Fix Microsoft Error 0x80070422 & Identify 0x8007042

Microsoft error 0x80070422 typically appears when Windows Update, the Microsoft Store, or certain system services fail to start, often due to the Windows Update service being disabled or a third-party firewall blocking it. The incomplete code 0x8007042 is usually a truncated version of the same error, missing the final digit; identifying it means checking the full code in the error log or Event Viewer. This guide walks you through fixing the full error and clarifying the partial code.

What You’ll Need

Administrator access to your Windows PC
An active internet connection
Optional: a backup of important files (good practice before system changes)

Step-by-Step

Identify the exact error code. If you see only 0x8007042, check the full message in the Windows Update settings (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) or in the Event Viewer. Open Event Viewer by pressing Win + R, typing eventvwr.msc, and pressing Enter. Look under Windows Logs > System for the most recent Error events related to Windows Update or Service Control Manager. The full code is usually 0x80070422.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Update, and run it. This automatically detects and fixes common issues like disabled services or corrupted update components.
Enable the Windows Update service. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Scroll to Windows Update. If its status is not “Running,” right-click it and select Start. Double-click it, set the Startup type to Automatic, click Apply, then OK.
Set other related services to Automatic. In the same Services window, do the same for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic Services, and Windows Installer. Set each to Automatic and start them if they’re not running.
Check your firewall and antivirus. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software, then try Windows Update again. If it works, re-enable the software and add Windows Update to its exceptions. Windows Defender Firewall (the built-in one) rarely causes this error, so leave it on unless you’re sure.
Run System File Checker and DISM. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)). Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish. Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Restart your PC afterward.
Reset Windows Update components manually. If the above fails, stop the Windows Update service, BITS, and Cryptographic Services in Services. Then delete the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 (you may need to take ownership). Restart the services, then try updating again.
Use the Windows Update Reset script (optional). Microsoft provides a built-in script that automates the component reset. You can run it by opening Command Prompt as admin and typing bitsadmin /reset and net stop wuauserv followed by the deletion steps above. Alternatively, download the official “Windows Update Troubleshooter” from Microsoft’s support site.
Check for system file corruption with DISM after SFC. If SFC found issues it couldn’t fix, DISM will repair the underlying image. Run DISM again after SFC to ensure a clean state.
Restart your PC. After any of the above steps, reboot and try Windows Update again. The error should be gone.

Common Mistakes

Disabling Windows Update permanently: Some users disable it to avoid reboots, but this directly causes error 0x80070422. Re-enable it and set to Automatic.
Skipping the troubleshooter: It often fixes the issue quickly, but many skip it and go straight to manual fixes.
Deleting SoftwareDistribution without stopping services: If you delete the folder while Windows Update is running, it can cause further corruption. Always stop the service first.
Ignoring the partial code: Treating 0x8007042 as a different error leads to wrong fixes. Always look for the full code.

Tips

Keep your system time and date correct. Incorrect time can cause update failures.
Ensure you have enough free disk space (at least 10-20 GB) for updates.
Use a wired internet connection during large updates to avoid interruptions.
Create a restore point before making major changes (Control Panel > System > System Protection).

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after following the steps:

Check the Windows Update service dependencies. In Services, right-click Windows Update > Properties > Dependencies. Ensure all dependent services (like Remote Procedure Call) are running.
Use the Media Creation Tool. If updates fail, you can use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade, which reinstalls Windows while keeping your files. This often fixes stubborn update errors.
Look for third-party software conflicts. Boot into Safe Mode (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup) and try Windows Update there. If it works, a background program is interfering.
Check Event Viewer for more details. The full error message may include a specific service name or module that’s failing. Search for that name online for targeted fixes.
If nothing works, consider a system restore. Restore your PC to a point before the error started, if you have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does error 0x80070422 mean?
A: It means Windows couldn’t start a required service, usually the Windows Update service, because it’s disabled or blocked.

Q: Is 0x8007042 the same as 0x80070422?
A: Yes, 0x8007042 is almost always a truncated version of 0x80070422. The full code is what matters.

Q: Will this error harm my computer?
A: No, it only prevents updates from installing. Your PC remains usable, but security updates won’t apply until fixed.

Q: Can I fix this without admin rights?
A: No, starting services and modifying system files require administrator privileges.

Q: How long does the fix take?
A: Usually 10-30 minutes, depending on whether you need to run SFC/DISM or reset components.

Q: Why does my firewall cause this error?
A: Some third-party firewalls block Windows Update’s network access. Adding an exception or temporarily disabling it can resolve it.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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