How to Solve Error 0x80070424 in Windows

If you’re facing Error 0x80070424 on Windows 10, you’re not alone. This error usually appears when Windows Update, Microsoft Store, Firewall, or other essential Windows services stop working or go missing.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

• What Error 0x80070424 means
• Common causes
• Step-by-step solutions (beginner friendly)
• Tips to prevent the error in the future

What is Error 0x80070424?

Error 0x80070424 typically means:

“The specified service does not exist as an installed service.”

It occurs when required Windows services like Windows Update, Windows Firewall, or Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) are disabled, corrupted, or removed.

Common Situations Where This Error Appears

You may see Error 0x80070424 when:

• Updating Windows 10
• Turning on Windows Defender or Firewall
• Installing updates from Microsoft Store
• Running Windows Update Troubleshooter

Main Causes of Error 0x80070424

Here are the most common reasons:

• ❌ Windows Update service is disabled
• ❌ Corrupted system files
• ❌ Malware or virus infection
• ❌ Third-party antivirus interference
• ❌ Missing or damaged Windows registry entries

Solution 1: Enable Windows Update Services (Most Important)

Step-by-step:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc and press Enter
3. Find these services:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Windows Firewall
4. Double-click each service and set:
   • Startup type → Automatic
   • Click Start (if not running)
5. Click Apply → OK

🔁 Restart your PC and check if the error is fixed.

Solution 2: Run System File Checker (SFC Scan)

Corrupted system files are a major reason for this error.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)
2. Run this command:

sfc /scannow

3. Wait until the scan completes (may take 10–20 minutes)
4. Restart your computer

Solution 3: Use DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image

If SFC doesn’t fix the issue, use DISM.

Steps:

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After completion:

• Restart your PC
• Try Windows Update again

Solution 4: Reset Windows Update Components

This manually resets Windows Update services.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Run these commands one by one:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

3. Rename SoftwareDistribution folder:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

4. Restart services:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

5. Restart your system

Solution 5: Enable Windows Firewall Using Command Line

Sometimes Firewall service is missing or disabled.

Steps:

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

sc config mpssvc start= auto

net start mpssvc

Then reboot your PC.

Solution 6: Scan Your PC for Malware

Malware often disables Windows services.

What to do:

• Run Windows Security → Full Scan
• Or use a trusted antivirus tool

⚠️ Avoid cracked software—it’s a common cause of this issue.

Solution 7: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify software conflicts.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig
2. Go to Services tab
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services
4. Click Disable all
5. Restart your PC

If the error disappears, a third-party app is the cause.

Solution 8: Create a New User Account

Corrupted user profiles can trigger this error.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users
2. Click Add someone else to this PC
3. Create a new local account
4. Log in and check if the issue persists

Solution 9: Reset or Reinstall Windows 10 (Last Option)

If nothing works:

• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery
• Choose Reset this PC
• Select Keep my files

⚠️ Backup important data before resetting.

How to Prevent Error 0x80070424 in Future

✅ Keep Windows updated ✅ Avoid pirated software ✅ Use trusted antivirus only ✅ Don’t disable Windows services manually ✅ Create restore points regularly

Final Words

Error 0x80070424 in Windows 10 is annoying, but it’s completely fixable. In most cases, enabling Windows Update services or running SFC/DISM solves the issue.

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