Windows Update error 0x80070422: Windows Update service is disabled or stopped
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
This issue occurs when the Windows Update service stops working or isn't running. (Windows Update common errors and mitigation)
Windows Update service stopped working or isn't running. (Windows Update error codes by component)
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it. (System Error Codes (1000-1299))
Code facts for 0x80070422
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x80070422 |
|---|---|
| Type | Win32 error code |
| Symbolic name | ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x80070422 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2147943458 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2147023838 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 7 FACILITY_WIN32 |
| Windows error number inside this code | 1058 ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED: The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it. |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Code facts: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: Windows Update error codes by component (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: System Error Codes (1000-1299) (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up while Windows Update or a Windows upgrade is downloading, installing or setting up.
Applies to
Windows 11 (upgrade help page, Windows 11 tab) and Windows 10 (Windows Update troubleshooting page, Windows 10 tab); Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.
2 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0x80070422 are not covered. 2 steps are flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
Microsoft also gives general steps that cover this code: see the general steps in the Windows Update errors group. Each block there says which codes its Microsoft page gives the steps for.
From: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
Source: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
Microsoft lists this code only in the Windows 11 tab of its upgrade and installation errors page.
Make sure the service is enabled and started
Changes services or policyCheck that the Windows Update service is enabled, and start it by hand if it isn't running.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
From: Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
Source: Troubleshoot problems updating Windows (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
From the Windows 10 tab of Microsoft's Windows Update troubleshooting page (Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025). The page asks you to back up your personal files first.
Set the Windows Update service to Automatic
Windows 10 only.
Changes services or policyPress Win + R, enter services.msc, then press Enter. Right-click Windows Update and choose Properties.
Set Startup type to Automatic; if the service is stopped, select Start. Then select Apply and OK.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
|---|---|
| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |