Why Microsoft Store Error 0x80070422 Keep Blocking Purchases and How to Fix It ?

What Causes the Terrible Microsoft Store Error 0x80070422 and How Do You Stop It From Ruining Your App Downloads?

I’ve been there. You try to buy an app or update something in the Microsoft Store, and boom – error 0x80070422 pops up. The message says “Purchase couldn’t be completed” or “Microsoft Store needs to be updated.” It’s maddening when you just want to get your apps working.

Let me walk you through exactly how I solved this problem. This error happens because certain Windows services stop working properly. Think of these services as helpers that make the Store function. When they’re broken, your Store can’t process purchases or updates.

The Main Culprit: Broken Windows Services

Here’s what I learned: this error almost always means that important background services aren’t running. The Windows Update service is usually the main troublemaker. But other services can cause problems too.

When these services stop working, your Store gets confused. It can’t talk to Microsoft’s servers properly. That’s why purchases fail and updates won’t download.

Solution 1: Fix Your Windows Services (This Usually Works)

This is the first thing I try, and it fixes the problem most of the time.

1. Press the Windows + R at the same time
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter
3. A window with lots of services will open
4. Look for these services one by one:
   • Windows Update
   • Microsoft Store Install Service
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service
   • Cryptographic Services
   • Windows Installer
5. Double-click on each service name
6. Change “Startup type” to “Automatic” (except Windows Installer – set that to “Manual“)
7. If the service shows “Stopped,” click the “Start” button
8. Click “OK” to save your changes
9. Restart Your Computer. This step is important. It makes sure all the services start up correctly.

Solution 2: Clear the Store’s Memory (Quick and Easy)

Sometimes the Store gets confused because of old, corrupted files it’s remembering. Clearing these files often helps.

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter
3. A black window will appear for a few seconds, then disappear
4. The Store will open automatically when it’s done
5. Try your purchase again

This process is like giving the Store a fresh start. It forgets all the bad files and starts clean.

Solution 3: Use Windows’ Built-in Fixer

Windows 11 has a tool that can automatically find and fix Store problems. I use this when the first two steps don’t work.

1. Go to Settings (Windows + I)
2. Click System, then Troubleshoot
3. Click “Other troubleshooters“
4. Find “Windows Store Apps” and click “Run“
5. Follow the instructions on screen

Test the Store when it’s finished

Solution 4: Repair or Reset the Store App

If the Store app itself is damaged, you can fix it without losing your installed apps.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
2. Find “Microsoft Store” in the list
3. Click the three dots next to it
4. Select “Advanced options“
5. Click “Repair” and wait
6. Test the Store to see if it works
7. Click “Reset” if repair didn’t help. This will clear all Store data but won’t affect your other apps
8. If you use Xbox or game features, repeat these steps for “Gaming Services” as well.

Soluion 5: Update Your Windows System

Old system files can cause Store problems. Keeping Windows updated usually prevents these issues.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update
2. Click “Check for updates“
3. Download and install everything available
4. Restart when prompted
5. Test the Store again

Solution 6: Fix Corrupted System Files

Sometimes Windows files get damaged. Here’s how to fix them:

1. Click Start and type cmd
2. Right-click “Command Prompt“
3. Choose “Run as administrator“
4. Type this command and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow

5. Wait for it to finish. This can take 10-20 minutes.
6. If problems remain, run these commands one at a time:

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

Solution  7: Check for Weird Files (Less Common but Important)

Sometimes strange files in your C: drive can block Store services. I’ve seen this happen a few times.

1. Open File Explorer
2. Go to your C: drive
3. Look for files named “Program” or “Program1” with no file extension
4. If you find any, delete them
5. Restart your computer

Extra Tips That Sometimes Help

• Temporarily turn off your antivirus to see if it’s blocking the Store. Turn it back on after testing.
• Sign out and back into your Microsoft account in the Store app.
• Try disabling IPv6 in your network settings if you keep having problems.
• Use the Gaming Services Repair Tool if Xbox-related apps are having issues.

Why This Error Happens

The 0x80070422 error usually means that Windows services aren’t communicating properly. These services need to work together for the Store to function. When one stops working, it creates a chain reaction that breaks purchases and updates.

The good news is that this error is almost always fixable. I’ve used these steps dozens of times, and they work in most cases. Start with the first few steps – they solve the problem about 80% of the time.

If none of these steps work, you might have a deeper Windows problem. In that case, consider contacting Microsoft support or doing a Windows reset while keeping your files.

The key is to be patient and work through the steps systematically. Don’t skip the restart steps – they’re more important than they seem. Most people get their Store working again within 30 minutes of following this guide.