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Microsoft Store error 0xC80070422 (sometimes shown as 0xC80070422 with a leading C) usually means the Windows Update service is disabled or stopped. Turn that service back on first, then use the Windows Update troubleshooter, rebuild the update cache, and finally run DISM if Windows component corruption is suspected.
What error 0xC80070422 means
Microsoft defines 0x80070422 as “Windows Update service is disabled or stopped.” Microsoft Learn identifies the condition as ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED and directs you to check that the Windows Update service is running. Microsoft Store can display the related value with a leading C, but the first repair is the same: restore the Windows Update servicing dependency.
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This is why the Store may fail to download or update apps even though the Store application itself opens. The Store relies on Windows servicing components to obtain and install updates. A stopped service, a disabled startup setting, or a damaged update cache can interrupt that process.
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Before changing anything
- Save open work and connect the PC to reliable power and internet access.
- Sign in with an administrator account if you need to change a service or run DISM.
- Note the exact message, whether it includes 0x80070422 or 0xC80070422, your Windows edition and version, and whether Windows Update is shown as running or stopped. Those details are useful if you later contact Microsoft Support.
- Do not delete files from the update cache until the Windows Update service has been stopped.
Fix 1: enable and start the Windows Update service
This is the lowest-risk and most direct repair. It changes one service setting and is reversible.
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- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. Approve the User Account Control prompt if Windows displays one. - In the Services list, locate Windows Update. The list is alphabetical, so you can click a service and press W to jump near it.
- Double-click Windows Update to open its Properties window.
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- Check Service status. If it says Stopped, click Start. If it is already running, leave it running rather than changing other settings.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Restart the PC. After signing in, open Microsoft Store and retry the app download or update.
If the Startup type cannot be changed, Start is unavailable, or the setting immediately returns to Disabled, the account may lack administrative rights or another Windows servicing problem may be present. Continue with the troubleshooter and record the exact behavior instead of repeatedly forcing the setting.
Fix 2: run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Microsoft’s built-in troubleshooter checks common Windows Update configuration problems and can apply supported corrections without manually editing system files.
Windows 11
- Open Settings.
- Select System, then Troubleshoot.
- Choose Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and click Run.
- Follow the instructions, allow any recommended repair, and restart when prompted.
- Retry the Microsoft Store operation.
Windows 10
- Open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security, then Troubleshoot.
- Select Additional troubleshooters.
- Choose Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
- Apply the suggested correction, restart Windows, and try Microsoft Store again.
The troubleshooter is the next step when the service appears enabled but the error persists. It is less invasive than clearing the cache or repairing the component store.
Fix 3: reset the SoftwareDistribution update cache
Windows stores temporary update downloads and working data in C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution. A stale or damaged cache can prevent servicing operations from completing. Resetting its contents makes Windows create a fresh cache; it does not remove your personal documents.
- Press Win + R, enter
services.msc, and press Enter. - Find Windows Update, right-click it, and choose Stop. Keep the Services window open or remember its location.
- Open File Explorer and enter
C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionin the address bar. - Select the contents of that folder and delete them. If Windows says a file is in use, confirm that Windows Update is stopped and close other Windows Update-related windows before trying again.
- Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and choose Start.
- Restart the computer and retry Microsoft Store.
Delete the contents only after stopping the service. Windows will rebuild the required cache folders and files during the next update or Store operation. If a few files cannot be removed even with the service stopped, leave those files in place, restart, and test again rather than changing permissions or deleting unrelated folders.
Fix 4: repair Windows component files with DISM
Use Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) when the service and cache steps do not resolve the error and Windows component-store corruption is possible. This requires an elevated Command Prompt and can take time.
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- Open the Start menu and type Command Prompt.
- Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Approve User Account Control.
- Enter this command exactly, then press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth - Wait for DISM to finish. Do not close the window or power off the PC while it is working.
- When the command completes, restart Windows.
- Open Microsoft Store and retry the failed update or installation.
DISM repairs the Windows component store that servicing operations depend on; it does not directly reinstall every Store app. If DISM reports that it could not complete, keep the exact result and error text for Microsoft Support rather than repeatedly interrupting the process.
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| Fix | Escalation level | Permissions | What it changes | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Windows Update service | First | Administrator may be required to change the service | Startup type and running state of one service | High; you can return the startup setting to its previous value |
| Windows Update troubleshooter | Low | Run from Settings; Windows may request approval for repairs | Supported diagnostic and configuration corrections | Generally high |
| Reset SoftwareDistribution contents | Medium | Administrator access is commonly required | Temporary Windows Update downloads and cache data | High; Windows rebuilds the cache |
| DISM RestoreHealth | Highest of these steps | Administrator Command Prompt | Windows component-store repairs | Less direct than the other steps; allow it to finish and restart afterward |
Follow the order shown. Starting with the service check avoids changing cache data when the only problem is a disabled service. DISM is reserved for cases where simpler repairs have not worked or component corruption is suspected.
If Microsoft Store still shows 0xC80070422
Confirm the service state again
Return to services.msc and verify that Windows Update still shows Startup type: Automatic and a running status. If it has reverted to Disabled, or Windows refuses to start it, record that fact. It distinguishes a persistent servicing problem from a one-time cache failure.
Retry after a complete restart
Use Restart from the Windows power menu rather than only closing and reopening the Store. Then retry the same Store action that produced the error so you can tell whether the repair changed the result.
Check Windows version and support status
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. If the affected PC is running Windows 10 and broader update failures remain after the steps above, its lifecycle status is relevant to the diagnosis and to the support options available. Windows 11 and supported editions should still be evaluated against their specific update and servicing requirements.
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Escalate with complete details
Use Microsoft’s broader Windows Update and installation-error guidance or contact Microsoft Support if the error survives the service check, troubleshooter, cache reset, and DISM repair. Provide the exact code, Windows version, whether Windows Update was disabled or stopped, which steps completed successfully, and any DISM result. That information prevents support from having to repeat the same initial checks.
Quick Recap
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting with app removal: the documented meaning of this code points first to Windows Update, not to a defective Store app.
- Deleting the cache while the service is active: files may be locked and the reset may be incomplete.
- Closing DISM early: an interrupted component repair can leave the original problem unresolved.
- Changing unrelated services: alter only the Windows Update setting described here unless Microsoft Support gives you a different instruction.
- Assuming the leading C means a different repair: Microsoft’s documented remediation still points to the Windows Update service dependency.
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