What is error 4013 6?

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What is error 4013 6

Error 4013 6 is a common error code that can occur in various Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. This error is related to issues with Windows Update and is often seen when trying to install updates or service packs.

What Causes Error 4013 6?

There are a few potential causes for error 4013 6:

  • Corrupted system files related to Windows Update
  • Problems with the Windows Update components and services
  • Issues with the registry settings for Windows Update
  • Outdated or incompatible drivers on your system
  • Hard drive errors or bad sectors
  • Inadequate disk space on the drive where Windows is installed

The most common reasons for this error code are corrupted system files associated with Windows Update or issues with the update service itself. The components that manage the download and installation of updates can become damaged over time, resulting in this error when trying to check for new updates.

How to Fix Error 4013 6

There are several potential solutions you can try to resolve error 4013 6 on your Windows PC:

Run the System File Checker

The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that can scan for and replace corrupted system files. To run this:

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt window by searching for “Command Prompt”, right-clicking it, and selecting “Run as administrator”
  2. Type the command sfc /scannow and hit Enter
  3. This will scan your system files and replace any corrupted or missing files related to Windows Update
  4. Restart your PC once finished and try Windows Update again

Reset the Windows Update Components

Resetting the Windows Update components can resolve issues with damaged or incorrectly configured files:

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt as before
  2. Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and Windows Update services by typing:
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
  3. Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by typing:
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    ren C:\Windows\System32\Catroot2 Catroot2.old
  4. Restart the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and Windows Update services by typing:
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver
  5. Retry Windows Update

Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides an automated troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix common Windows Update errors:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot
  2. Select and run the “Windows Update” troubleshooter
  3. Follow the on-screen steps to detect and apply fixes for any issues
  4. Check for updates again afterwards

Change Windows Update Settings

Changing your Windows Update settings to match the following can help resolve error 4013 6 in some cases:

  • Set it to Install updates automatically (recommended) for your version of Windows
  • Enable receiving updates from Microsoft Update instead of just Windows Update
  • Select Give me updates for other Microsoft products for additional drivers and fixes
  • Make sure you’ve selected Use Recommended settings on the Advanced options page

After making those changes in Windows Update settings, run a manual check for new updates and install any available ones.

Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated, buggy or incompatible device drivers can sometimes interfere with installing Windows updates. Consider updating any outdated drivers through Device Manager. Or you can roll back recently updated drivers by:

  1. Going to Control Panel > Device Manager
  2. Locating the problematic device
  3. Right-clicking it and selecting Properties
  4. Going to the Driver tab
  5. Clicking Roll Back Driver to revert it to the previously installed version

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter, included in Windows, can automatically detect and fix some problems with Windows Update. To run it:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot
  2. Select “Windows Update” and click Run troubleshooter
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions
  4. Restart your computer and check for updates again

Clean Up Temporary Windows Update Files

There may be corrupted temporary Windows Update files that are causing issues. To delete these files:

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
  2. Select all files and delete them
  3. Empty the Recycle Bin to completely remove the files
  4. Restart your PC and try checking for updates again

Other Solutions

Here are some other things you can try if the above methods don’t resolve error 4013 6:

  • Perform a System Restore to revert your system files and settings to an earlier point before the error appeared
  • Boot into Safe Mode and try installing updates
  • Upgrade Windows to a newer version which may fix underlying OS issues
  • Try using a Local Group Policy to reset Windows Update components
  • Upgrade hardware drivers and firmware if incompatible ones are causing problems
  • As a last resort, try repair installing Windows or performing a clean install

Preventing Error 4013 6 in the Future

To help avoid error 4013 6 again in the future:

  • Always install Windows updates as soon as possible
  • Don’t ignore or delay mandatory updates
  • Select the recommended update settings
  • Don’t use unsupported registry tweak tools to modify Windows Update
  • Maintain your system files by occasionally running the System File Checker
  • Keep device drivers and firmware updated
  • Use a quality antivirus to prevent malware infections that may damage system files

Following those best practices will help ensure your system stays updated and minimize the chances of error 4013 6 occurring again in the future.

Conclusion

In summary, error 4013 6 is a relatively common Windows Update error that is related to corrupted system files or issues with the update components. It can be resolved in most cases by running utilities like the System File Checker, resetting Windows Update files and services, updating drivers, or using the built-in troubleshooter. With the right fixes and proper system maintenance, error 4013 6 can be permanently eliminated.