading...finally!!! I didn't make any changes or do anything special, so I don't know why it suddenly worked, but I'm happy again.