Solution: how to fix the Windows Update 0x80070422 error

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Windows operating systems may display error code 0x80070422 during updating operations. In this guide, we provide background information on the issue and solutions on how to repair devices that show the error message.

A common place for the update error to be displayed is when you open the update settings and run a check for updates, have a check run automatically by the operating system, or when the system attempts to install updates.

Windows may return the following information for that error:
 

There were some problems installing updates, but we'll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x80070422)

You may select retry, but the error will not go away when you do. The Internet is filled with blog posts and articles that claim to have a solution for the issue.

Many use these post to sell troubleshooting software or backup applications, some provide solutions, but often using complicated instructions and walls of text.

Since it is such a big issue, even today, we decided to publish the guide.
 
Why is Windows Update showing the 0x80070422  error?

The explanation that Microsoft provides in its error message is not really helpful. While it does state that there "were some problems installing updates", it does not provide a solution, other than "try again later". Usually, this will not resolve the issue.

It is clear that the error is related to updating, as it is thrown during update checks or installations. The main cause for error code 0x80070422 is that the main Windows Updates service is not running on the device, and does not start when it is required.

An administrator may have turned off the service, or it may have been disabled by Windows tweak software.

An improved error description

Note: in newer versions of Windows, you may get a different and better error message. It states:
 

One of the update services is not running properly, but you can try to run a troubleshooter to fix the problem. Go to Start button > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, and then select Windows Update.

Running the Windows update troubleshooter will fix the issue in most cases, as it will reset Windows Update services to ensure that the service runs properly on the device.

A likely explanation for the two errors that users may get is that the "old" error code is shown in earlier versions of Windows 10 (and previous systems), and that the newer optimized description is displayed in newer versions. It is just an assumption though, as Microsoft has not published anything about this.

Check out our list of Microsoft Fix It solutions if you run an earlier version of Windows.

The solution: fixing the Windows Update error 0x80070422

You may run the troubleshooter as explained in the section above to fix the issue. Or, you can fix it manually by following these simple steps:

1. Activate the Start button to display the start menu.
   
2. Type services.msc and load the result.
   
3. Scroll down in the window that opens until you find the Windows Update service.
   
4. Right-click on Windows Update and select Properties.
   
5. Set the Startup Type to Automatic.
   
6. Select OK.
   
7. Right-click on Windows Update and select Start.
   

The following two screenshots highlight the changes that you need to make:
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