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# Fix Error Service

> Fix Windows error 0x80070422 "The service cannot be started" by re-enabling Windows Update and its dependent services, resetting components, and repairing files.

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.

## 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.

<Tip>
  Restart your PC after each fix and try the update or app again before moving on to the next one.
</Tip>

## Fix 1: Enable the Windows Update service

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Services">
    Press **Windows + R**, type `services.msc`, and press **Enter**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find Windows Update">
    Scroll down and double-click **Windows Update**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Change the startup type">
    Set **Startup type** to **Automatic** (or **Manual**), then click **Apply**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the service">
    Click **Start** under **Service status**, then click **OK**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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:

| Service | Recommended startup type |
| - | - |
| Background Intelligent Transfer Service | Manual |
| Cryptographic Services | Automatic |
| Windows Installer | Manual |
| Windows Defender Firewall | Automatic |
| Network List Service | Manual |

<Note>
  If the error appears in Microsoft Store or Windows Security, also check **Microsoft Store Install Service** and **Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service**.
</Note>

## Fix 3: Enable the services from Command Prompt

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Command Prompt as administrator">
    Search for **cmd**, right-click **Command Prompt**, and select **Run as administrator**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the commands">
    ```bash Command Prompt theme={null}
    sc config wuauserv start= auto
    sc config bits start= demand
    sc config cryptsvc start= auto
    net start wuauserv
    net start bits
    net start cryptsvc
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Keep the space after `start=`. The `sc` command fails without it.
</Warning>

## 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**.

## 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:

```bash Command Prompt theme={null}
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv
```

## 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:

```bash Command Prompt theme={null}
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
```

Wait for each scan to finish, then restart your PC.

## Fix 7: Check the registry value

If the Windows Update startup type keeps reverting to **Disabled**, check the registry.

<Warning>
  Back up the registry before making changes. Incorrect edits can cause system problems.
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Registry Editor">
    Press **Windows + R**, type `regedit`, and press **Enter**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to the Windows Update key">
    Navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit the Start value">
    Double-click **Start** and set the value to `2` (Automatic) or `3` (Manual). A value of `4` means Disabled.
  </Step>
</Steps>

If the value changes back after a restart, uninstall any update-blocking or system-tweaking software and check your antivirus settings.

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is error 0x80070422 dangerous?">
    No. It means a required service is turned off. However, it can stop security updates from installing, so fix it as soon as possible.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why does the Windows Update service keep getting disabled?">
    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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does this error affect Microsoft Store and Windows Defender?">
    Yes. Both rely on Windows services. The same fixes apply: make sure the related services are enabled and running.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


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