Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service Sppsvc.exe causes High CPU UsageMethod 1. Run System Maintenance TroubleshooterMethod 2. Check if the issue persists in Safe Mode/Clean BootMethod 3. Use System File CheckerMethod 4. Scan for Malware and Repair Damaged Windows OS filesMethod 5. Update or Disable KMSMethod 6. Disable Sppsvc.exe Service via Regedit OR ServicesMethod 7. Disable Sppsvc.exe via Task SchedulerMethod 8. Update WindowsMethod 9. Restore using System Restore PointMethod 10. Reset Windows
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. 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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:
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.
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. So, what’s the solution for now? Purchase and install genuine Windows or simply resort to any pre 1709 Windows version.
