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.

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

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.

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

If the error appears in Microsoft Store or Windows Security, also check Microsoft Store Install Service and Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service.

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

   sc config wuauserv start= auto
   sc config bits start= demand
   sc config cryptsvc start= auto
   net start wuauserv
   net start bits
   net start cryptsvc
   

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

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:

Command Prompt

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:

Command Prompt

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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.