Windows Error 0x80070422 — Service Not Running

Windows Update error 0x80070422 means the Windows Update service is not started or is disabled. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED — Windows Update service stopped. Can also affect BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service). May be caused by optimization software disabling services. Updates cannot download or install without the service. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Windows Update service set to Disabled. BITS service not running. Third-party optimization software disabled update services. Group Policy disabling automatic updates. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Open services.msc and set Windows Update to Automatic. Ensure BITS service is set to Manual or Automatic. Start both services and retry update. Check for Group Policy restrictions on updates. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Windows Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.