Quick Summary
Error code 0x80070422 indicates that a service required by Windows Update is not running. Specifically, this often means the Windows Update service itself, or a service it depends on, is disabled or stopped.
Common Causes
- Windows Update Service Disabled: The Windows Update service is manually or automatically disabled in the Services management console.
- Dependencies Not Running: Services that Windows Update relies on (such as Background Intelligent Transfer Service - BITS, Cryptographic Services, or the Windows Event Log) are not running.
- Group Policy Settings: Group Policy settings are configured to prevent the Windows Update service from starting.
- System File Corruption: Corrupted system files can interfere with the proper functioning of Windows Update and its related services.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Start the Windows Update Service Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter to open the Services management console.
Step 2: Locate the Windows Update service in the list.
Step 3: Right-click on the Windows Update service and select Properties.
Step 4: In the Properties window, go to the General tab. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
Step 5: If the Service status is Stopped, click the Start button.
Step 6: Click Apply and then OK.
Step 7: Restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.
Method 2: Check Dependent Services Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open the Services management console (Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter).
Step 2: Ensure the following services are running, and set to Automatic startup type (follow steps 3-6 from the previous method for each service): Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic Services, and Windows Event Log.
Step 3: Restart your computer after verifying these services.
Method 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on Update & Security.
Step 3: Click on Troubleshoot in the left-hand menu.
Step 4: Click on Additional troubleshooters.
Step 5: Select Windows Update and click on Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Step 6: Restart your computer after the troubleshooter completes.
Method 4: Check Group Policy Settings Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor (This only works on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions).
Step 2: Navigate to: Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update.
Step 3: Check if any policies are configured that prevent the Windows Update service from starting or that disable Windows Update functionality.
Step 4: If a relevant policy is enabled, double-click it and set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
Step 5: Run gpupdate /force in an elevated command prompt (right-click Start, select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)).
Step 6: Restart your computer.
Method 5: System File Checker (SFC) Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt. (Right-click the Start button, choose "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)").
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take some time.
Step 4: If SFC finds and repairs any corrupted files, restart your computer.