How to Fix the Windows 11 ‘0x80070422’ Error (Windows Firewall Service Cannot Start)

If you attempt to download an app from the Microsoft Store, or try to run a Windows Update, you might encounter the error code 0x80070422. This error is highly specific: it means that a critical background service—almost always the Windows Defender Firewall service or the Windows Update service—is completely disabled and refuses to start.

Many core Windows 11 components (including the Microsoft Store and Xbox Live networking) rely on the Windows Firewall being active to verify secure connections. If a third-party antivirus program, an aggressive system optimization tool, or malware has permanently disabled the firewall service, these core components will crash and throw the 0x80070422 error. You must manually force the service to run automatically.

How to Fix the 0x80070422 Windows Firewall Service Error

You must use the Windows Services manager to correct the disabled startup parameters.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services management console.
3. Scroll down the long alphabetical list until you find the service named Windows Defender Firewall.
4. Right-click on Windows Defender Firewall and select Properties.
5. Look at the middle of the window for the “Startup type” drop-down menu. It is likely currently set to “Disabled” or “Manual.”
6. Click the drop-down menu and change it to Automatic.
7. Click the Apply button in the bottom right corner.
8. Now that the service is allowed to run automatically, click the Start button located just below the drop-down menu to launch the service immediately.
9. Click OK to close the properties window.

(Note: While you are in the Services console, it is highly recommended to find the Windows Update service and ensure its Startup type is also set to Automatic, as it often shares this exact same error code).

Close the Services window and restart your computer. The Windows Firewall will now load correctly on boot, resolving the 0x80070422 error and allowing the Microsoft Store and Windows Update to function normally.