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Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) – Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) is a service startup error that occurs when Windows cannot start a required system service. To fix it, restart your PC, start the service manually using Services.msc, and change the service startup type to Automatic. If the error occurs with Windows Update, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, and run SFC and DISM scans. If the error persists, reset service permissions, check Group Policy, or perform a System Restore. For more Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) Happens

Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) is a system error that occurs when a Windows service fails to start. The error code 0x80070422 translates to ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED, indicating that the service is disabled, not configured correctly, or has missing dependencies. This error is commonly encountered when trying to start Windows Update, Windows Security Center, or other essential system services. For official Microsoft documentation, refer to the Microsoft System Error Codes reference.

When Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) appears, it typically indicates that a critical system service has been disabled or is failing to start. This error is similar to other service-related errors like Bluetooth Not Working and Print Spooler Not Working, but it specifically points to service startup failures. Common triggers include disabled services, corrupted service configurations, missing dependencies, incorrect permissions, and malware infections that disable security services.

Before diving into fixes, determine which service is causing the error. If it occurs during Windows Update, focus on Windows Update service fixes. If it appears when opening Security Center, focus on Security Center and related services. For a broader overview of Windows errors, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

⚠️ Warning: Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) can indicate malware that has disabled security services. Run a malware scan if the error occurs with Windows Security Center or Defender services.

1. Restart Your PC

A simple restart can resolve Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) by clearing temporary glitches and allowing services to start properly.

  1. Restart your computer and wait for it to fully boot.
  2. Try the operation that caused the error again.
  3. If the error persists, proceed to the next method.

✅ Expected Result: The error may be resolved immediately. If not, proceed to the next method to fix Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started).

2. Start the Service Manually Using Services.msc

If a specific service fails to start, you can attempt to start it manually using the Services management console.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate the service that is failing (e.g., Windows Update, Security Center, Background Intelligent Transfer Service).
  3. Right-click the service and select Start.
  4. If the service starts, check its dependencies by right-clicking and selecting Properties, then go to the Dependencies tab.
  5. Ensure all dependent services are also running.

💡 Quick Tip: If the service fails to start, look at the error message in the Services console. It may indicate a specific dependency or permission issue causing Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started).

3. Change Service Startup Type to Automatic

If the service is disabled, changing its startup type to Automatic can resolve Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started).

  1. Open Services.msc as described above.
  2. Right-click the service and select Properties.
  3. In the Startup type dropdown, select Automatic.
  4. Click Apply, then OK.
  5. Right-click the service and select Start.
  6. If the service requires a restart, click OK and restart your PC.

🔁 Alternative Solution: For services that should start before login, select Automatic (Delayed Start) to allow the system to start other essential services first.

4. Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070422

If Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) occurs during Windows Update, follow these specific steps.

  1. Open Services.msc and ensure the following services are set to Automatic and Running:
    • Windows Update
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
    • Cryptographic Services
    • Microsoft Defender Antivirus
  2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.
  3. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder (see our guide on Windows 11 Update Stuck).
  4. Reset Windows Update components using Command Prompt:
    sc config wuauserv start=auto
sc config bits start=auto
sc config cryptSvc start=auto
sc config trustedinstaller start=auto

✅ Expected Result: After configuring these services, Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) should be resolved for Windows Update operations.

5. Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can cause Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) by preventing services from starting. Running SFC and DISM repairs system files and the component store. For a complete guide, see our How to Use DISM Windows 11 article.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run DISM to repair the component store:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete (15-20 minutes).
  4. Then run SFC:
    sfc /scannow
  5. After both scans finish, restart your PC and try starting the service again.

✅ Expected Result: DISM and SFC will repair corrupted files, which may resolve Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started).

6. Reset Service Permissions and Dependencies

Incorrect service permissions or missing dependencies can cause Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started). Resetting them can resolve the issue.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Use the SC command to check the service configuration:
    sc qc ServiceName
  3. Check dependencies:
    sc enumdepend ServiceName
  4. To reset the service to default settings, you may need to use the SC command with the appropriate parameters.
  5. Alternatively, use the Microsoft System Update Readiness Tool for service configuration issues.

❌ Common Mistake: Changing service permissions without proper knowledge can cause system instability. Only modify permissions if you are certain of the correct settings.

7. Check Group Policy for Service Restrictions

Group Policy settings can prevent services from starting, causing Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started). Check for any policy restrictions.

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter (Windows Pro/Enterprise only).
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > System Services.
  3. Find the service that is failing and ensure it is set to Automatic or Manual.
  4. If it is set to Disabled, change it to Automatic.
  5. Apply changes and restart your PC.

⚠️ Warning: Group Policy changes on Windows Home edition require registry edits. Use caution when modifying the registry.

8. Perform a System Restore

If Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) started after a system change, use System Restore to revert to a previous state. See How to Use System Restore Windows 11.

  1. Boot into the Recovery Environment (Shift + Restart).
  2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
  3. Choose a restore point from before the error started.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions and allow the restore to complete.
  5. After the restore, check if Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) is resolved.

🔁 Alternative Solution: If System Restore is not available, try using the Windows Recovery Environment to boot into Safe Mode and troubleshoot from there.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error persists, try these advanced solutions.

Check for Malware

Malware can disable security services and cause Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started). Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant

Download and run the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant to diagnose and fix service-related issues automatically.

Repair the Windows Registry

Use a reliable registry cleaner or check specific service registry keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services.

Perform an In-Place Upgrade

An in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows while preserving your files and apps. Download the Windows 11 ISO, mount it, and run setup.exe. Choose “Keep personal files and apps.” This often resolves persistent Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started). This method is also effective for Windows Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase and Windows Update Error 0x80240020.

Clean Install Windows

If all else fails, consider a clean installation of Windows after backing up your data. This will eliminate all software-related causes of Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started).

If you have exhausted all options, contact Microsoft Support. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Conclusion

Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) is a service startup error that can be fixed with systematic troubleshooting. The most reliable solutions are starting the service manually, changing the startup type to Automatic, and running SFC and DISM scans. If the error occurs with Windows Update, focus on Windows Update service fixes and clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder. If the error persists, reset service permissions, check Group Policy, or perform a System Restore.

Regular system maintenance, such as keeping your system updated and periodically checking system files, can prevent Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) from recurring. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub and check out related articles on Update Stuck, Error 0x80070057, and High CPU usage.

Related Guides

FAQ

What causes Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started)?

Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started) is caused by disabled services, corrupted service configurations, missing dependencies, incorrect permissions, or malware that has disabled system services.

How do I fix Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started)?

Start the service manually using Services.msc, change the service startup type to Automatic, run SFC and DISM scans, and ensure all dependencies are running. For Windows Update errors, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder.

What is the difference between Error 0x80070422 and 0x80070424?

0x80070422 indicates the service cannot be started, while 0x80070424 indicates the service does not exist in the database. Both are service-related errors but have different underlying causes.

Can malware cause Error 0x80070422?

Yes, malware can disable security services and cause Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started). Run a full system scan with Windows Defender Offline.

How do I start Windows Update service manually?

Open Services.msc, locate Windows Update, right-click and select Start. If it is disabled, change startup type to Automatic first, then start the service.

Can Group Policy cause Error 0x80070422?

Yes, Group Policy settings can prevent services from starting. Check System Services policies under Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings.

How do I reset Windows Update services?

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: sc config wuauserv start=auto, sc config bits start=auto, sc config cryptSvc start=auto.

Can I fix Error 0x80070422 without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, most cases are resolved without reinstalling using service configuration, SFC/DISM scans, and System Restore. An in-place upgrade is the last resort for Windows Error 0x80070422 (The Service Cannot Be Started).

What services are needed for Windows Update to work?

Windows Update requires the Windows Update service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic Services, and Trusted Installer to be running.

Can a corrupted registry cause Error 0x80070422?

Yes, corrupted registry entries for services can cause this error. Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant or check service registry keys under CurrentControlSet\Services.

HowToFixPro Editorial Team

We’re a team of system administrators, technical writers, and platform specialists who genuinely enjoy solving the problems most users find frustrating. From persistent Windows errors and Android sync failures to browser crashes and network drops — we’ve seen it all, and we document every fix properly. Our guides are built on official documentation, direct testing, and real troubleshooting experience. No filler, no guesswork — just reliable, step-by-step solutions you can trust.

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