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I recently encountered the error 0x80070426 when trying to open the Xbox app and the Microsoft Store, and after solving the problem I decided to write this guide for anyone else experiencing the same error.
Many users have reported getting error code 0x80070426 when trying to start the Xbox app or the Mail app or the Microsoft Store, or when trying to install updates. Error 0x80070426 in Windows 10/11 is usually caused by a problem with Windows Update or a problem with Windows Services. In other cases, the problem is due to corrupted system or application files.
This guide contains step by step instructions to solve the error 0x80070426 in Microsoft Store, Store apps or or in Windows Update.
How to FIX 0x80070426 error in Windows Update, Windows Store & Store Apps (Windows 10/11).
- Reset Windows Update Agent.
- Reset Microsoft Store.
- Run Updates Troubleshooter.
- Enable and Start ‘Microsoft Sign-in Assistant’ Service.
- Repair System Files.
- Uninstall/Reinstall Windows Store and Xbox app.
- In-Place Repair and Upgrade Windows.
Step 1. Reset Windows Update Agent.
The first method to fix the error 0x80070426, is to force Windows to recreate the Windows Updates store folder (“C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution“), which is the location where Windows stores the downloaded updates.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. To do that, type “cmd” or “command prompt” in the Search and then click Run as administrator in Command Prompt result.
2. In command prompt, give the following commands in order (press Enter after typing each command):
-
net stop wuauserv
-
rd /s /q %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution
-
net start wuauserv
3. Close the command prompt window and reboot your PC.
4. After restarting, check if the problem is solved.
Step 2. Reset Windows Store.
The next step to resolve the error 0x80070426 in Windows Store or in Windows Update, is to reset the Windows Store Cache. To do that:
1. Simultaneously press the Windows 
+ R keys to open the Run box.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. Normally the Microsoft Store & the Xbox app will open now without problem. If not, continue to next step.
Step 3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.
1. Type “control panel” in the Search and then open the Control Panel app.
2. Change the View by: to Small icons and then click Troubleshooting.
3. Then under System Security, click Fix problems with Windows Update.
4. Click Next at the first screen and then let the troubleshooter to fix the problem.
2. If a problem is found and fixed, restart your computer and check if the error persists. If no problem is detected, proceed to the next step.
Step 4. Start the Microsoft Sign-in Assistant Service.
Error 0x80070426 in the Xbox app or Microsoft Store usually occurs if the Microsoft Sign-in Assistant service is disabled in Windows Services.
1. Simultaneously press the Windows
+ R keys to open the Run box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open Windows services.
3. Locate the Microsoft Sign-in Assistant service and see if the Startup Type is Manual. Then according the result do one the following:
A. If the Startup Type is Manual, right-click on the service and click Start to start it. Then check if your issue is fixed.
B. If the Startup Type is Disabled, double-click on the service to open it’s properties, change the Startup Type to Manual, click Apply, then click Start and OK.
Step 5. Repair System Files.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. At the command prompt window, type the following command & press Enter:
- dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
3. Be patient until ‘Deployment Image Servicing and Management’ (DISM) tool repairs component store.
4. When the operation is completed, give the command below and press Enter:
- sfc /scannow
5. When SFC scan is completed, restart your computer.
6. After restarting check if the problem is fixed and if not, continue to next step.
Step 6. Uninstall & Reinstall Microsoft Store & Xbox apps.
If the above steps doesn’t fixed your issue, proceed to uninstall & reinstall the Microsoft Store and the Xbox apps.
1a. Type “xbox” in Search, then right-click at Xbox app and select Uninstall.
1b. Then click Uninstall.
2. Now, type “powershell” in Search and then open PowerShell as Administrator.
3. In PowerShell, type (copy/paste) the following command and press Enter to uninstall the Microsoft Store:
- Get-AppxPackage *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage
4. Restart your computer.
5. Download the “XboxInstaller.exe” from the link below:
6. Open the downloaded file, accept the license terms and click Install to install the Xbox app.
7. After installation, click “Let’s Go” to open the app and then close it.
8. Now, type “xbox” in the search, then open the Xbox app and click Install now at the prompt to install the Microsoft Store.
Step 7. Repair & Update Windows
The final method to fix the error 0x80070426, is to update Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool.
1. Go to Windows 10 download page and click Download Now under “Create Windows 10 installation media“.*
* Note: If you own Windows 11, go to Windows 11 download page.
2. When the download is completed, close all open programs and double-click at MediaCreationTool22H2.exe to run it.
3. Accept the License Terms at the first screen and then click Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
4. At Ready to install screen, ensure that the “Keep personal files and apps” is checked and click Install.
5. The Windows installation process will begin. Wait until the installation is complete and do not interrupt it until your system reboots to the desktop.
6. When it does, go to Windows Update center and check if there are any other updates available to install. If so, let Windows to install them and you’re done!
That’s it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
