• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Geek's Advice

IT News, Software Reviews, How To's & Computer Help

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Removal guides
  • Fix
  • Tutorials
  • Forum
  • ASK A GEEK

Fix Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service (Sppsvc.exe) High CPU Usage on Windows

February 17, 2022 By Matt Corey 3 Comments

Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service Sppsvc.exe causes High CPU Usage

Contents

  • Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service Sppsvc.exe causes High CPU Usage
    • Method 1. Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter
    • Method 2. Check if the issue persists in Safe Mode/Clean Boot
    • Method 3. Use System File Checker
    • Method 4. Scan for Malware and Repair Damaged Windows OS files
    • Method 5. Update or Disable KMS
    • Method 6. Disable Sppsvc.exe Service via Regedit OR Services
    • Method 7. Disable Sppsvc.exe via Task Scheduler
    • Method 8. Update Windows
    • Method 9. Restore using System Restore Point
    • Method 10. Reset Windows

Sppsvc.exe is a process name of Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service. It is one of the core processes of Microsoft Windows operating system, which usually runs in the background and performs functions like downloading, installation and usage of license keys for Windows and installed applications. It usually monitors legitimate usage of programs and is designed to identify and prevent software piracy.

In some cases, this process can start to cause High CPU. The CPU is a core integral part of the computer system, and there are diverse processes that can actually hinder its optimal performance, thereby slowing down your computer. Sometimes, it can be so bad that your PC practically becomes unusable.

When high usage occurs due to sppsvc.exe, it impacts the CPU more significantly than other random processes. Nevertheless, two distinct situations can give rise to such occurrence, i.e., interference with a genuine Windows copy or a copy that was activated using third-party applications, including KMS, among others.

Fix Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service Sppsvc.exe High CPU issue on Windows

It is important to emphasize that when a PC does not have official Windows version, there is every chance that KMS would be active in the background while clashing with sppsvc (the authentic protection mechanism put in place to guard Windows). On the other hand, when it clashes with a Windows copy that is actually genuine, it is often due to a bug associated with third-party applications. Normally, you can identify this cause by booting your PC in Safe Mode and checking whether Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service High CPU Usage is still a problem.

Attention: There are cases whereby a computer user could be making use of genuine Windows copy yet other Microsoft utilities like MS Office are actually pirated copies that were activated through unauthorized third-party applications.

Nevertheless, if the computer user decides to disable the service in order to prevent its interference with the CPU, it would prompt the “Windows is not activated” notice that would appear at the bottom right corner of the computer screen.

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

DOWNLOAD AND SCAN WITH RESTORO

See Full Review

Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.

Method 1. Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter

It is necessary to run system maintenance troubleshoot in order to decipher if there are errors associated with your Windows operating system that may be causing Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service High Disk Usage. Here is how to run the troubleshooter:

  1. In Windows search, type control panel and open the matching result.
    open control panel
  2. In Control Panel, look at the upper right corner and choose Small icons from View by options. Then click on Troubleshooting.
    open troubleshooting in windows settings
  3. On the left pane, select View all to see all troubleshooters.
    view all troubleshooters on windows
  4. Search for System Maintenance and click on it. In the Troubleshooter, click Advanced.
    use system maintenance troubleshooter
  5. Now, put a checkmark next to Run as Administrator option. Ensure that Apply repairs automatically option is also selected. New window should open now, so click Next in it.
    run system maintenance troubleshooter as administrator
  6. At this point, the troubleshooter automatically scans for issues related to system maintenance and shows if any are detected. Afterwards, it will suggest possible repairs or tries to correct the issues automatically.
  7. Afterward, restart your PC.

Method 2. Check if the issue persists in Safe Mode/Clean Boot

Safe Mode or Clean Boot can be used to check whether the issue has been solved or if it still constitutes a drag to the smooth running of your computer. Both methods can be used to run a computer system while utilizing the least resources, thereby making it easy to identify and fix/isolate any application or program that is not functioning properly.

Start your computer using the Safe Mode option (tutorial here). In case the problem couldn’t be identified with this option, try to clean boot your PC using instructions provided below.

  1. Press Windows key + R to launch Run app. Type msconfig and press OK.
    type msconfig in run prompt
  2. Go to Services tab. Now, put a checkmark next to Hide all Microsoft services. This will hide all Microsoft services and you will see a list of active third-party services. Click Disable all.
    disable all third-party services on windows
  3. The services will now appear as Stopped. Now, click Apply and OK.
    after disabling services, click apply and ok
  4. Now go to the Startup tab, and then click Open Task Manager option.
    open task manager via system configuration window
  5. Now, right-click on process and click the Disable button. Repeat with all processes listed there.
    disable startup processes via task manager
  6. Finally, it is time to restart your PC to see if the CPU is still in high usage or if it has normalised. If it hasn’t, then it shows that the problem is due to an external program. You will have to search all your installed programs in order to find out which one causing the issue. Another solution to this is using RESTORO (download link), which can show which programs cause issues.

Method 3. Use System File Checker

The System File Checker or SFC is a utility program available in Microsoft Windows. The program enables PC owners to search and detect files that may have corrupted in their computer system. Despite the fact that it has been available since the emergence of Windows 98 yet not many people have been able to leverage it in order to scan and detect any problem and its root cause.

You can run SFC to see if it could detect and solve the issues we are facing. As a result, you will receive one of these three probable outcomes listed below:

  • Windows couldn’t discover any breach/integrity violations;
  • Windows Resource Protection discovered corrupt files and fixed them;
  • Windows Resource Protection discovered corrupt files but couldn’t repair some/all of them.
  1. In Windows search, type powershell. Right-click the matching result and choose Run as Administrator.
    run windows powershell as administrator
  2. In User Account Control window, press Yes to continue.
  3. In the PowerShell window, type sfc/scannow, then press Enter. This procedure takes time; therefore, sit back and wait until it completes.
    run sfc scannow via powershell
  4. If at any point, your Windows system indicates it found error but couldn’t fix it, then use the following command: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/Restore Health. This command will restore corrupted files. This process might take some depending on your internet connection BUT NEVER CANCEL the process while it is still running.
    windows dism restorehealth command in powershell
  5. Reboot your computer.

Method 4. Scan for Malware and Repair Damaged Windows OS files

In some cases, what causes such issue is the presence of malware in the computer system. There have been reports of viruses infiltrating and interfering with the Microsoft process thereby causing a drag on the computer system’s resources.

Therefore, it becomes necessary to make use of genuine antivirus software in scanning your PC to ensure it is malware-free. For this procedure, we recommend using INTEGO Antivirus. You may want to read its review here first. Then we recommend using a special tool for repairing Windows OS files without the need to reinstall the Windows operating system. It can also repair virus damage to Windows OS files. You can download it here – RESTORO.

The guide below explains how to use these tools, although you can use software of your choice for this task.

  1. Install Intego Antivirus for Windows and activate it using official license key you received.
  2. Go to Scans pane and select Scan now below Complete Virus Scan.
    run a complete virus scan with intego antivirus for windows
  3. Delete identified threats as recommended by the software.
  4. Next, download RESTORO and activate it.
  5. Run a scan to identify stability, hardware and security issues, junk files, broken registry and privacy issues.
    restoro compiles data about computer issues
  6. Click Start repair to fix detected issues.

Method 5. Update or Disable KMS

For those making use of KMS software in activating Windows products, you should check if you’re using the latest version of KMS. Try updating it, then reboot your computer and run a check to see if the problem has been solved. If the problem is still there, you can try to disable KMS or just stop sppsvc.exe. Once the sppsvc.exe is disabled, it will indicate so by displaying Windows is not genuine or Activate Windows watermark form on the screen.

Likewise, if you’re making use of genuine Windows and used KMS to activate other software, then try disabling KMS.

Note. Usage of KMS software is not recommended by our team. It is an illegal tool and often comes with malicious additions.

  1. In Windows search, type Task Scheduler and open the matching result.
    open task scheduler
  2. In the next window, click the little arrow next to Task Scheduler Library to expand it. Then click on the arrow next to Microsoft. Then click on KMS folder. On the right side you will see different applications activated through KMS. Right-click on each of these applications and choose Disable.
    disable KMS via Task Scheduler
  3. Restart your PC and confirm if the problem has been fixed.

Method 6. Disable Sppsvc.exe Service via Regedit OR Services

If none of the methods outlined above could work to fix Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service High CPU usage then you should make use of the Registry Editor to disable the service entirely. However, be aware that this solution could trigger “Windows is not activated” watermark on your PC screen.

IMPORTANT: Registry Editor is a sensitive tool therefore precautionary measures are advised when using it. Follow the steps provided carefully and do exactly as instructed. The best option to avoid any issues is to create a registry backup before implementing any changes.

  1. Tap Windows + R to set up the application, then type regedit into provided field and tap Enter or click OK.
    launch regedit via run prompt
  2. In the Registry Editor, copy and paste the following directory in the navigation bar and press Enter:
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\sppsvc
  3. Now, make sure sppsvc is selected on the left pane; then, look at the right pane and double-click on a key named Start. Set its Value data to 4 and click OK.
    disable Sppsvc.exe via windows registryIf you ever want to re-enable the process, use one of the following data values:
    • Automatic/Automatic (Delayed Start) – 2 (default);
    • Manual – 3;
    • Disabled – 4.
  4. Restart your PC and check if the issue is gone.

Another solution would be to stop the Software Protection function in the Services tool. However, this option does not work 100% all the time but it is worth trying, especially when other options fail.

  1. Launch Run prompt by pressing Windows key + R, then type services.msc in the provided field and press OK.
    open services via run prompt
  2. Search for Software Protection service, then right-click it and select Stop. It would automatically stop the service as well as other issues related to Microsoft Software Protection Platform.
    stop sppsvc exe via services on windows

Method 7. Disable Sppsvc.exe via Task Scheduler

If after solution 6, the Sppsvc.exe High CPU usage issue is still unresolved, you can try disabling it via Task Scheduler.

  1. Open Windows search bar, and type Task Scheduler into it. Open the matching result. In Task Scheduler, click on an arrow next to Task Scheduler Library, then Microsoft, then Windows.
    disable sppsvc process via task scheduler
  2. Now, scroll down to find SoftwareProtectionPlatform and click on it. Now, look on the right pane and right-click task named SvcRestartTask, and choose Disable.
    disable sppsvc process via task scheduler part 2
  3. Now, disable other tasks available in the same folder and restart your computer.

Method 8. Update Windows

Generally, Windows often release vital updates that aim to fix bugs in the current operating system version. Therefore, it is important to keep your Windows up to date. Here’s how to install pending updates to your OS system:

  1. In Windows search, type Windows update. Click on search result named Check for updates.in windows search, type windows update
  2. Now, you will see Windows settings open up. Here, click on Check for updates and install all recommended updates as well as download and install available feature updates.
    install windows updates
  3. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Method 9. Restore using System Restore Point

You can also solve Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service Sppsvc.exe HIGH CPU issue by restoring your PC using previously created System Restore Point. You should know that using this option reverts your computer’s state (including system files, Windows Registry, installed software, settings) into that point of time when the System Restore Point was created.

  1. In Windows search, type Control panel and open the matching result.
    open control panel
  2. Now, next to View by: select Large icons option. Then click on Recovery.
    go to recovery settings on windows
  3. Now, click on Open System Restore.
    open system restore window
  4. In System Restore, click Next, then put a checkmark next to Show more restore points. Now, select the preferred restore point from the list and click Next.
    select restore point
  5. In the last window, click Finish to confirm and your computer will be restored to the chosen point.
    confirm your restore point

Method 10. Reset Windows

If the issue still persists at this point, you can try resetting your PC. Resetting PC means reinstalling Windows without affecting your personal files. However, this method deletes applications installed from websites or DVDs and also reverts changes made to settings. A good alternative for this method is using RESTORO which helps to repair Windows OS files without the need to reinstall the operating system. However, if you decided that you want to reset Windows, follow the steps given below.

  1. In Windows search, type Windows update. Click on search result named Check for updates.
    open windows update settings
  2. In Settings, click on Recovery. Now, click on Get started under Reset this PC.reset windows os
  3. In the following window, click on Keep my files.
    reset this pc keep my files

Attention: After Windows 10 Fall Creators Update version 1709, Microsoft appears to have blacklisted KMS software. Therefore, usage of this software will continue to trigger high CPU usage due to Microsoft Software Protection Platform functionality unless its developers are able to figure out how to overcome it.

So, what’s the solution for now? Purchase and install genuine Windows or simply resort to any pre 1709 Windows version.

Matt Corey Geeks Advice
Matt Corey

Matt Corey is passionate about the latest tech news, gadgets and everything IT. Matt loves to criticize Windows and help people solve problems related to this operating system. When he’s not tinkering around with new gadgets he orders, he enjoys skydiving, as it is his favorite way to clear his mind and relax.

Related posts:

  1. Fix Your PC Ran Into A Problem And Needs To Restart (2021 Updated Guide) What is Your PC Ran Into a Problem and Needs...
  2. Fix Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage on Windows (2023 Guide) Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Usage causesContentsAntimalware Service Executable High...
  3. Fix Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High CPU Usage (CompatTelRunner.exe) Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry explained: what is it ContentsMicrosoft Compatibility Telemetry...

Filed Under: Fix Tagged With: high CPU, Sppsvc.exe, Windows

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Crohnus1965 says

    October 30, 2022 at 2:09 am

    lol just seen you had that added. nv

    Reply
  2. Crohnus1965 says

    October 30, 2022 at 2:08 am

    Also, if someone used Re-Loader by R@1n to activate Windows 7 or Office. Or any other KMS
    There could be a spot in task scheduler, which runs almost every minute, indefinitely.

    Name: Windows100Professional or whichever they used for installation.
    Task scheduler folder name: R@1n-KMS
    Runs every minute, indefinitely
    Disable and see if this fixes the problem.

    Reply
  3. Crohnus1965 says

    October 29, 2022 at 1:53 am

    FYI: turning off the regisrty value “ErrorControl” makes the service stop running every 1 minute, and hogging CPU usage.
    It will still run every once in a while but nothing like the crazy usage like before.

    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\sppsvc

    ErrorControl DWORD (0)

    share this.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

SEARCH OUR SITE

Trending

decrypt files locked by stop djvu ransomware virus

Decrypt Files Locked by STOP/DJVU Ransomware (Updated 2023 Guide)

Some STOP/DJVU ransomware victims can decrypt or … [Read More...] about Decrypt Files Locked by STOP/DJVU Ransomware (Updated 2023 Guide)

Remove STOP/DJVU Ransomware Virus (2023 Guide)

STOP/DJVU in 2023: more than 640 versions, latest … [Read More...] about Remove STOP/DJVU Ransomware Virus (2023 Guide)

Remove Segurazo Antivirus (SAntivirus Removal Guide 2023)

Segurazo review: is it a virus? Segurazo … [Read More...] about Remove Segurazo Antivirus (SAntivirus Removal Guide 2023)

easy ways to fix dns_probe_finished_nxdomain error on windows, mac, android, chromebook

Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error (Windows, Mac, Android, Chromebook)

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error … [Read More...] about Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error (Windows, Mac, Android, Chromebook)

POPULAR SOFTWARE REVIEWS

Private Internet Access Review

Private Internet Access Review 2023: Fast, Secure & Cheap VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN maintains its long-term role as a leader Private Internet … [Read More...] about Private Internet Access Review 2023: Fast, Secure & Cheap VPN

restoro review 2020

Restoro Review 2023

What is Restoro and how it works? Restoro is an ultimate malware removal and PC repair software … [Read More...] about Restoro Review 2023

INTEGO antivirus review for Mac 2021

Intego Antivirus Review: Best Mac Antivirus in 2023?

Intego Antivirus for Mac is probably the best security choice for OS X Intego Antivirus for Mac … [Read More...] about Intego Antivirus Review: Best Mac Antivirus in 2023?

OUR EXPERTS RECOMMEND

Comprehensive PC Repair Software

geek's advice recommends restoro pc repair as editors choice
DOWNLOAD NOW
  • Uses Avira engine to remove malware
  • Repairs Virus Damage
  • Fixes Windows Errors & BSOD
  • Replaces Damaged DLLs
  • Repairs Damaged Windows Settings
  • Identifies Hardware Problems

Compatible with Microsoft Windows.

Read Full Review

Robust Mac Antivirus

geek's advice recommends intego mac internet security x9 as editors choice
GET INTEGO
  • 24/7 real-time protection
  • Intelligent firewall
  • Scans emails for malware
  • Scans iOS devices & external drives
  • Excellent malware detection rate
  • Easy-to-use

Compatible with Mac OS X 10.9-12.

Read Full Review

Copyright © 2023 Geeksadvice.com. Any unauthorized copying, redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the site contents in any form is prohibited.

About Us · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy · Contact Us