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10 Tech How-To

Fix Microsoft Store Error 0x80070422 on Windows 11

Guide 10-32986 · Updated · Step by step

Microsoft Store error 0x80070422 usually means Windows Update or the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) isn’t running, so the Store can’t complete a purchase. This guide walks you through re-enabling those services, clearing the Store cache, and resetting the app to get purchases working again.

What You’ll Need

  • Administrator access to your Windows 11 PC
  • A stable internet connection
  • Your Microsoft account sign-in details

Step-by-Step

  1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Press Windows + I to open Settings. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Windows Update and click Run. Follow the prompts and restart if suggested.
  2. Check the required services. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Look for these three services:
    • Windows Update
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
    • Cryptographic Services

    Right-click each one and select Properties. Set Startup type to Automatic (for BITS, choose Automatic (Delayed Start)). If the service isn’t running, click Start. Click Apply then OK for each.

  3. Restart the services. After setting them to Automatic, right-click each service again and choose Restart if it’s already running. This clears any stuck state.
  4. Clear the Microsoft Store cache. Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank Command Prompt window will open; wait for it to finish and the Store to launch automatically. This won’t delete your purchases or sign-in.
  5. Reset the Microsoft Store app. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Scroll to Microsoft Store, click the three-dot menu, and choose Advanced options. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm when prompted. This clears the app’s data and settings.
  6. Re-register the Store app via PowerShell. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin). Run this command and press Enter: 
    Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

    Wait for it to complete, then restart your PC.

  7. Check your date, time, and region. Wrong system time can break SSL connections. Go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time and turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
  8. Run the Store Apps troubleshooter. Go back to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run. Follow the prompts.
  9. Check your firewall and proxy settings. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software to see if it’s blocking the Store. If you use a VPN or proxy, disconnect and try again. Make sure the built-in Windows Defender Firewall is on and not blocking Microsoft Store.
  10. Verify your Microsoft account is working. Sign in to account.microsoft.com in a browser. If you can sign in there, try signing out of the Store and back in. In the Store, click your profile icon > Sign out, then sign back in.

Common Mistakes

  • Only setting services to Automatic without starting them. Changing the startup type doesn’t start the service immediately. You must click Start or restart the service.
  • Skipping the restart after wsreset. The cache reset sometimes needs a reboot to fully take effect.
  • Running PowerShell without admin rights. The re-register command fails if you don’t open Terminal as Administrator.
  • Leaving a VPN or proxy on. These often interfere with Store licensing and purchase verification.
  • Not checking the time zone. Even if the date looks right, a wrong time zone can cause certificate errors.

Tips

  • Do the steps in order. The troubleshooter and service check fix most cases quickly.
  • If you recently installed new security software, temporarily disable it before buying. Re-enable it right after.
  • Keep Windows 11 updated. Open Settings > Windows Update and install pending updates, then try the Store again.
  • Use a wired connection or move closer to your router if Wi-Fi is weak.
  • Make sure you have enough storage space for the app or game you’re buying.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after all steps:

  • Check if the problem is account-specific. Create a new local user account (Settings > Accounts > Other users) and try the purchase there. If it works, your main profile has corrupted data.
  • Look for pending Windows updates. A partially installed update can break services. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install everything offered, then restart.
  • Use the System File Checker. Open Terminal (Admin) and run sfc /scannow. Let it finish, then restart. This repairs corrupted system files.
  • Try DISM. In the same admin terminal, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This fixes Windows component store corruption. It can take 10–20 minutes.
  • Check if the Microsoft Store server is down. Visit the Microsoft Store website in a browser. If you can’t see products or sign in there, the outage is on Microsoft’s side — wait and try later.
  • Reset network settings. Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. This reinstalls network adapters and clears proxy settings. You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward.
  • As a last resort, perform a repair install. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s official site and run it. This reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps. Back up important data first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Store delete my purchases or apps?
No. Resetting clears cached data and settings, not your library or installed apps. You may need to sign in again.

Why does this error happen only when I try to buy something?
Purchases require a secure license check that depends on Windows Update and BITS services. If those are stopped, the license verification fails with 0x80070422.

Can I use the Microsoft Store website instead?
Yes, for many items. Go to the product page on the Microsoft Store website, sign in, and click Buy. It will still install through the Store app on your PC.

Is this error caused by a virus?
Not usually. It’s almost always a service or system file issue. Still, running a full Windows Defender scan is a reasonable precaution.

Do I need to be signed in as administrator?
Yes, for the service changes and PowerShell command. Standard users can’t modify service startup types.

How long does the wsreset command take?
Usually under a minute. If it hangs for more than five minutes, close the window and restart your PC, then try again.

Related

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

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