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How to fix Windows Update Error 0x80070422

Windows & BSOD troubleshooting guide

What this error means

Windows Update cannot start because a service it needs is disabled. Microsoft's name for the code is ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED, and for Windows Update it means the Windows Update service stopped working or isn't running. The service is usually disabled on purpose by an update-blocking, privacy or debloat tool, by a group policy, or less often by malware. Once the service is allowed to start again, updates work normally.

Updated

Applies to
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Difficulty
Beginner
Before changes
Low; the changes restore Windows defaults

Reviewed by Matyáš Rada · Documentation checked: 2026-10-31 · Checked against Microsoft's Windows Update error documentation; not tested on every configuration.

Before you begin

You need an administrator account. If you disabled updates on purpose with a tool, decide first whether you want updates back; this guide turns them on again. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 7 complete
01Restart and run the Windows Update troubleshooter

A restart clears a service that is stuck, and the troubleshooter checks the update services automatically.

  1. Restart the PC and try Windows Update again.
  2. On Windows 11, open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and select Run next to Windows Update. Microsoft may open it in the Get Help app.
  3. On Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
What to expect

Windows Update checks for updates without the error.

If it does not help

If the error remains, set the service manually in step 2.

Browse related errors
02Set the Windows Update service back to its default

Microsoft's fix for this code is to make sure the Windows Update service is running.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Double-click Windows Update. If Startup type is Disabled, change it to Manual (the Windows default), click Apply, then Start.
  3. Alternatively, in Terminal (Admin) run sc.exe config wuauserv start= demand and then net start wuauserv.

Type sc.exe, not sc, in PowerShell, and keep the space after start=.

What to expect

The Windows Update service shows Running, and updates install.

If it does not help

If the startup type is greyed out or goes back to Disabled after a restart, something is enforcing it; go to step 4.

Browse related errors
03Check the other update services

Windows Update relies on other services, and Microsoft's troubleshooting also checks the update orchestrator.

  1. In services.msc, check that none of these are Disabled: Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographic Services, Update Orchestrator Service.
  2. Set a disabled one to Automatic, click Apply and Start.
What to expect

All update-related services can start.

If it does not help

If the same code appears in Microsoft Store or Windows Security instead, the disabled service belongs to that app; check its services the same way.

Browse related errors
04Undo update-blocking tools and policies

Tools that disable updates often reset the service every time Windows starts, and group policies override the settings app.

  1. If you used a tool to block updates or "debloat" Windows, open it and use its option to re-enable updates, then uninstall it.
  2. On Windows Pro, run gpedit.msc, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update, and set policies you or a tool changed (such as Configure Automatic Updates) back to Not Configured.
  3. On a work or school PC, contact your IT department; updates may be managed centrally.

Do not change update policies on a PC managed by an organization.

What to expect

The service stays enabled after a restart.

If it does not help

Restart, check the service again, and try Windows Update.

Browse related errors
05Scan for malware

Some malware disables Windows Update and security services to avoid being removed.

  1. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
  2. Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now.
What to expect

No threats are found, or the threats are removed.

If it does not help

After removing malware, set the services back as in steps 2 and 3.

Browse related errors
06Repair Windows system files

If the services cannot start even when enabled, system files may be damaged.

  1. Open Terminal (Admin).
  2. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
  3. Run sfc /scannow, restart and try Windows Update again.
What to expect

SFC reports no integrity violations, or that it repaired them.

If it does not help

If DISM itself fails because Windows Update cannot run, continue with step 7.

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07Repair Windows with an in-place upgrade

An in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows and restores default services while keeping your files and apps.

  1. Download the Windows installation media (ISO) for your version from Microsoft's software download page.
  2. Open the ISO, run setup.exe and choose to keep personal files and apps.

Back up important files before starting.

What to expect

Windows is reinstalled with working update services.

If it does not help

Run Windows Update afterwards to install the latest updates.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • The Windows Update service is set to Disabled
  • An update-blocking, privacy or debloat tool turned off update services
  • A group policy that blocks automatic updates
  • Malware disabling security and update services
  • Damaged system files

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

services.msc

Sources & further reading