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How can I fix Windows Update error code 13ec?

Alton Alexander
By Alton AlexanderUpdated on June 4th, 2022

The Windows Update Code 13EC error code happens when the Windows Update service fails to start. This can happen for a number of reasons, but most commonly it is because the Windows Update service is not set to start automatically. This can be changed in the services manager, but it is also possible that the service is disabled entirely. In this case, it will need to be enabled in order to allow the Windows Update service to start properly.

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1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. Open the "Windows Update" app on your computer.
  2. In the "Windows Update" app, click on the "Troubleshoot" link.
  3. On the "Troubleshoot" page, click on the "Windows Update" link.
  4. In the "Windows Update" window, click on the "Repair" link.
  5. On the "Repair" page, click on the "Troubleshoot" link.
  6. On the "Troubleshoot" page, click on the "Windows Update" link.
  7. On the "Windows Update" window, click on the "Check for updates" link.
  8. On the "Check for updates" window, click on the "Install updates" button.
  9. On the "Install updates" window, click on the "Choose updates" button.
  10. On the "Choose updates" window, click on the "Updates for Windows" link.
  11. On the "Updates for Windows" window, click on the "Windows Update" link.
  12. On the "Windows Update" window, click on the "Install updates" button.
  13. On the "Install updates" window, click on the "Yes" button.
  14. On the "Yes" window, click on the "Close" button.
  15. Close the "Windows Update" app.
  16. Restart your computer.

2. Restart your device and then run Windows Update again

  1. Open the Start Menu and search for "Windows Update."
  2. Click on the Windows Update icon that appears in the search results.
  3. Click on the "Update Now" button that appears on the right side of the Windows Update window.
  4. If the Windows Update window appears, click on the "Install updates" button.
  5. Windows will start searching for the latest updates.
  6. Once the updates are found, they will be displayed in the Windows Update window.
  7. If the updates are required, they will be installed.
  8. Once the updates are installed, the "Update Now" button will disappear and the Windows Update window will close.
  9. If the updates are not required, you can click on the "Skip" button.
  10. If you are prompted to restart your computer, click on the "Restart now" button.
  11. After your computer has restarted, click on the "Windows Update" icon again to run the latest updates.

3. Check for updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog

  1. Open the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  2. In the “Filter by Update Type” section, select “Windows Update.”
  3. In the “Filter by Update Status” section, select “Available.”
  4. In the “Update Status” column, select “Available.”
  5. In the “Installable” column, select the updates that you want to install.
  6. Click the “Install Selected” button.
  7. If the update requires a restart, click the “Restart Now” button.
  8. After the updates are installed, click the “Close” button.

4. Temporarily disable your antivirus software

  1. Open the Start menu and click on the Search box. Type "windows update" and hit enter.
  2. On the "Windows Update" page, click on the link that says "Troubleshoot problems with Windows Update."
  3. On the "Troubleshoot problems with Windows Update" page, click on the link that says "Disable automatic update."
  4. Click on the "Disable automatic update" radio button and then click on the "Confirm" button.
  5. Click on the "Disable automatic update" button again and then click on the "OK" button.
  6. Click on the "Close" button and then on the "OK" button in the "Windows Update" dialog box.

If the answers above didn't work then you should also try:

  1. Install updates manually.
  2. Reset the Windows Update Components.
  3. Run the DISM tool.
  4. Perform a clean boot.
  5. Use the System File Checker tool.
  6. Try updating Windows in Safe Mode.