How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070426?

The Windows Update Error Code 0x80070426 often arises due to corrupted system files, interference of antivirus, and absence of the Windows update service. These are the most important causes that may trigger Error Code 0x80070426.

The error appears while users try to update their Windows to the latest version. It refers to the error message: “There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x80070426)“.

Above, we discussed the common contributors, but more reasons that can be included causing this issue. We have listed the main of them below:-

• Corrupted System Files- The Windows update could occasionally be stopped due to corrupted files. Typically files can get corrupted when the system shutdowns randomly or has malware.
• Interference of Antivirus- If the antivirus is interfering, you may need to disable it because it can stop some critical updates, which might be why this error appears.
• Corrupted Content in Software Distribution-The software distribution folder contains Windows updates in a file format that sometimes gets corrupted. To avoid this, you have to clear the software distribution folder.

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows troubleshooter is a utility used to diagnose and fix common issues regarding updates. The first thing you can do to fix Error Code 0x80070426 is to run a Windows troubleshooter as it can aid in fixing.

1. To run the Windows update troubleshooter, press the Windows + X keys together and select Settings from the listed options
2. Now Navigate Update & Security and click Troubleshoot from the left pane
3. Click Additional Troubleshooters and select Windows Update
   

   

4. Click Run The Troubleshooter
   

   

5. And the detection will start, then follow the instruction and your pc will be restarted
6. Once done, check if the issue persists.

2. Run System File Checker and DISM

System File Checker or SFC commands are used when some crucial system files get corrupted. System File Checker replaces corrupted files with cached files. On the other hand, Deployment Image Servicing and Management or DISM commands are used to repair Windows images, similar to System File Checker.

Now below are the steps to run system repair commands:-

1. Click the Start Menu and then type the command prompt in the bar
2. Right-click on the command prompt and choose Run As Administrator
   

   

3. Once the command prompt is opened, put the following commands one by one and hit Enter

   sfc /scannow
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. Once done, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

4. Disable Windows Defender

Another solution for fixing Error Code 0x80070426 is temporarily disabling the Windows defender because the error could occur due to interference from third-party antivirus or even Windows defender. If this does not work, try to disable the firewall from the control panel, which might fix this problem.

1. Open settings. For that, right-click on the Start Menu and click Settings
2. Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Security
   

   

3. Click Open Windows Security and click Virus & Threat Protection

   

4. Click Manage Settings and turn off the Real-Time Protection

   

5. Additionally, you can disable Temper Protection
   

   

6. Once done check if the issue still lingers.

5. Reset Windows Update components

If the issue is still not fixed, you may need to reset the Windows update components used by the operating system to update Windows OS. As far as we know, everything will be reset, which is included in providing Windows updates.

1. To reset Windows Update components, click the Start menu and search for Command Prompt
2. Open command prompt as Administrator by clicking on Run As Administrator from the right pane

   

3. Now insert the below commands to stop Windows services running on your computer

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits
   net stop cryptSvc
   net stop msiserver 

4. Now put the following commands to rename the respective Windows folder

   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

5. It’s time to enable the Windows services that you disabled earlier. Copy and paste the below commands to restart the services

   net start wuauserv
   net start bits
   net start cryptSvc
   net start msiserver

6. Now reboot your computer to see if the error is resolved.

6. Clear Software Distribution Folder

A software distribution folder is a folder that stores temporary files that may require Windows to update. Sometimes these Windows files can get corrupted. Therefore you have to clear the software distribution folder by inserting commands in Command prompt.

1. To clear the software distribution folder, press the Windows  + R keys to open Run Window
2. Type the following directory and press Enter
   C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

   

3. Now delete the files under the software distribution folder

   

4. Now open the terminal, click Start Menu and type the command prompt
5. Right-click on Command prompt, then choose Run As Administrator
6.  Once you opened that, insert the following command and hit Enter
   wuauclt.exe /updatenow

   

7. Once you have done that, try to update Windows to see if the error persists.

7. Setting Windows Updates to Start Automatically

If the above methods did not work, you could troubleshoot this issue by automatically setting up the Windows updates. To do this, follow the below instructions.

1. Click Start Menu and search for command prompt
2. Right-click on the command prompt and choose Run as Administrator
3. Click Yes when asked for permission
4. Now insert the below commands and press Enter after every line
   SC config bits start= auto

   SC config cryptsvc start= auto
   SC config trustedinstaller start= auto
   SC config wuauserv start= auto

   

5. Now close the terminal and restart your computer then check if the issue is fixed.

8. Download Update From Update Catalog

The Microsoft catalog is a separate site containing a list of updates for the users who are unable to install updates. You can use the Update Catalog to download the problematic update.

1. To download a problematic update from the Microsoft catalog, Open Microsoft Catalog and search the version you want to download
   1. Now find the version according to system specification then click Download
      

      

       

2. Once the downloading is finished, open the Update installer and it will automatically update your system. if that does not work, follow the below method.

9. Upgrade Your Windows Via Media Creation Tool

Another option for installing Windows Update is the Microsoft Media creation tool that allows users to complete download and upgrade Windows to the latest. Below are the steps:-

1. Download Media Creation Tool, then run it as Administrator
2. Accept the terms and conditions and make sure the option Upgrade This PC Now is selected

   

3. Then click Next and wait for the process to complete
4. Restart your computer and your Windows will be upgraded to the latest version.

10. Use System Restore

If none of the methods work, you can do a system restore that will bring the computer to a previous state and fix the Error Code 0x80070426. But the technique will only work if you have created a restore point.

1. To utilize a restore point, open the Run program, and type rstrui then hit Enter to open System Restore

   

2. Click Next and select the recently created restore point

   

3. Again click Next then click Finish
   

   

4. Once the system is restored, try to update Windows to see if the issue persists.

If the above methods did not work well, you may need to reinstall Windows or reset Windows, Fortunately, have a detailed article on How to Reset a Windows 10 Computer or How to Reinstall Windows.