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.

Try the fastest fix for 0x80070422

If you want to avoid working through manual repair steps first, you can start with an automated scan. It can check for corrupted system files, broken services, and other windows update problems commonly tied to error 0x80070422.

Optional faster option

Scan for problems causing 0x80070422

Manual fixes are listed below if you prefer to troubleshoot it yourself first.

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Method 1: Enable the Windows Update Service

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

Want to skip the more advanced repair steps?

The next steps may involve deeper troubleshooting, system repair commands, or repeated testing. If you want to try a faster automated option before continuing, run a scan for 0x80070422 first.

Before advanced fixes

Try automated repair first

Good option if you would rather avoid command-line work and longer manual troubleshooting.

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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.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Click Start and type cmd
- Right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator
Run these commands one at a time:

Windows Update reset commands cmd

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

Tip: Paste into Command Prompt with Ctrl + V

Restart your PC and try Windows Update again.

Related Windows Update Errors

Windows Update problems often appear in clusters. These related update and servicing guides may help you troubleshoot the next issue faster.

Related Windows Errors

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

Still seeing 0x80070422?

If the steps above did not solve the issue, the problem may involve broken update services, corrupted system files, or deeper Windows Update component issues.

An automated repair scan can check for those problems and may save time before you continue with more manual troubleshooting.

Recommended next step

Fix Windows Update errors automatically

Best if you want to try a faster repair path before spending more time on manual fixes.

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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.