How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070437
Windows error code 0x80070437 is faced by users while they are trying to update their Windows to the latest security patches. After the installation of a few service packs of Windows update, this error pops up with a notification “The account specified for this service is different from the account specified for other services running in the same process“.
This error will result in automatic system restarts, sudden screen freezing and sometimes it will automatically close all your active programs. The users find this very annoying and the personal workspace is frustratingly disturbed due to this error. The user is notified by Windows as follows:
What Causes Windows Update Error Code 0x80070437?
Several reasons have been enlisted based on users’ feedback and the review of concerned official authorities that may cause Error Code 0x80070437 during Windows 10 update. This error may occur due to any of the reasons listed below:
- Poor Internet Connection: Although it is obvious if you do not have an active internet connection (good bandwidth), you will not be able to download and install the Windows updates. Having limited internet access despite the established internet connection may also result in this error.
- Inadequate Drive Space: It is a possibility that your Windows drive (which is by default C drive) may not have enough space to install Windows updates, ultimately causing this error. Therefore, make sure that you have at least 16GB free space on your C drive if you are using 32-bit Windows 10 and 20GB if you are using 64-bit Windows 10.
- External Hardware Devices: Non-essential external hardware devices such as headphones, printers, scanners, USB flash drives, speakers, etc. may be causing the error under consideration. Also, if your PC is plugged into a docking station, you are most likely to face this type of errors.
- Background Programs: When you start up your computer, several applications start running automatically in the background such as anti-virus software, basic system processes, and other previously installed software. These services cause interference in your attempt to install Windows updates, ultimately causing errors.
- Accidental Sign-out: Windows update errors may occur if you accidentally sign out or restart your PC. Try updating again and make sure your PC remains on and plugged in.
Pre-requisites:
Before proceeding towards solutions, our recommendation is to try these short fixes that may help resolve the error. But if the error still appears, these fixes will downsize the factors behind this error and you can go for the solutions provided in the next section. The short but promising fixes are mentioned below:
- Free up Some Disk Space: As listed in the causes above, check your drive space according to the Windows bit version you are using and if you do not have enough disk space then you can free up space by reading this article.
- Unplug Extra Hardware: Remove all external storage devices such as drives, docks or any hardware you might have plugged into your device that is not currently in use.
- Disable/Remove Third-party Security Software: Try to use Windows Defender to protect your device during the Windows update installation. Non-Microsoft antivirus software sometimes cause errors while Windows upgrade. You can temporarily disable or remove the third-party security software by following these steps:
Open “Control Panel” > “Programs” > “Programs and Features” > select the “Third-party Software” > “Uninstall” > “Yes”. - Repair Hard Drive Errors: Sometimes the hard drive errors result in problems like the one under consideration so it is better to run a hard drive repair mechanism. To repair the hard drive errors follow these steps: Open “Command Prompt” > type “chkdsk/f C:” > press “Enter”. After the repair is complete, you will be asked to restart your device.
- Restore & Repair System Files: This error might appear due to some damaged or corrupted system files. Try to restore or repair system files by the given steps: Open “Command Prompt” > type “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” > press “Enter”.
- Run Malware Scan: Sometimes malware can interrupt the installation of updates and results in error. Follow these steps to scan the system for malware: Windows Security>Virus and Threat Protection>Quick Scan.
If none of these worked out for you then it points to only one problem, that is: Windows Defender Firewall Services startup is not set to Automatic. Everything has been explained in the solution below.
Enable Windows Defender Firewall Services
Windows Update Error Code 0x80070437 can be resolved by enabling the Windows Defender Firewall Services. Somehow, during the Windows Update installation firewall gets disabled and the system shows up the error. This can be because of multiple reasons i.e., Windows security update enforces Defender Firewall to go down, Windows update patch is corrupted due to failed internet connection during the process, etc. During the installation of updates, it is usually recommended to use Windows Defender Firewall to avoid any errors as it first scans the update patch, verifies with the authorities information available on Microsoft Servers, and then heads towards downloading and installation process. Follow the steps given below to enable the Windows Defender Firewall:
- Click Start, search Services, and open it. It will open the Windows Services Manager where all the services provided by the Windows operation system reside.
Opening Windows Services Utility - Select Windows Defender Firewall, right-click on it, and select the Properties option. A pop-up window will provide you with all the properties of Defender Firewall on your PC like General, Log on, Recovery, etc.
Opening Windows Defender Firewall Properties - Switch to the Log On tab, select the This account option and type Local Service in the available field. If your system is password protected then type your password twice in the respective fields and click Apply. This will help your Microsoft Account to have the authority to enable Windows Defender Firewall on your PC.
Authorizing Microsoft Account for Windows Defender - Switch to the General tab, set Startup type to Automatic from the drop-down menu, and then click OK. This will finally enable the Windows Defender Firewall Services on your device which will help you get rid of the encountered error.
Enabling Windows Defender Firewall Services - Restart your PC in order to save changes and to avoid junk files in the Cache memory that may cause problems (This can happen because of previous fail tries to update Windows).
- Once the Windows is completely loaded, try updating your Windows from Update & Security settings. This should finally fix your problem. This solution will get your error fixed.
