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10 Tech How-To

Fix Windows Store Error 0x80070422 (and the 0x800070422 Typo)

Guide 10-31405 · Updated · Step by step

Windows Store error 0x80070422 usually appears when you try to download or update an app, and it means the Windows Update service (or a related service) isn’t running or is disabled. The similar-looking 0x800070422 is almost always a typo of the same code – the correct one is 0x80070422. This guide walks you through the exact steps to get the Store working again, from enabling the required services to resetting the Store cache.

What You’ll Need

  • Administrator access to your Windows PC (you’ll need to approve User Account Control prompts).
  • A stable internet connection.
  • About 10–15 minutes of time.

Step-by-Step

  1. Restart your PC. A simple restart often clears temporary glitches that cause error 0x80070422. Save your work, then restart and try opening the Microsoft Store again.

  2. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Windows has a built-in tool that automatically detects and fixes common Store problems.

    • Open Settings (Windows + I).
    • Go to System > Troubleshoot (or Update & Security > Troubleshoot on older versions).
    • Select Other troubleshooters (or Additional troubleshooters).
    • Click Windows Store Apps and then Run the troubleshooter.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions. If it finds issues, let it apply fixes, then restart your PC.

  3. Enable the required Windows services. Error 0x80070422 often occurs because the Windows Update service is disabled. You’ll also want to make sure the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Cryptographic Services are running.

    • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
    • In the list, find Windows Update. Right-click it and select Properties.
    • Set Startup type to Automatic (or Automatic (Delayed Start)).
    • If the Service status is Stopped, click Start.
    • Click Apply and OK.
    • Repeat for Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Cryptographic Services. For BITS, the recommended startup type is Automatic.

  4. Check the Windows Update service dependencies. If the Windows Update service won’t start, it may be because a dependency is disabled. In the same services.msc window, right-click Windows Update and select Properties. Go to the Dependencies tab and note the listed services. Make sure each of those is set to Automatic and is running (e.g., Remote Procedure Call (RPC), DCOM Server Process Launcher).

  5. Run the System File Checker and DISM. Corrupted system files can also trigger this error. Open Command Prompt as administrator:

    • Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
    • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for it to finish (it can take 10–15 minutes).
    • After that, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. This may take even longer.
    • Restart your PC after both commands complete.

  6. Reset the Microsoft Store cache. A corrupted cache is a common cause of Store errors.

    • Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter.
    • A blank Command Prompt window will appear. Wait for it to finish (it may take a minute) and the Store will open automatically.
    • If the Store doesn’t open, try launching it manually from the Start menu.

  7. Check your date, time, and region settings. Incorrect system time can break the Store’s connection to Microsoft servers.

    • Open Settings > Time & Language > Date & time.
    • Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
    • If they’re already on, turn them off, restart your PC, then turn them back on.

  8. Re-register the Microsoft Store app. This can fix deeper app installation issues. Open PowerShell as administrator (Windows + X > Terminal (Admin)), then run:

    Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

    Press Enter and wait for it to complete. Restart your PC.

  9. Check if a third-party antivirus or firewall is blocking the Store. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall (if you have one) and try the Store again. If it works, add the Store to the exceptions list. Remember to re-enable your protection afterward.

  10. Create a new Windows user account. If the error persists, your current user profile might be corrupted. Create a new local administrator account (Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC) and try the Store there. If it works, you can migrate your files.

Common Mistakes

  • Typing the error code wrong: The correct code is 0x80070422. The code 0x800070422 (with an extra zero) is not a real Windows error. Always double-check the code you see.
  • Only restarting the service without setting it to Automatic: If you just click “Start” on the Windows Update service, it will stop again after a reboot. You must change the startup type to Automatic.
  • Skipping the DISM command: Many users run only SFC and skip DISM, but DISM fixes the system image that SFC relies on. Run both in order.
  • Not running as administrator: Commands like sfc and wsreset require admin privileges. If you get an “access denied” message, close and reopen the terminal as administrator.

Tips

  • Keep Windows Update enabled – it’s essential not just for the Store but for security patches. If you’ve disabled it to save resources, re-enable it.
  • Use the official Microsoft Store troubleshooter first – it’s quick and often resolves the issue without manual steps.
  • After fixing the services, restart your PC before testing the Store. Some changes only take effect after a reboot.
  • If you’re on a corporate or school PC, group policies may disable Windows Update. Contact your IT administrator in that case.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve followed all the steps and still see error 0x80070422, try these additional checks:

  • Check if the Windows Update service is actually running after you set it to Automatic. Open services.msc and look at the status. If it says “Stopped,” try starting it manually. If it fails, note the error message – it can point to a deeper problem.
  • Look for third-party tools that disable Windows Update. Some “de-bloater” scripts or privacy tools can set the service to Disabled. Re-enable it via the registry if needed (but be careful – only change the Start value to 2 for Automatic).
  • Check if the Windows Update service is being blocked by a group policy. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc (Pro/Enterprise only), and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Ensure “Configure Automatic Updates” is not set to “Disabled.”
  • If you have a VPN or proxy, disable it temporarily. Some VPNs interfere with the Store’s connection. Disconnect and try again.
  • If all else fails, use the “Reset this PC” option (Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC) that keeps your files. This reinstalls Windows and clears any deep corruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does error 0x80070422 mean?

It means Windows couldn’t start a required background service (usually Windows Update) when the Store tried to download or update an app. It’s a service-related error, not a problem with your account or payment method.

Is 0x800070422 a different error?

No. That code is almost certainly a typo. The correct code is 0x80070422. If you see the longer version, treat it as the same error and follow the same fixes.

Do I need to be an administrator to fix this?

Yes, most steps (changing services, running SFC/DISM, re-registering the Store) require administrator privileges. If you’re on a standard user account, you’ll need to ask the admin for help.

Will I lose my apps or data if I reset the Store cache?

No. Running wsreset.exe only clears the Store’s temporary cache. Your installed apps and their data are untouched. You’ll just need to sign in again to the Store.

Why does this error happen after a Windows update?

Sometimes a Windows update can change service settings or leave a dependency in a bad state. That’s why re-enabling services and running system file checks are the first steps to try.

Can I fix this by reinstalling the Store?

You can re-register the Store app using PowerShell (as shown in Step 8), but you can’t uninstall it completely. Re-registering effectively resets the app’s installation without losing your data.

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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