Fix 0x80070422: Error 0x80070422: Windows Update Service Unavailable (Windows)

The error code 0x80070422 commonly indicates that the Windows Update service is not running or is configured incorrectly. This prevents your Windows operating system from downloading and installing critical updates, security patches, and feature enhancements.

🧐 Causes

Several factors can lead to the Windows Update service being unavailable:

• The Windows Update service itself is stopped or disabled.
• Dependent services required by Windows Update are not running.
• Corrupted system files interfering with service operations.
• Third-party software, such as antivirus programs or firewalls, blocking the service.
• Issues with the Windows Update service configuration files.

🔧 Fixes

Here are several methods to resolve the 0x80070422 error:

1. Check and Start Windows Update Service:

   This is the most common fix. You need to ensure the Windows Update service and its dependencies are running.

   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type services.msc and press Enter.
   • In the Services window, scroll down and locate Windows Update.
   • Right-click on Windows Update and select Properties.
   • Under the “Startup type” dropdown, select Automatic.
   • If the service status is “Stopped,” click the Start button.
   • Click Apply and then OK.
   • Repeat these steps for the following services:
     • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
     • Cryptographic Services
     • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

   Windows has a built-in troubleshooter designed to automatically detect and fix common Windows Update issues.

   • Go to Settings (Windows Key + I).
   • Click on Update & Security (or System > Troubleshoot in Windows 11).
   • Select Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu.
   • Click on Additional troubleshooters.
   • Find and select Windows Update, then click Run the troubleshooter.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Reset Windows Update Components:

   This process involves stopping the Windows Update services, renaming the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders (where update files are stored), and then restarting the services. This can often fix corruption issues.

   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator. To do this, search for “cmd,” right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.”
   • Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
     • net stop wuauserv
     • net stop cryptSvc
     • net stop bits
     • net stop msiserver
     • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
     • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
     • net start wuauserv
     • net start cryptSvc
     • net start bits
     • net start msiserver
   • Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

4. Check for Interfering Software:

   Third-party antivirus or firewall software can sometimes block Windows Update. Try temporarily disabling them to see if that resolves the issue. Remember to re-enable them afterward.

5. System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tool:

   Corrupted system files can also cause this error. The SFC and DISM tools can help repair them.

   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete.
   • If SFC finds errors but cannot fix them, or if the problem persists, run the DISM tool:
     • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   • Restart your computer after the scans are complete.