The Windows Update error usually written as 0x80070422 means the Windows Update service is disabled or stopped. The title form 0X800070422 appears to contain an extra zero; it is not the documented code. Turn the service on in Services, restart Windows, and check for updates again. If that does not work, run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter and then reset the update cache.
These steps use Windows 10’s own tools and do not require a physical product or a third-party repair utility.
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What 0x80070422 means
Microsoft documents 0x80070422 as the case where the Windows Update service is disabled or stopped. Microsoft Learn maps the code to ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED and describes it as a Windows Update service that has stopped working or is not running.
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The code is about the service state, not a separate Windows 10 edition. Letter case does not matter, so 0x80070422 and 0X80070422 refer to the same value. The longer form in the title, 0X800070422, has one additional zero and is most likely a typing error.
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Before changing anything
- Save open work. You will restart the computer after changing the service.
- Sign in with an account that can change Windows services. Windows may request administrator credentials when you apply the change or remove update-cache files.
- Use the exact service name Windows Update. Do not change unrelated services or registry settings as a first response.
Primary fix: enable and start Windows Update
This is the least invasive remedy and the one that directly addresses the documented cause.
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. The Services console opens. - Scroll to Windows Update, then double-click it to open Properties.
- Open the Startup type menu and choose Automatic.
- Look at the service status. If it says Stopped, click Start.
- Click Apply, then OK to close the properties window.
- Restart the PC.
- After Windows starts, open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
If the service was already set to Automatic and running, still complete the restart and check for updates. A fresh service session can clear a temporary stopped state; if the code returns, continue with the troubleshooter.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Use this built-in diagnostic after verifying the service. It can identify configuration problems that remain even when the service appears to be running.
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- Select Troubleshoot.
- Choose Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Windows Update, then click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the prompts and apply any recommended correction.
- Restart Windows if the troubleshooter requests it, then return to Windows Update and select Check for updates.
The wording of buttons can vary slightly between Windows 10 builds, but the path remains under Update & Security and Troubleshoot. If the troubleshooter reports that it made no changes, proceed to the cache reset rather than repeatedly running it.
Reset the Windows Update cache
Use this step only after the service check and troubleshooter. The procedure stops Windows Update, removes the contents of its cache folder, and starts the service again. It targets the update cache rather than your personal documents.
- Press Win + R, enter
services.msc, and press Enter. - Find Windows Update, open its properties, and click Stop. Leave the Services window open.
- Open File Explorer and go to
C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution. - Delete the files and folders inside
SoftwareDistribution. Do not delete the parent folder itself. - Return to Services, open Windows Update, and click Start.
- Restart the PC.
- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
If Windows says a file is in use, go back to Services and confirm that Windows Update is stopped before trying the deletion again. If deletion is denied, approve the administrator prompt. Do not remove files from other Windows directories as part of this reset.
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Which remedy should you use?
| Remedy | Best use | Invasiveness | Built-in Windows tool | Effect on existing files | Administrator access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set Windows Update to Automatic and start it | The service is disabled or stopped | Lowest | Yes, Services | Does not remove files | Required to apply service changes if prompted |
| Windows Update troubleshooter | The service is running but the error remains | Low | Yes | Does not target personal files | May be requested for a correction |
Clear SoftwareDistribution contents |
The first two steps do not resolve the update failure | Higher than the service check | Yes, Services and File Explorer | Removes the update cache contents, not personal documents | Usually required to stop the service and delete protected contents |
Troubleshooting branches
The Windows Update entry is set to Disabled
Open its Properties, change Startup type to Automatic, click Apply, and then click Start. Restart Windows before testing again. Changing only the startup type without starting the service leaves it stopped until Windows starts it later.
The service is Automatic but the Start button is unavailable
Check the status shown in the same Properties window. If it already says Running, close Services, restart the PC, and run the Windows Update troubleshooter. If it says Stopped but cannot be started, use the troubleshooter next; do not begin by editing registry values or disabling IPv6, because those changes are not part of Microsoft’s documented remedy for this code.
The error returns after a restart
Run the troubleshooter, apply its recommendation, restart if requested, and test Windows Update. If the code remains, perform the SoftwareDistribution cache reset in the order shown above: stop the service, clear the folder contents, start the service, restart, and check again.
You cannot open Services or modify the folder
These operations can require administrator rights. Sign in with an administrator account or provide credentials when Windows asks. If the Services console opens but Windows Update cannot be stopped, close any pending Windows Update operation, reopen services.msc, and verify the service status before retrying the cache reset.
Windows Update works after the repair
Let the update check finish and install the offered updates normally. If a later update produces a different error, use that code’s specific documentation rather than repeating the 0x80070422 procedure.
Quick Recap
What not to do first
- Do not treat
0X800070422as a separate documented error; use the corrected code0x80070422when searching for help. - Do not change unrelated registry entries or disable IPv6 as an initial response. Those actions are not supported by the documented fix for a disabled Windows Update service.
- Do not delete the
SoftwareDistributionfolder before stopping Windows Update, and do not delete the parent folder when clearing its contents. - Do not assume that buying a repair program is required. The documented procedure uses Services, the Windows Update troubleshooter, and the update cache folder already present in Windows.
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