How to Fix the 0x80070426 Error Code on Windows 10

The 0x80070426 error code mostly shows up when the system processes mismatches and initialization issues. In case Microsoft Essentials used to stay on your device, and you need to update to Windows 10, which provides the security of enhanced Windows Defender, the error could show up.

This often happens if the application is not supported by the third-party software you got in your device. The failed installation Windows 10 Updates is also likely to cause the issue.

Source – https://canorton.uk.net/how-to-fix-the-0x80070426-error-code-on-windows-10

There could be a few other reasons for this. This error can trigger a plethora of other issues in case you ignore it.

Fix 1. Removing Microsoft Essentials

Here is a guide to removing the Microsoft Essentials from your system to fix the 0x80070426 error code:

On your system, press the Windows logo + D keys altogether to bring yourself to the desktop screen quickly.
Now press the ALT + CTRL + DELETE Keys at the same time on your computer keyboard.
Then head to the Task Manager option to trigger the Windows Task Manager.
Look for the option called Windows Defender (Windefend) and then make a right-click on that.
Head to End Task.
Now head to the start menu by pressing the Windows logo key on your keyboard.
Put in the Control Panel and then hit enter.
Uninstall the Windows defender.
Fix 2. Restart Security Service

If the issue is still showing up, then there could be another cause for the error to show up. Here is how to reboot the service to fix the 0x80070426 error code effortlessly:

Hit the F8 key repeatedly (the exact key might vary as per the system model) to trigger the advanced boot settings.
Then go to Safe Mode by Command Prompt.
Afterward, put in services.msc and then hit Enter.
Head to Software Licensing and go to Properties.
Choose the Startup type as Automatic and then make your way to the OK button to end the operation.
Restart your device.
Fix 3. Running the System File Checker

The system file checker is capable of fixing corrupted files and system configurations that can lead to the error code 0x80070426 on your device. Here is a complete tutorial on using it:

On your system, press the Windows logo + D keys at the same time to get to the desktop screen.
Now press the Start menu key on your keyboard to trigger the Start menu.
Once you are there, put in command prompt.
Right-click on the best matching result.
Now once Command Prompt appears, put in sfc / scannow.
Then quickly press the Enter key on your keyboard to run the above command.
The System file checker will now initiate the process of identifying the problematic files.
Once it finds all files that are causing the 0x80070426 error, it will automatically fix all of them.
Then the error 0x80070426 message should be resolved.
Close the Command Prompt window.
Now reboot the PC to see the changes.
Richard Branson is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.