How to Fix Windows Error 0x80070422

Windows error 0x80070422 usually appears when the Windows Update service is disabled or not running. This prevents updates, security patches, and feature installs from completing successfully.

Start with the free steps below. If it still isn’t fixed, use the “If the error still persists” section near the bottom.

Method 1: Enable the Windows Update Service

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Find Windows Update in the list.
  3. Double-click it. Set Startup type to Automatic.
  4. Click Start, then Apply.
  5. Restart your PC and try Windows Update again.

Method 2: Reset Windows Update Components

If enabling the service didn’t work, Windows Update components may be stuck or corrupted. This reset is safe and commonly fixes 0x80070422.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Click Start and type cmd
    • Right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator
  2. Run these commands one at a time:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net stop msiserver

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
net start msiserver

Restart your PC and try Windows Update again.

Related Windows Errors

If Windows Update is failing with multiple errors, these related guides may also help:

If the Error Still Persists

If system files or update components are damaged, manual steps may not fully resolve 0x80070422.

In that case, an automated Windows repair tool can scan for common causes like broken update services and corrupted system files.

Recommended option
Fix Windows Update errors automatically

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes error 0x80070422?

Most commonly it’s caused by the Windows Update service being disabled. It can also be caused by corrupted update components or system files.

Is error 0x80070422 dangerous?

The error itself isn’t dangerous, but it can prevent security updates from installing.

Can this error fix itself?

Sometimes a restart or re-enabling services fixes it. If it keeps returning, use the steps above.