How to Fix High CPU Usage by Sppsvc exe on Windows 10
Discover effective methods to resolve high CPU usage caused by Sppsvc exe on Windows 10. Improve your system’s performance now!
How to Resolve High CPU Usage by Sppsvc.exe on Windows 10
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on resolving high CPU usage caused by Sppsvc.exe on Windows 10. If you’ve encountered this issue, you’re not alone. Many users have reported excessive CPU utilization due to the Software Protection Platform Service. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions to diagnose and fix the problem, allowing you to optimize the performance of your Windows 10 system.
Understanding Sppsvc.exe and High CPU Usage
Sppsvc.exe, also known as the Software Protection Platform Service, is a vital component of the Windows operating system. Its primary function is to manage licensing and activation-related tasks for Microsoft software. However, in some cases, Sppsvc.exe can consume an unusually high amount of CPU resources, causing system slowdowns and reduced performance.
How to Fix High CPU Usage by Sppsvc exe on Windows 10
Step 1: Identify the Culprit
The first step in resolving high CPU usage by Sppsvc.exe is to confirm that it is indeed the cause of the problem. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the “Processes” tab.
- Locate and click on “Sppsvc.exe” in the list of processes.
- Observe the CPU usage percentage. If it is consistently high, Sppsvc.exe is likely the culprit.
Step 2: Restart the Software Protection Service
Once you’ve confirmed that Sppsvc.exe is causing high CPU usage, the next step is to restart the Software Protection Service. Here’s how you can do it:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services window.
- Scroll down and locate “Software Protection” in the list of services.
- Right-click on “Software Protection” and select “Restart” from the context menu.
- Wait for the service to restart, and then check if the CPU usage has decreased.
Step 3: Run a System Scan
If restarting the Software Protection Service didn’t resolve the issue, it’s important to ensure that your system is free from malware or other potential threats. Running a thorough system scan can help identify and remove any malicious elements that may be causing high CPU usage. Follow these steps:
- Open your preferred antivirus software.
- Initiate a full system scan and wait for the scan to complete.
- If any threats are detected, follow the prompts to remove or quarantine them.
- After the scan and cleanup process, check if the CPU usage has returned to normal.
Step 4: Update Windows and Drivers
Outdated operating systems and device drivers can sometimes contribute to high CPU usage. Keeping your Windows 10 system and drivers up to date is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these steps to update Windows and drivers:
- Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on “Update & Security” and select “Windows Update” from the left sidebar.
- Click on “Check for updates” and allow Windows to download and install any available updates.
- After the Windows update is complete, visit the websites of your hardware manufacturers to download and install the latest drivers for your system.
How to Fix High CPU Usage by Sppsvc exe on Windows 10
Step 5: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Unwanted programs that launch at startup can burden your system and contribute to high CPU usage. Disabling unnecessary startup programs can help alleviate the issue. Here’s how you can do it:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the “Startup” tab.
- You will see a list of programs that launch at startup.
- Identify the programs that you don’t need immediately upon booting up your computer.
- Right-click on the program and select “Disable” from the context menu.
- Repeat this process for all the unnecessary startup programs.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
- By disabling unnecessary startup programs, you reduce the load on your CPU during startup, allowing it to focus on essential tasks and improving overall system performance.
Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot
If the high CPU usage issue persists, performing a clean boot can help identify if any third-party software or services are causing the problem. Follow these steps:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
- In the General tab, select the option for “Selective startup” and uncheck “Load startup items.”
- Go to the Services tab and check the box for “Hide all Microsoft services.”
- Click on “Disable all” to disable all the remaining third-party services.
Click on the Startup tab and click on “Open Task Manager.” - Disable all the startup items in the Task Manager.
- Close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
- Click on “Apply” and then “OK.”
- Restart your computer.
After the clean boot, observe if the CPU usage remains high. If it decreases, it indicates that a third-party program or service is causing the issue. You can then selectively enable programs and services to identify the culprit.
Step 7: Update BIOS and Drivers
Outdated BIOS and device drivers can sometimes cause high CPU usage. It’s essential to keep them up to date to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. Follow these steps to update your BIOS and drivers:
- Visit the website of your computer’s manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer.
- Look for the latest BIOS update for your specific model.
- Download the BIOS update and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it.
- Additionally, visit the websites of your hardware manufacturers (such as graphics card, network adapter, and sound card) to download the latest drivers for your specific model.
- Install the updated drivers following the provided instructions.
- Updating your BIOS and drivers can address compatibility issues and optimize your system’s performance, potentially resolving the high CPU usage problem.
How to Fix High CPU Usage by Sppsvc exe on Windows 10
Step 8: Adjust Power Settings
Windows power settings can affect CPU usage. By adjusting the power settings, you can optimize your system for better performance. Here’s how you can do it:
- Press Win + X and select “Power Options” from the menu.
- In the Power Options window, select the “High performance” power plan.
- If the High performance plan is not visible, click on “Show additional plans” to expand the list.
- Close the Power Options window.
- Adjusting the power settings to the High performance plan ensures that your system operates at maximum performance, which can help reduce CPU usage and enhance overall responsiveness.
Step 9: Monitor and Manage Background Processes
Background processes and applications running in the background can contribute to high CPU usage. By monitoring and managing these processes, you can optimize your system’s resources. Follow these steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager window, click on the “Processes” tab.
- Look for processes that consume a significant amount of CPU resources.
- Sort the processes by CPU usage by clicking on the “CPU” column header.
- Identify any processes that are using an excessive amount of CPU.
- Right-click on the process and select “End Task” to terminate it.
- Be cautious when ending tasks, as terminating essential system processes can cause stability issues. Focus on non-essential processes that are consuming a high amount of CPU resources.
- Regularly monitor the Task Manager to identify any new processes that may be causing high CPU usage and terminate them if necessary.
- By actively monitoring and managing background processes, you can minimize unnecessary CPU usage and ensure that your system operates smoothly.
High CPU usage caused by Sppsvc.exe on Windows 10 can significantly impact your system’s performance. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the issue. Remember to restart the Software Protection Service, run a system scan, update Windows and drivers, disable unnecessary startup programs, perform a clean boot, update BIOS and drivers, adjust power settings, and monitor and manage background processes.
