How To Fix Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service High CPU Usage

Is Sppsvc.exe causing High CPU Usage?

If yes, you are in the right place. Here we will discuss sppsvc (Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service) causing High CPU Usage on Windows.

Usually, when Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service” (sppsvc.exe) consumes more CPU power, you face frequent performance problems like a slow startup, random crashes and system heats up.

So, this means your system freezes, or there’s an issue with the performance. So, to resolve this problem and avoid unstable PC problems caused due to the sppsvc.exe process, read further.

What is Sppsvc.exe (Microsoft Software Protection Platform)?

Sppsvc is a process related to the Windows Operating System and is an integral part of the Windows OS. The service aims to prevent software interference and piracy, thus helping apply for licenses easily. The High CPU problem on Windows is caused due to two reasons:

• When using pirated versions of Windows, sppsvc runs in the background and tries to authenticate windows.
• When using genuine windows, sppsvc interfere with third party application.

In either case, disabling the service is the last resort, as it will stop the High CPU usage. But remember doing so will activate the Windows is not activated watermark on the bottom right side of the screen. To resolve this error message, follow the steps below:

Fix: High CPU Usage Caused by Sppsvc.exe on Windows 10

Method 1: Run Windows Troubleshooter

To check if there is any discrepancy with the operating system, let’s run the troubleshooter. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. In the Windows search bar type, are Troubleshoot and select Troubleshoot Settings from the search results.

2. Now type System Maintenance in the Find a setting window.

3. Press the enter key. This will System Maintenance window

4. Click Advanced > Run as administrator > check mark the option Apply repairs automatically > Next.

5. The system Maintenance window will now run as administrator. Click Next and wait for the troubleshooter to detect errors.

If any errors are detected, they will be fixed. You can view them by clicking View Information.

6. Once it is done to apply changes, reboot the PC.

Method 2: Boot In Safe Mode And Perform a Clean Boot

To confirm if the process still eats many CPU resources, we suggest booting in safe mode or performing a clean boot. Both these methods boot the system with necessary files and drivers. This means you will be able to isolate the problem creating files and will be able to identify what is creating problems.

Click here To learn how to boot in safe mode. However, if we cannot identify the problem of creating files in safe mode, we suggest performing a clean boot. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows + R

2. Type msconfig > Ok

3. Click Services tab > checkmark the box next to Hide all Microsoft services. Once you do so, all Microsoft related services will be disabled. Now what you see are third-party services.

4. Hit Disable all to stop third party services from running temporarily.

5. Apple > Ok > close System Configuration window.

6. Now press Ctrl+Shift+Esc

7. This will open the Task Manager. Here click the Services tab > select each service > right-click > Disable

8. Now reboot the system and see if CPU usage has come down to normal. If the problem persists, it means some external program is creating problems. Hence, check all the installed programs and uninstall any unknown application.

Method 3: Run System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) helps scan the system for corrupt system files. Using it, you can look for corrupt Windows files and fix them.

To run an SFC scan, follow the steps below:

1. Open elevated Command Prompt

2. Type SFC /scannow and press Enter. The process might take some time to wait for it to finish. Do not turn off the system in between the process.

3. If any errors are encountered, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the elevated Command Prompt window.

4. This will replace the corrupt files so that you no longer face the problem.

Once the errors are fixed, reboot the system and check if the sppsvc process is running fine or not.

Method 4: Scanning for Malware

Sometimes, due to malware or virus present in your system, you might also face sppsvc High CPU Usage. Hence scanning the system with the best antivirus tool is important. To know which are the best antivirus, click here. This will help detect viruses that disguise as genuine Microsoft processes.

In addition to this, you can run the System Protector module offered by Advanced System Optimizer. It will scan the system for infections and will clean them. To use this best and powerful PC cleaner, follow the steps below:

1. Download, install, and launch Advanced System Optimizer.

2. Click Security & Privacy > System Protector

3. Run the scan and wait for it to complete.

4. Clean all the infections and check if the process is working fine or not.

If this doesn’t work, then try disabling sppsvc service. To learn how to do that, move to the next method.

Method 5 : Disable sppsvc Service

If the above methods did not help try, disabling the service. This might help.

Note: Before deciding to use Registry, Editor, be sure you want to do it. A small mistake can damage your OS. Once you are sure you want to do this, only then follow the steps explained below:

1. Press Windows + R

2. Type “regedit” > Ok

3. Navigate to : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\sppsvc

4. Look for the “Start” key in the right side window

5. Double click and change the value data to “4”.

6. Press OK and exit.

7. Restart the system; the problem should now be resolved.

In addition to this, we suggest stopping the service. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows + R

2. Type services.msc > Ok

3. Look for the Software Protection service. Right-click > Stop

If there are any other entries related to the service, remove them, and restart the system. All this will help resolve the sppsvc problem.

This will instantly stop the service and all the related tasks of Software Protection from your computer.

That’s it all. Using these steps, you can resolve sppsvc High CPU usage. Besides, we suggest removing the task from Task Scheduler also. To do so, press Windows + S. Type Task Scheduler > expand the library > and open the following path:

Microsoft > Windows. Now in the right pane find SvcRestartTask > right-click > Disable.

If there are any other entries related to the service, remove them, and restart the system. All this will help resolve the sppsvc problem.

Method 6: Update Windows

Most problems occur with an outdated system, therefore it is recommended to update your Windows version. Get the latest Windows 11 updates as and when rolled by following these steps –

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click on Check for updates.
4. Click on Download and then install all the latest updates for Windows.

Method 7: Use System Restore

System Restore is helpful when you wish to undo your current changes on your system. System Restore saves an image with the last Windows settings and registry entries. Here’s how to use System Restore to go back to previous settings to try and fix the error message –

1. Open Start and type – Create a restore point. Open it.
2. The System Properties tab will be opened now. Under System Protection go to System Restore.
3. Select the last saved Restore Point and then click on Next.

Then, you need to click on Finish on the Confirmation tab. This will take you to the restart and you can see the changes as on the date mentioned in the Restore point. This will hopefully help you get rid of the error which started to appear to your regarding the high CPU usage.

Method 8: Reset Windows

If the System Restore method does not work, go with the Reset Windows option instead. This is necessary because there might be an issue with the system files. We will follow the quick steps in order to Reset Windows –

Note- This will remove all the third party applications and settings made by you from your PC. Proceed with caution and make sure to take a backup of your data on an external drive.

1.Open Start and type Reset this PC.

2. Recovery window will open up on your screen. Click on Get Started under Reset this PC.
3. Next, you need to select between – Keep my files and Remove everything.

Next, follow the on screen instructions and you can easily reset your PC. This will eventually fix the high CPU usage for the Sppsvc.exe service.

Wrapping up –

There are a few reasons for the Sppsvc.exe showing higher CPU usage than normal range. It can end up your PC performance drastically slow and working on it can be terrible. You can start by running Troubleshooting, searching for malware or running Windows in safe mode. In the next steps you can move to advanced solutions – System Restore and Reset PC. We would highly recommend using Advanced System Optimizer to fix all the problems at once by using its different modules.

FAQ

What is Sppsvc.exe?

Sppsvc.exe is a file by Microsoft, and it is also known as Microsoft Software Platform Protection Service. The service is used to manage digital licenses for Windows and its applications.

Can I delete Sppsvc.exe?

Sppsvc is a trusted file; hence we do not recommend deleting it. However, if you think it is infected, running an antimalware tool is recommended. For this, you can try using System Protector offered by Advanced System Optimizer.

How do I disable the Microsoft Software Protection Platform service?

To disable the Microsoft Software Protection Platform service follow the steps below

1. Press Windows + R > type “regedit” > Ok
2. Navigate to : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\sppsvc
3. Look for the “Start” key > double click change the value data to
4. Double click and change the Value data to “4” >Ok
5. Close window and reboot PC

How do I enable Sppsvc EXE?

To enable Microsoft Software Protection Platform service to follow the steps below

1. Press Windows + R > type “regedit” > Ok
2. Navigate to : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\sppsvc
3. Look for the “Start” key > double click change the value data to
4. Double click and change the Value data to “4” >Ok
5. Close window and reboot PC