Windows Update Error 0x80070424 usually occurs when essential update services are missing or disabled. Learn how to restore Windows Update and install updates successfully.

Windows Update Error 0x80070424 is a common issue that prevents Windows from downloading or installing updates. Unlike many other update errors, this one is usually related to missing or damaged Windows Update services.

When Error 0x80070424 occurs, you may see messages such as:

• Windows Update encountered an unknown error
• The specified service does not exist as an installed service
• Error Code: 0x80070424
• Windows Update failed to install updates

Because Windows Update is responsible for delivering security patches, bug fixes, and feature updates, resolving this issue should be a priority.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to diagnose and fix Windows Update Error 0x80070424 on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

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What Causes Error 0x80070424?

The error usually appears when one or more Windows Update services are missing, disabled, or corrupted.

Common Causes

Cause	Description
Disabled Windows Update Service	Update service is not running
Corrupted System Files	Damaged Windows components
Missing Registry Entries	Windows services cannot load properly
Malware Infection	Malicious software disabled services
Broken Windows Components	Update infrastructure damaged
Third-Party Software Conflicts	Security software interference

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Quick Overview of Solutions

Method	Difficulty	Success Rate
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter	Easy	High
Check Windows Services	Easy	Very High
Run SFC Scan	Easy	High
Repair Windows Using DISM	Medium	Very High
Reset Windows Update Components	Medium	Very High
Perform Repair Install	Advanced	High

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Method 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides a built-in repair utility for update issues.

Steps

1. Open Settings
2. Navigate to System → Troubleshoot
3. Select Other Troubleshooters
4. Click Run beside Windows Update

The troubleshooter automatically checks:

• Windows Update services
• Missing components
• Update permissions
• Corrupted cache files

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Method 2: Verify Windows Update Services

Error 0x80070424 often occurs because required services are disabled.

Press Windows + R and type:

Check the following services:

Service	Startup Type
Windows Update	Automatic
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)	Automatic
Cryptographic Services	Automatic
Windows Installer	Manual

If any service is disabled:

1. Double-click it
2. Set Startup Type correctly
3. Click Start
4. Apply changes

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Method 3: Repair Corrupted System Files

System file corruption frequently causes Error 0x80070424.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

Benefits

SFC Function	Purpose
Scan Files	Detect corruption
Repair Files	Restore damaged components
Verify Integrity	Ensure Windows stability

Allow the scan to finish completely before restarting the PC.

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Method 4: Repair Windows Components with DISM

If SFC does not resolve the issue, use DISM.

Check Health

Scan Health

Restore Health

Why DISM Works

DISM repairs the Windows Component Store that Windows Update relies on for installing updates.

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Method 5: Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupted update components are another major cause of Error 0x80070424.

Stop update services:

Rename update cache folders:

Restart services:

Restart Windows and check for updates again.

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Method 6: Scan for Malware

Some malware disables Windows Update services to prevent security updates.

Recommended scans:

• Microsoft Defender Full Scan
• Microsoft Defender Offline Scan
• Malwarebytes Full Scan

Removing malware often restores missing update services.

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Method 7: Re-register Windows Update DLL Files

Sometimes Windows Update components become unregistered.

Run Command Prompt as Administrator and execute:

These commands re-register essential Windows Update files.

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How to Prevent Error 0x80070424

Best Practices

Recommendation	Benefit
Keep Windows Updated	Prevent service corruption
Run SFC Monthly	Detect issues early
Avoid Registry Cleaners	Prevent accidental service removal
Use Trusted Antivirus	Reduce malware risk
Create Restore Points	Easier recovery

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Error 0x80070424 Serious?

No. The issue is usually related to Windows Update services and can often be fixed using built-in Windows tools.

Can Malware Cause Error 0x80070424?

Yes. Malware frequently disables Windows Update services to prevent security updates.

Will Resetting Windows Fix Error 0x80070424?

In most cases, resetting Windows resolves the issue, but it should only be used as a last resort.