Fix Error 0x800704ec in Windows 10: Full Guide

Error 0x800704ec in Windows 10 usually appears when you try to open the Microsoft Store, Windows Update, or certain built-in apps, and it means the Windows service that those apps depend on (often the Windows Update service or the AppX Deployment Service) is disabled or not running. The fix is to re-enable the required services and re-register the affected app, which takes about five minutes. Below is a complete walkthrough, plus what causes the error and how to prevent it from coming back.

What Does Error 0x800704ec Mean?

The hexadecimal code 0x800704ec is a Windows error that translates to “ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED.” When you see this code, Windows is telling you that a service needed to complete your request is turned off. In Windows 10, this most frequently happens with the Windows Update service (wuauserv), the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), or the AppX Deployment Service (AppXSvc). Because the Microsoft Store and many inbox apps rely on these services, they fail with this error when the services are disabled.

The error can also appear when you try to install a printer, run Windows Defender, or use certain system tools. The underlying cause is almost always a service set to “Disabled” in the Services console, often after a third-party “optimizer” tool, a manual tweak, or a corrupted system state.

Why Does This Error Happen?

There are several common triggers:

• Third-party system cleaners that disable Windows services to “speed up” your PC. These tools sometimes disable services that are essential for Store and Update functions.
• Manual service changes – a user or a script may have set the Windows Update service to “Disabled” to block automatic updates, and later forgot to re-enable it.
• Corrupted service registry entries – a failed update or a malware infection can leave service settings in an invalid state.
• Group Policy restrictions – in some managed environments, an administrator may have disabled certain services via Group Policy, which overrides local settings.

Knowing the cause helps you choose the right fix. If you recently ran a “tweaking” tool, start by restoring the services it changed.

Fix 1: Re-enable the Required Services (Most Common Fix)

The first and most direct fix is to set the affected services back to their default startup types. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to Windows Update. Right-click it and select Properties.
3. In the Startup type drop-down, select Automatic (Delayed Start is also fine).
4. If the service is not running, click Start under “Service status.”
5. Click Apply and then OK.
6. Repeat the same steps for the following services: Background Intelligent Transfer Service (set to Automatic), Cryptographic Services (Automatic), Windows Installer (Manual), and AppX Deployment Service (Manual).

After re-enabling the services, restart your PC and try the operation that failed. If the error was caused by a disabled service, it should now be gone.

Fix 2: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If re-enabling services doesn’t help, run the built-in troubleshooter. It can automatically detect and fix common service and store issues.

1. Go to Settings (Windows + I) → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. It may take a few minutes.

You can also run the Microsoft Store Apps troubleshooter from the same page if the error appears when opening the Store.

Fix 3: Re-register the Microsoft Store App

If the error occurs only with the Store or a specific app, re-registering the app can repair its installation. Open Windows PowerShell as administrator (right-click Start and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Terminal (Admin)”). Then run this command:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This command re-registers all built-in apps. It may take a minute or two. After it finishes, restart your PC and test. If you only want to re-register the Store, use:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Fix 4: Check Group Policy and Registry

If the error persists, a Group Policy setting may be blocking the service. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc (only available in Pro/Enterprise editions), and navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update. Look for any policy that says “Do not connect to any Windows Update Internet locations” or “Remove access to use all Windows Update features.” If either is set to Enabled, change it to Not Configured and click OK.

For Home editions, check the registry. Open Regedit (Windows + R, type regedit) and go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

If this key exists, look for a DWORD named DisableWindowsUpdateAccess. If it’s set to 1, change it to 0 or delete the value. Also check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv – the Start value should be 2 (Automatic). If it’s 4 (Disabled), change it to 2.

What If Nothing Works? (Advanced Options)

If the error still appears after trying the above, you can try the following in order:

• Run System File Checker – open Command Prompt as admin and run sfc /scannow. This repairs corrupted system files.
• Use DISM – in the same Command Prompt, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix system image corruption.
• Create a new user account – sometimes a corrupted user profile causes the error. Create a new local admin account and see if the error occurs there.
• Reset Windows Update components – there is a manual process that stops the services, renames the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, and restarts services. Search for “reset Windows Update components” for a step-by-step guide.
• Perform a repair upgrade – download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and run it to “upgrade” your PC while keeping files and apps. This reinstalls Windows without losing data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ignore error 0x800704ec?

You can ignore it if you never use the Microsoft Store or Windows Update, but doing so leaves your system vulnerable because updates won’t install. It’s best to fix it, especially if you rely on built-in apps.

Will re-enabling Windows Update services cause automatic reboots?

Not immediately. Re-enabling the service only allows Windows Update to run. You can still set active hours in Settings to prevent unexpected restarts. The service being disabled is what blocks updates entirely.

Why did a “cleaner” tool disable these services?

Some tools mistakenly classify Windows Update and BITS as “unnecessary” to speed up boot times. They are actually essential for system stability and security. Always review what a cleaner plans to disable before applying.

Does this error affect Windows 11?

Yes, the same error code can appear in Windows 11, and the fixes are nearly identical. The services and registry paths are the same.

Is it safe to use a third-party repair tool?

Many are safe, but some may cause more harm. The built-in tools (troubleshooters, SFC, DISM) are sufficient for most cases. If you use a third-party tool, choose one from a reputable publisher and avoid ones that disable services.

Preventing Error 0x800704ec in the Future

To avoid this error, never disable Windows services manually unless you are absolutely sure what they do. Avoid “optimization” tools that disable services without asking. Keep your system updated, and if you ever need to block updates temporarily, use the “Pause updates” feature in Settings instead of disabling services. Regularly run the built-in troubleshooters if you notice any odd behavior.

If you are in a corporate environment, check with your IT department before changing service settings, as Group Policy may override local changes.

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