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sppsvc.exe

Anonymous
2018-06-21T20:35:24+00:00

Recently, sppsvc.exe, the Microsoft Software Protection Platform, has decided to give my computer a really hard time. For the last day or so, it has been randomly using up most of my CPU, and really bogging down the performance of my machine. The computer is an older machine, and is rendered nearly unusable by this constant CPU usage.

What exactly does the program do that causes it to use so much CPU? I realize the program checks to see if my copy of Windows 10 is genuine or not, but why does that take such a ridiculous amount of processing power? Honestly, I don't see why it would be necessary to execute the program more than once. Simply verify a copy of Windows 10 is valid and poof- no need to run the program again.

(PS- unsure if this is the right area to pose this question, but this seems to be the most logical topic choice.)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-06-21T20:43:41+00:00

    I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

    Type services.msc in Start Search, right click Services app to Run as Admin, scroll down to Software Protection to Stop the service and set it to Disabled. See if that helps.

    If not go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

    If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

    But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    There is also an automated Refresh that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-06-22T08:31:27+00:00

    The program is part of Windows. It is important (to MS) because it confirms you have a valid Windows license. It should not use that much CPU, but many people have reported that it does "run wild" using 35% CPU or more.

    SOMETIMES this file is hacked and replaced by malware. This article describes the location it should be in and known good file sizes as well as some known bad file sizes. Compare the values in your system to those reported in the article:

    https://www.file.net/process/sppsvc.exe.html

    This next article describes 3 things you can try to fix the problem. Perform the manual steps, don't buy their "automated" tool

    https://ugetfix.com/ask/how-to-fix-high-cpu-usa...

    .

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    ******* BS Disclaimer *******************

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    Standard boilerplate legalistic bafflegab disclaimer for any links to non-Microsoft websites:

    The link(s) to non MS-page(s) appears to be providing accurate, safe information. I suggest you stick with the “manual” instructions. Unless I explicitly suggest it, avoid downloading their “utilities”. Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it. Sometimes they include 3rd party programs, "unwanted" programs that are automatically installed during a standard install. So, if offered, do a "custom" install and carefully read each step. One of the steps MAY give you an option to install, or NOT, "additional" programs. 99.9% of the time you don't want to let them be installed. For example, when you install Adobe Player you are given the option of installing 2 additional "free trial" programs: Potentially Unwanted Programs: MacAfee Security Scan and MacAfee Safe Connect. The option to install is turned on, you have to manually turn it off. Those are PUP's. If you click "OK"/"Next" without paying attention you get the 2 "extra" programs.

    As well, watch out for ads on the site. They may advertise products that include PUPs. Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    *************************************

    ***** End Disclaimer ************************

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