Error 0x80070422 means a required service cannot start, usually because Windows Update or one of its supporting services has been disabled.
This applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11, including cases in Windows Update, Microsoft Store, and Windows Security.
Does This Affect You?
This error commonly appears after “optimizer,” privacy, or cleanup tools disable services. Re-enable the core services first.
Check Required Services
- Press Windows key + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Open Windows Update.
- Set Startup type to Manual or Automatic if it is disabled.
- Click Start if the service is stopped.
- Repeat for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Cryptographic Services.
- Restart and try the update, Store action, or Security scan again.
Reset Update Components
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
net stop wuauserv,net stop bits, andnet stop cryptsvc. - Run
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old. - Run
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old. - Run
net start wuauserv,net start bits, andnet start cryptsvc. - Restart and check again.
If the Service Keeps Turning Off
Optimizer Tools
If the issue started after a cleaner, privacy, or performance utility, undo its service changes or remove the tool.
Work or School Policy
Managed PCs may have Windows Update controlled by Group Policy, Intune, or another administrator. If settings revert, contact the administrator.
Store or Security Trigger
The same service fixes apply even if the error appeared in Microsoft Store or Windows Security because they rely on shared Windows services.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Fix Windows Update errors
- Microsoft Support: Windows Update error codes explained
- Microsoft Learn: Services overview and management