How to Fix Error 0x80070422 in Windows

Error 0x80070422 in Windows typically occurs when the Windows Update service fails to start or its operation is disrupted. Here are several steps to help resolve this issue:

1. Check the status of the "Windows Update" service

Open the Services Manager. To do this, press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

  • Locate the "Windows Update" (Windows Update) service.
  • Right-click on it and select "Properties".
  • Ensure that the startup type is set to "Automatic". If it's disabled, change it and click Apply.
  • Start the service if it's not already running.

2. Disable and re-enable the Windows Update component

Sometimes the error may be caused by a temporary issue with the update components.

  • Go to Control Panel → Windows Update.
  • Disable automatic updates for a while, then re-enable them.

3. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  • Open Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
  • Find and run the troubleshooter for Windows Update.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Check and restart related services

The error may be linked to other services. Ensure the following services are running:

  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
  • Cryptographic Services.
  • Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).

5. Disable antivirus or firewall

Sometimes, antivirus or firewall software can block updates. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software and Windows Firewall, then attempt the update again.

6. Manually reset Windows Update components

If nothing else works, you can try manually resetting the update components:

  • Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

These commands will stop the update services, rename the folders containing the update cache, and restart the services.

7. Check network settings

If you're using a proxy or VPN, temporarily disable them as they might block updates.

8. Manual update

If none of the steps work, try downloading and installing the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

These steps should help resolve error 0x80070422.