ACTIVE MALWARE WINDOWS TESTED: WINDOWS 10

How to fix
Error code:0x80070426
on Windows

Resolve error code 0x80070426 on Windows 10 and Windows 11 with expert tips and solutions. Get your system running smoothly again, expert-tested!

How to fix error code:0x80070426?
Quick Summary
Error severity
Medium
Est. time
20 minutes
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What causes How to fix error code:0x80070426?

  • Mismatching system processes
  • Initialization errors
  • Microsoft Essentials remaining on the system after upgrading to Windows 10
  • Incompatibility with third-party applications
  • Unsuccessful installation of recent Windows 10 updates
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I‘m trying to figure it out what causes “An error occurred during program initialization. If this problem continues, contact your System Administrator. Error Code: 0x80070426.” Perhaps, one of the recent Windows 10 updates is faulty? An explanation and the solution would be appreciated.

Error code: 0x80070426 is likely to appear due to the mismatching system processes and initialization errors. If Microsoft Essentials happened to remain on the system and you have upgraded to Windows 10, which offers the protection of improved Windows Defender, the error might appear. Specifically, the program is not compatible with third-party applications. Another explanation stems from the unsuccessful installation of the recent Windows 10 updates. There are several reasons for such failure. In short, this error should not be ignored as it makes your operating system more vulnerable to outside virtual infections. Furthermore, due to the problem, the efficiency of the computer might deteriorate as well. This system error might also initiate Mail application synchronization issues. We present a couple of methods to solve the issue. You might scan your system with [d1] as well.

Option 1. Uninstalling Microsoft Essentials

The first thing you should do is terminate the very program. Note that you will not be able to do it while Windows Defender is running. Follow these steps to shut it down.

  1. Right-click on the toolbar and choose Task Manager.
  2. Locate Windows Defender (Windefend) and right-click on it. Choose End Task. Now you will be able to uninstall the program.
  3. Enter the Settings, find it in the list and click Uninstall.

Option 2. Relaunch Security Service

If software licensing service was not launched successfully after the update, there is another reason for the error to occur. Here is how you can restart the service. Eject any DVDs or CDS before proceeding further.

  1. Hold down or tap on F8 key continuously (depends on the computer model) to open the advanced boot settings.
  2. Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
  3. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  4. Choose Software Licensing and then Properties.
  5. Set Startup type to Automatic and finish the action by clicking OK.
  6. Reboot the device.

Bottom line

To fix error code 0x80070426, you can uninstall Microsoft Essentials or relaunch the Security Service. If these methods do not resolve the issue, consider scanning your system for further problems.

Frequently asked questions

Error code 0x80070426 typically indicates issues with the Microsoft Store or problems related to the Windows activation process. This can prevent users from downloading or updating apps.

To troubleshoot this error, try running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter and resetting the Microsoft Store cache by executing 'wsreset' in the Run dialog. If that doesn't work, consider checking your Windows activation status.

Yes, you can often resolve this error by updating Windows to the latest version, running a system file check, or performing a repair installation without losing your files. Make sure to back up your data before making significant changes.

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Jake Doevan

Written & verified by

Senior Windows Technician
Windows repair tools SFC and DISM Startup failure recovery Windows Update errors System Restore

Jake Doevan is a senior Windows technician with deep practical knowledge of Windows' built-in repair and recovery tools. He has written extensively about SFC, DISM, CHKDSK, System Restore, and Windows Recovery Environment — the tools that can salvage a failing Windows installation without data loss. Jake's guides are precise and sequenced: each step is ordered to avoid compounding the original problem, and he explains what each command does so readers understand the process rather than following it blindly. His work is particularly valuable for users dealing with corruption, startup failures, and update-induced regressions.

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