Error 13EC when installing The .NET Framework 4.5.2 means you need to free more disk space. 3GB that is.
Posted by jpluimers on 2015/05/23
About a year and a half ago, I wrote:
My conclusion is that various Microsoft updates now require 3 gigabytes of disk space.
This seems to be the case with the .NET Framework 4.5.1 KB 2858725 update, and probably more future updates. I tried installing the KB 2858725 update with slightly less than 3 gigabytes of space (and after the 3 gigabyte reserve.tmp appeared), and I was still getting error 13EC. But with slightly more than 3 gigabyte the update would install.
That is quite difficult when you run loads of VMs on SSDs: they usually don’t have an awful lot of disk space left.
The same issue holds for Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 for Windows 7 x64-based Systems (KB2901983) which got released earlier this week:
Error 13EC during .NET framework 4.5.2 installation
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 for Windows 7 x64-based Systems (KB2901983)
Installation date: 5/21/2015 12:53 PM
Installation status: Failed
Error details: Code 13EC Get help with this error
Update type: Recommended
The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 is a highly compatible, in-place update to the .NET Framework 4, 4.5 and 4.5.1. By using the .NET Framework 4.5.2 together with the C# or Visual Basic programming languages, you can write Windows Store apps. The .NET Framework 4.5.2 delivers better performance, reliability, and security than previous versions. After you install this update, you may have to restart your computer.
More information: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2901983
Help and Support: http://support.microsoft.com
It directs to “WindowsUpdate_000013EC” “WindowsUpdate_dt000” which of course does not give meaningful results in the top hits (:
The uncool thing is that KB2901983 only mentions one requirement: a potential system restart. Nowhere it lists a 3 gigabyte free disk space limit.
And no, I’m not really surprised that the help didn’t improve. Just frustrated.
–jeroen
The Wiert Corner - irregular stream of stuff 
jpluimers said
Nice comment therad from G+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JeroenPluimers/posts/REzCH2XfnWT
Danny Thorpe: Is this counting intermediate download / temp directory space during install, or just the net increase in disk space used after install is complete?
Jeroen Wiert Pluimers: +Danny Thorpe It is a plain disk free requirement. I’ve not measured the net increase after installation, but I have the feeling it needs temp headroom.
Danny Thorpe: Right. The reason why I asked: You can change your system temp directory (and download directory) settings to point to a different drive if your system partition is getting full.
Also, clear out your internet browser caches, as they tend to have surprisingly high disk space quotas by default. (I usually trim the quotas back by 50% or more)
Jeroen Wiert Pluimers: Where can you set those redirect settings? I emptied the caches and various temp directories before updating but cannot get above 3gb free space.
Danny Thorpe: My Computer: Properties / Environment Variables. Change TMP and TEMP to point to a directory on another drive.
Jeroen Wiert Pluimers: +Danny Thorpe I hadn’t thought about this being so simple. Thanks!