Error code 0x80070426 is quite common on Windows 10, it creates a irritating situation. You might know that Windows 10 has an inbuilt software which is known as Windows Defender and when you are trying to upgrade from a previous version of Windows, at that time Defender takes over and supplements the Microsoft Security Essentials. However, sometimes Windows Defender fails to replace the Microsoft Security Essentials and as a result, you might see an error code 0x80070426 on your screen.

You can quickly resolve this error code on your own. But, you need to follow a proper strategy and that’s why we are here for you. Now, keep an eye on the practical solutions in order to eliminate the technical glitches.

Root Causes of 0x80070426 Issue:

There are several reasons which can be responsible for the occurrence of the 0x80070426 issue on the system. Here are some of them:

1. Most of the time you might encounter the error code 0x80070426 on your device when you are trying to update the Operating System from the previous version. Usually updating Windows to the new version of Windows 10 lead to this problem.
2. In case, your device is affected by any virus, then it may lead to the error code 0x80070426 Windows 10.
3. If you have any unstable internet connection, then it is a valid reason for the occurrence of this issue on Windows 10.

Now, look at the prominent symptoms of this issue.

Prominent Symptoms of Error Code 0x80070426

Once you encounter the 0x80070426 issue on the system, then you might face a lot of difficulties such as:

1. An error message saying “An error has occurred in the program initialization. If this problem does continue, contact your System Admin. Error 0x80070426 code” continuously occurs on the screen.
2. The Windows mail app will not sync with the computer user’s mail.
3. You can work on the system but this error code continuously appears on the screen.
4. The machine will lock up or even freezing when you are dealing with this 0x80070426 issue.
5. All the programme from the older version of Windows does not get replaced by the new version from Windows 10.

Now, have a look at the troubleshooting techniques listed below to get your queries resolved.

Essential Methods to Troubleshoot 0x80070426 Error

In the remaining part, we are going to discuss some of the practical methods which can help you to fix this issue within a minute.

Method 1- Uninstall the Microsoft Essentials

This is the first method that you should try in order to fix this issue. For that, in the beginning, you have to press the Windows + R keys together on the keyboard. It will lead you to the Run dialog box. Next, you should type ‘taskmgr’ in the given field and hit the Enter button. Then, you have to locate the Windows Defender service. After that, you have to right click on it, and then select the Stop option.

This will stop the programme. However, the programme will automatically start up when the computer gets restarted. Once the programme is stopped, then you should click on the uninstall Essentials option. For that, at first, go to the Home Screen of your device and click on the Start button. Then, you need to type ‘Control Panel’ within the search field and press the Enter button.

Once the Control Panel window is opened, then you need to search for the ‘Programs and Features’ option. After that, you have to uninstall a programme. Alternatively, you can press the Windows + R keys together to open the Run box. Then, you should type ‘appwiz.cpl’ within the given field and click on the OK button. Thereafter, you should locate the Microsoft Essentials. Then, you need to uninstall it. After that, restart your computer.

Once done, go to the Settings section, and after that navigate to the ‘Update and Security’. Next, select the Windows Defender and make sure that the real-time protection is On.

Next, exit from the page and check if any changes are made or not. Unfortunately, if you are still dealing with this 0x80070426 issue, then proceed to the next method.

Method 2-  Use the System File Checker

Sometimes, you might see this error code in the Windows mail app. In such conditions, it might require an SFC scan. You need to simply right click on the Start icon and select the Command Prompt option. Alternatively, you can press the Windows + X keys together on the keyboard and after that select the Command Prompt.

After that, type ‘sfc /scannow’ in the required field, and then press the Enter button. Then, the scanning process will begin and make sure that you do not touch any other keys until the scanning process gets complete. During the scanning process, the tool will find and delete the corrupt files automatically. Sometimes, it sends an indication that the files are corrupt and you need to delete them manually.

After that reboot, the system and to resolve the issue. If you fail to eliminate the error this time as well, then proceed to the next method.

Method 3- Check for Software Conflicts

The Windows error 0x80070426 might occur on the Windows Defender because of software conflicts. In your case, if this is the reason, then you should try to perform a clean boot on the Windows system. To do so, you should go through the undermentioned steps.

1. In the beginning, you have to press the Windows + R keys together on the keyboard.
2. After that, the Run dialog box will open. In the Run dialog box, you should type  ‘msconfig’ and hit the Enter button.
3. A new page will open on the screen, from there you have to click on the Service tab. After that, you need to mark the dialog box which is located beside the ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ option. Then, you should click on the ‘Disable all’ option. And then, click on the OK button.
4. Then, you have to click on the Startup tab, and thereafter click on the Open Task Manager option.
5. Next, you have to right-click on each enabled Startup item, and after that click on the Disable option. Then, you should close the Task Manager.
6. Then, tap on the OK button and click on the Restart option. Then, you should check if the error still occurs or not. If yes, then move to the next process to figure out the actual reason.

Additional Method:

• At first, you have to click the Windows + R keys together on the keyboard and hit the Enter button. Then, you should type ‘msconfig’ within the given field and hit the Enter button.
• Next, you should click on the Startup tab and then open the Task Manager. Then, you should right-click on the disabled Startup item, and enable it. Then, close the Task Manager.
• Then, click OK and after that click on the Restart option. After that, the issue will not irritate you anymore.

We believe with the help of the above methods you can easily resolve this issue on your own. However, if you think you cannot apply those steps on your own, then we suggest you not to waste your valuable time and take expert’s help to get the permanent solution.