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Error 0x80070422 appears when Windows tries to use a service that is disabled or not running. It usually shows up in Windows Update, Microsoft Store, Windows Defender, or Windows Firewall, with the message “The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it.” This guide walks you through the fixes in order, from the quickest to the most thorough.

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What causes error 0x80070422

  • The Windows Update service (wuauserv) is set to Disabled.
  • A dependent service, such as Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) or Cryptographic Services, is stopped or disabled.
  • A third-party “update blocker”, tweaking tool, or antivirus changed service settings.
  • Corrupted system files or Windows Update components.
Restart your PC after each fix and try the update or app again before moving on to the next one.

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Fix 1: Enable the Windows Update service

1

Open Services

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2

Find Windows Update

Scroll down and double-click Windows Update.
3

Change the startup type

Set Startup type to Automatic (or Manual), then click Apply.
4

Start the service

Click Start under Service status, then click OK.

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Fix 2: Start the dependent services

Repeat the steps above for each of these services. Set them to Automatic or Manual and make sure they are running:
If the error appears in Microsoft Store or Windows Security, also check Microsoft Store Install Service and Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service.

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Fix 3: Enable the services from Command Prompt

If the Services window will not let you change the settings, use an elevated Command Prompt.
1

Open Command Prompt as administrator

Search for cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2

Run the commands

Command Prompt
Keep the space after start=. The sc command fails without it.

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Fix 4: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  • Windows 11: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then click Run next to Windows Update.
  • Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Update, and click Run the troubleshooter.

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Fix 5: Reset Windows Update components

Clearing the update cache fixes most cases where the services run but updates still fail. In an elevated Command Prompt, run:
Command Prompt

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Fix 6: Repair system files with SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files can stop services from starting. In an elevated Command Prompt, run these commands one at a time:
Command Prompt
Wait for each scan to finish, then restart your PC.

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Fix 7: Check the registry value

If the Windows Update startup type keeps reverting to Disabled, check the registry.
Back up the registry before making changes. Incorrect edits can cause system problems.
1

Open Registry Editor

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2

Go to the Windows Update key

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv.
3

Edit the Start value

Double-click Start and set the value to 2 (Automatic) or 3 (Manual). A value of 4 means Disabled.
If the value changes back after a restart, uninstall any update-blocking or system-tweaking software and check your antivirus settings.

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Frequently asked questions

No. It means a required service is turned off. However, it can stop security updates from installing, so fix it as soon as possible.
Third-party tools that block updates, some antivirus products, or group policy settings on work PCs can disable it again. Remove the tool or contact your IT administrator.
Yes. Both rely on Windows services. The same fixes apply: make sure the related services are enabled and running.