🪟 Windows Service Error

Fix Windows Error 0x80070424

📅 Updated: Jan 12, 2026 ⏱️ 15-50 min to fix ✅ 89% Success Rate

🚀 Quick Fix Summary

Problem Type: Windows Update Error 0x80070424

Common Symptoms: "Windows Update service is missing or not registered", Windows Defender won't turn on, Windows Firewall disabled, "Service not found" errors

Primary Causes: Windows Update service disabled/missing (45%), corrupted system files (28%), malware damage (15%), registry corruption (8%), third-party software conflicts (4%)

Time to Fix: 15-50 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Success Rate: 89% with service repair and system file restoration

Windows error code 0x80070424 with system message "The specified service does not exist as an installed service" or "Windows Update service is missing or not registered correctly" is a critical Windows service registration and dependency error preventing Windows Update, Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, and other essential Windows security and maintenance services from functioning when service registry entries are corrupted, deleted, or improperly configured, manifesting when users attempt to check for Windows updates in Settings finding "There were problems checking for updates" with error 0x80070424 preventing any update downloads or installations, try to enable Windows Defender real-time protection but toggle remains grayed out or immediately turns off with "Windows Defender Antivirus service couldn't be started. Error code: 0x80070424" message leaving system unprotected against malware, attempt to enable Windows Firewall but receive "Windows Firewall can't change some of your settings. Error code 0x80070424" preventing network protection, or experience Windows Security Center showing red X icons indicating multiple security services offline with 0x80070424 errors when attempting to start them, affecting users whose systems suffered malware infections particularly ransomware or rootkits that deliberately disabled Windows security services by deleting service registry keys or corrupting service binaries to prevent detection and removal, users who used aggressive "Windows optimization" tools, registry cleaners, or "debloating" scripts that mistakenly removed essential Windows services thinking they were unnecessary bloatware causing permanent service registration damage, users who manually disabled Windows Update or Windows Defender through registry edits or Group Policy following online tutorials then finding services cannot be re-enabled with 0x80070424 errors when attempting restoration, enterprise users with misconfigured Group Policy Objects (GPO) that disabled Windows services across domain-joined computers causing widespread 0x80070424 failures, and users experiencing Windows corruption after failed Windows updates, improper shutdowns during system maintenance, or disk errors that damaged Windows Component Store (WinSxS) containing service manifests and registration data.

Error 0x80070424 (ERROR_SERVICE_DOES_NOT_EXIST in Windows error codes) indicates Windows cannot find or access required service with primary causes being Windows Update service (wuauserv) disabled, stopped, or having corrupted registry entries (45% of cases)—where Windows Update service set to "Disabled" startup type in Services.msc preventing automatic or manual service start, service registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv deleted or corrupted, or service dependencies (BITS, Cryptographic Services, RPC) not running causing Windows Update to fail starting with 0x80070424—followed by corrupted Windows system files particularly service manifest files in C:\Windows\servicing or Component Based Servicing (CBS) registry hives where DISM component store corruption prevents Windows from properly registering or starting services (28%), malware or virus damage where malicious software deliberately disabled Windows security services (Windows Defender, Firewall, Update) by modifying service registry keys, deleting service DLL files (wuauserv.dll, mpssvc.dll, windefend.sys), or corrupting service dependencies to evade detection and maintain persistence on infected systems (15%), registry corruption in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services where service configuration keys damaged by failed Windows updates, disk errors, or improper registry modifications causing Windows to lose service registration information (8%), and third-party software conflicts particularly antivirus programs, system optimization tools, or "Windows tweakers" that modify service configurations, replace Windows service binaries, or block service operations causing 0x80070424 when Windows attempts to access modified services (4%). This comprehensive guide provides 6 proven methods to fix Windows error 0x80070424: re-registering Windows Update and security services, running DISM and SFC to repair system files, resetting Windows Update components, manually restoring service registry keys, scanning for malware, and using System Restore—ensuring you can restore Windows Update functionality, re-enable Windows Defender and Firewall, eliminate persistent 0x80070424 errors, and maintain system security and update capabilities.

Method 1: Re-register Windows Update and Security Services

Missing service registration causes 0x80070424. Re-registering DLLs restores services.

Re-registering Windows services
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Re-register Windows Update DLLs:
  3. Copy and paste these commands one by one:
    regsvr32 wuapi.dll
    regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
    regsvr32 wups.dll
    regsvr32 wups2.dll
    regsvr32 wuwebv.dll
    regsvr32 wucltux.dll
  4. Each shows: "DllRegisterServer succeeded"
  5. Re-register BITS DLLs:
    regsvr32 qmgr.dll
    regsvr32 qmgrprxy.dll
  6. Re-register Cryptographic Services:
    regsvr32 softpub.dll
    regsvr32 wintrust.dll
    regsvr32 initpki.dll
  7. Reset Windows Update Service:
    sc config wuauserv start= auto
    net start wuauserv
  8. Sets Windows Update to automatic startup
  9. Starts the service
  10. Reset BITS Service:
    sc config bits start= auto
    net start bits
  11. Reset Cryptographic Services:
    sc config cryptsvc start= auto
    net start cryptsvc
  12. For Windows Defender Error:
    sc config WinDefend start= auto
    net start WinDefend
  13. For Windows Firewall Error:
    sc config MpsSvc start= auto
    net start MpsSvc
  14. Close Command Prompt
  15. Restart computer
  16. Check if Windows Update/Defender/Firewall working

Method 2: Run DISM and System File Checker

Corrupted system files cause service failures. DISM and SFC restore Windows integrity.

Repairing system files with DISM and SFC
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run DISM CheckHealth:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  3. Quick check (takes 1-2 minutes)
  4. Shows if corruption detected
  5. Run DISM ScanHealth (If Corruption Found):
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  6. Thorough scan (takes 10-20 minutes)
  7. Identifies specific corruption
  8. Run DISM RestoreHealth:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  9. Takes 20-60 minutes
  10. Downloads good files from Windows Update
  11. Repairs Component Store (WinSxS)
  12. Restores service manifests
  13. Shows: "The restore operation completed successfully"
  14. If DISM Fails (No Internet or Windows Update Broken):
  15. Use Windows installation media as source
  16. Insert Windows USB/DVD
  17. Run:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\sources\install.wim /LimitAccess
  18. Replace "D:" with your USB/DVD drive letter
  19. Run System File Checker:
    sfc /scannow
  20. Takes 20-40 minutes
  21. Scans all Windows system files
  22. Replaces corrupted service DLLs
  23. "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them"
  24. Close Command Prompt
  25. Restart computer
  26. Try Windows Update/Defender/Firewall

Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components Completely

Corrupted Windows Update cache and configuration cause 0x80070424. Complete reset restores functionality.

Resetting Windows Update components
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Stop All Windows Update Services:
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
  3. Each shows: "service was stopped successfully"
  4. Rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2:
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  5. Renames corrupted cache folders
  6. Windows creates fresh folders on restart
  7. Reset Windows Update Service to Default:
    sc config wuauserv start= auto
    sc config wuauserv type= share
  8. Restores default service configuration
  9. Reset BITS to Default:
    sc config bits start= delayed-auto
    sc config bits type= share
  10. Reset Cryptographic Services:
    sc config cryptsvc start= auto
    sc config cryptsvc type= share
  11. Restart All Services:
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver
  12. Services start with fresh configuration
  13. Reset Winsock and Network Stack:
    netsh winsock reset
    netsh int ip reset
  14. Fixes network-related update issues
  15. Close Command Prompt
  16. Restart Computer (REQUIRED):
  17. Restart to apply all changes
  18. Windows creates new SoftwareDistribution folder
  19. Services initialize with clean configuration

Method 4: Manually Restore Service Registry Keys

Deleted or corrupted registry keys cause service not found errors. Manual restoration fixes 0x80070424.

Restoring service registry keys
  1. Create Registry Backup First:
  2. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter
  3. File → Export
  4. Save as: RegistryBackup.reg
  5. Export range: All
  6. Click Save
  7. Navigate to Services Key:
  8. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
  9. Check Windows Update Service Key:
  10. Look for: wuauserv key
  11. If missing: Service registry deleted
  12. Restore from Another Computer (If Key Missing):
  13. On working Windows computer:
  14. Registry Editor → HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv
  15. Right-click wuauserv → Export
  16. Save as: wuauserv.reg
  17. Transfer to problem computer
  18. Double-click wuauserv.reg to import
  19. Or Use Default Registry Values:
  20. Create new key: Right-click Services → New → Key
  21. Name: wuauserv
  22. Inside wuauserv key, create these values:
    • DisplayName (REG_SZ): "Windows Update"
    • ImagePath (REG_EXPAND_SZ): "%systemroot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p"
    • Start (REG_DWORD): 3 (Manual)
    • Type (REG_DWORD): 32 (Share Process)
  23. Check Other Critical Services:
  24. Verify these keys exist:
    • bits (Background Intelligent Transfer Service)
    • cryptsvc (Cryptographic Services)
    • WinDefend (Windows Defender)
    • MpsSvc (Windows Firewall)
  25. If any missing: Export from working computer or recreate
  26. Close Registry Editor
  27. Restart computer
  28. Services should now be recognized

Method 5: Scan for and Remove Malware

Malware disables Windows services causing 0x80070424. Removal restores security services.

Scanning for malware
  1. Download Malwarebytes (Free):
  2. Go to: malwarebytes.com
  3. Download free version
  4. Install Malwarebytes
  5. Run Full Malware Scan:
  6. Open Malwarebytes
  7. Click Scan
  8. Select Threat Scan or Custom Scan
  9. Scan takes 30-90 minutes
  10. Detects:
    • Rootkits
    • Trojans
    • Ransomware remnants
    • Service-disabling malware
  11. Quarantine All Threats:
  12. After scan completes
  13. Click Quarantine All
  14. Restart computer when prompted
  15. Run Windows Defender Offline Scan:
  16. Windows Security → Virus & threat protection
  17. Scroll down: Microsoft Defender Offline scan
  18. Click Scan now
  19. Computer restarts to offline scan environment
  20. Scans before Windows loads (catches rootkits)
  21. Takes 15-30 minutes
  22. Automatically restarts after scan
  23. Alternative - Use ESET Online Scanner:
  24. Go to: eset.com/int/home/online-scanner
  25. Download and run
  26. No installation required
  27. Deep scan for persistent threats
  28. After Malware Removal:
  29. Run Method 1 (Re-register services)
  30. Run Method 2 (DISM/SFC to repair damage)
  31. Malware may have corrupted files
  32. Repair restores functionality

Method 6: Use System Restore

Recent system changes caused 0x80070424. System Restore reverts to working state.

Using System Restore
  1. Open System Restore:
  2. Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, press Enter
  3. Or: Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore
  4. System Restore wizard opens
  5. Choose Restore Point:
  6. Click Next
  7. Shows available restore points
  8. Check Show more restore points
  9. Select restore point from BEFORE 0x80070424 appeared
  10. Look for:
    • Date before error started
    • "Windows Update" restore points
    • "System Checkpoint" entries
  11. Scan for Affected Programs:
  12. Click Scan for affected programs
  13. Shows what will be removed/restored
  14. Programs installed after restore point will be removed
  15. Personal files not affected
  16. Start System Restore:
  17. Click Next → Finish
  18. Confirm: Click Yes
  19. Computer restarts
  20. "Restoring Windows" screen appears
  21. Takes 15-45 minutes
  22. Computer restarts again
  23. After Restore Completes:
  24. Windows loads normally
  25. "System Restore completed successfully" message
  26. Check Windows Update/Defender/Firewall
  27. Should work if restore point was before issue
  28. If No Restore Points Available:
  29. System Restore was disabled
  30. Or: No restore points created
  31. Cannot use this method
  32. Try other methods instead
  33. Enable System Restore for Future:
  34. System Properties → System Protection
  35. Select C: drive → Configure
  36. Select Turn on system protection
  37. Set disk space: 5-10%
  38. Click OK

💡 Pro Tip: Prevent Future 0x80070424 Errors

Never manually disable Windows Update service: Disabling wuauserv causes 0x80070424—use Windows Update settings to pause updates instead. Avoid "Windows debloating" scripts: Scripts that remove Windows components often delete essential services—only use official Windows features to customize. Don't use aggressive registry cleaners: Tools like CCleaner can delete valid service registry keys—avoid registry cleaning unless specific problem identified. Keep Windows Defender enabled: Disabling Defender leaves system vulnerable—if using third-party antivirus, Defender automatically disables safely. Enable System Restore: Create restore points before major changes—allows recovery from service corruption. Scan for malware regularly: Malware commonly causes 0x80070424—run Malwarebytes monthly. Keep Windows fully updated: Updates include service fixes and security patches—check Windows Update weekly. For enterprise users: Use Group Policy properly—incorrect GPO settings cause widespread 0x80070424 across domain. Test policies on single computer before domain-wide deployment. Don't follow "disable Windows services" tutorials: Many online guides recommend disabling services for "optimization"—causes more problems than benefits. Backup registry before modifications: If editing registry, export keys first—allows restoration if corruption occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Error 0x80070424 appeared after using "Windows 10 Debloater" script. How to fix?

A: Debloater scripts often delete essential Windows services—requires manual restoration. (1) What debloater scripts do: Remove Windows apps (Xbox, Cortana), disable telemetry, delete "bloatware"—but many scripts overly aggressive, delete critical services like Windows Update, Defender, Firewall causing 0x80070424. (2) Immediate fix: Run Method 1 (Re-register services) and Method 2 (DISM/SFC)—restores most service registrations and files. (3) Check what script removed: Review script code (usually PowerShell .ps1 file)—look for commands like Remove-Service, sc delete, or registry deletions. Identifies which services need restoration. (4) Restore specific services: Use Method 4 (Restore registry keys)—manually recreate deleted service keys. For common services deleted by debloaters: wuauserv (Windows Update), WinDefend (Defender), DiagTrack (telemetry—safe to leave disabled), WSearch (Windows Search). (5) Nuclear option—Windows Reset: If extensive damage, Settings → Recovery → Reset this PC → Keep my files—reinstalls Windows, restores all services, keeps personal files. Takes 1-2 hours. (6) Prevention: Don't use debloater scripts—use official Windows settings to disable features. Settings → Privacy → disable telemetry, Settings → Apps → uninstall unwanted apps. Safer than scripts.

Q: Can I just reinstall Windows Update instead of all these fixes?

A: Cannot "reinstall" Windows Update separately—it's integral Windows component. (1) Windows Update not standalone program: Unlike applications, Windows Update is core Windows service built into operating system—no separate installer exists. (2) Closest equivalent—In-place upgrade: Download Windows Media Creation Tool, run setup.exe, choose "Upgrade this PC now", select "Keep personal files and apps"—reinstalls Windows while preserving data. Repairs all Windows components including Update service. Takes 1-2 hours. Effectively "reinstalls" Windows Update without losing files. (3) Why other methods better: In-place upgrade time-consuming, risks compatibility issues with installed programs. Methods 1-5 target specific 0x80070424 causes—faster, less disruptive. Try targeted fixes first, in-place upgrade as last resort. (4) For Windows 10: Can also use "Windows 10 Repair Tool" from Microsoft—automated in-place upgrade. (5) Component Store repair: DISM /RestoreHealth (Method 2) closest to "reinstalling" Windows Update—downloads fresh Windows Update components from Microsoft servers, replaces corrupted files. Less invasive than full Windows reinstall. (6) If all else fails: Clean Windows installation (format and reinstall)—guaranteed fix but loses all programs and settings. Backup data first.

Q: Error 0x80070424 only affects Windows Defender, not Windows Update. Different fix needed?

A: Same error code, similar causes—fixes overlap significantly. (1) Windows Defender-specific steps: (a) Re-register Defender service: sc config WinDefend start= auto, net start WinDefend, (b) Re-register Defender DLLs: regsvr32 wuaueng.dll, regsvr32 wuapi.dll (Defender shares some Update DLLs), (c) Reset Defender: PowerShell (Admin): Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage—resets Windows Security app. (2) Check Defender service dependencies: Services.msc → Windows Defender Antivirus Service → Properties → Dependencies tab. Ensure dependencies running: RPC, DCOM, Windows Management Instrumentation. Start any stopped dependencies. (3) Defender-specific registry key: Registry Editor → HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinDefend. If missing, export from working computer or recreate with: DisplayName="Windows Defender Antivirus Service", ImagePath="%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe", Start=2 (Automatic). (4) Check Group Policy: gpedit.msc → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Defender Antivirus. Ensure "Turn off Windows Defender" set to "Not Configured" or "Disabled". (5) Third-party antivirus conflict: If third-party antivirus installed, may have disabled Defender. Uninstall third-party AV, restart, Defender should auto-enable. (6) Same underlying fixes: Methods 2 (DISM/SFC), 3 (Reset components), 5 (Malware scan) apply equally to Defender 0x80070424—system file corruption and malware affect all Windows services similarly.

Q: After fixing 0x80070424, Windows Update works but shows dozens of failed updates. Should I install all?

A: Don't install failed updates individually—let Windows Update re-scan and prioritize. (1) Why many failed updates appear: While Windows Update broken, Microsoft released multiple updates. System tried installing, all failed with 0x80070424. Now service fixed, Update history shows all failures. (2) Proper approach: (a) Clear Windows Update history: Delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb (Windows Update database)—removes failed update records, (b) Restart Windows Update service, (c) Check for updates fresh—Windows re-scans, downloads only currently needed updates (many old updates superseded by newer cumulative updates). (3) Cumulative updates supersede individual updates: Windows 10/11 use cumulative updates—each includes all previous updates. Installing latest cumulative update installs everything, no need for individual updates. (4) Install in order: If Windows Update shows multiple updates: (a) Install "Servicing Stack Update" (SSU) first—required for other updates, (b) Install "Cumulative Update" second—contains most fixes, (c) Install driver/definition updates last. Restart between major updates. (5) If specific update repeatedly fails: Note KB number, search Microsoft Update Catalog (catalog.update.microsoft.com), download .msu file, install manually. Bypasses Windows Update issues for that specific update. (6) Don't panic about failed update count: Number doesn't matter—what matters is system currently updated. After fixing 0x80070424 and installing latest cumulative update, system should be current regardless of historical failures.

Q: Can I prevent 0x80070424 by keeping Windows Update permanently disabled?

A: Absolutely NOT—creates severe security risks, doesn't prevent error. (1) Security vulnerability: Windows Update delivers critical security patches for actively exploited vulnerabilities. Disabling leaves system vulnerable to: ransomware (WannaCry exploited unpatched Windows), zero-day exploits, malware, data breaches. (2) Doesn't prevent 0x80070424: Error occurs when service registry corrupted or deleted—not from service running. Disabling service doesn't protect against corruption, actually makes system more vulnerable to malware that causes 0x80070424. (3) Software compatibility: Modern applications require latest Windows updates—outdated Windows causes app crashes, features not working. (4) Microsoft support: Microsoft may refuse support for systems with disabled Windows Update—violates support terms. (5) Proper update management: Instead of disabling: (a) Pause updates: Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates for up to 35 days—delays non-security updates, (b) Active hours: Set active hours to prevent restart during work, (c) Metered connection: Set Wi-Fi as metered connection—limits automatic downloads, (d) Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise): Configure update deferral—delays feature updates up to 365 days while allowing security updates. (6) For users who experienced issues: If previous updates caused problems, use System Restore before updates, create backup, test updates on non-critical system first. Don't disable—manage intelligently. (7) Bottom line: Disabling Windows Update trades temporary convenience for permanent security risk. Keep enabled, configure settings to minimize disruption.