FIX: sppsvc.exe high CPU usage in Windows 10. (Solved)

On a Windows 10 computer the process "sppsvc" causes CPU high usage. The "sppsvc" process, belongs to "Software Protection Platform" service which is responsible for the download, installation and enforcement of digital licenses for Windows and Windows applications.

In this tutorial you will find instructions to resolve the Software Protection Platform (sppsvc.exe) high CPU usage problem on Windows 10.

How to FIX: High CPU usage caused by sppsvc.exe in Windows 10.

Method 1. Remove any Microsoft Software Activator/Crack.

Commonly, the issue of high CPU utilization by the Software Protection platform (sppsvc. exe) service is caused in the case where you are not using a legitimate version of a Microsoft software, and you are using an activator (crack) to "make" the software genuine.

For example, if you are running a pirated version of Windows or Office, with the KMS activator, then the KMS activator tries to prevent the Windows activation service from checking the license of the MS product, and that's why the process "SPPSVC " causes the CPU to operate at 100%.

So, if you 're using a pirated MS software with an activator, then uninstall the activator (crack), and check if the problem has fixed.

Method 2. Scan your system for Viruses and Malware.

The second step to resolve the “Software Protection Platform” service high CPU usage problem, is to ensure that your system is virus/malware free. For that task follow the instructions in this guide: How To Scan Your Computer for Viruses and other Malicious Programs.

Method 3. Install all available Updates.

The next method to fix the "sppsvc.exe" high CPU usage in Windows 10, is to install all available Windows updates. To do that:

1. Go to Start menu –> Settings –> Update & Security –> and Check for Updates.

Method 4. Run System Maintenance.

1. Navigate to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Security and Maintenance
2. At 'Maintenance' section, click Start Maintenance.

3. When the maintenance is completed, restart your computer and check if the high CPU usage problem, caused by the sppsvc.exe has resolved.

Method 5. Disable the Software Protection service.

The last solution to resolve the "sppsvc.exe High CPU usage" issue, is to completely disable the "Software Protection" service, but I don't recommend to do that, because you may face problems with your Windows activation.

To disable the Software Protection (SPPSVC) service:

1. Press Windows + R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type regedit  and press Enter.

3. In Windows registry editor locate the following key:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\sppsvc

4. At the right pane, double click at Start REG_DWORD value.

5. Change the value data from 2 to 4 to disable the "Software Protection" service and click OK.

6. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC and check if the problem has resolved.

That’s all folks! Did it work for you? Please leave a comment in the comment section below or even better: like and share this blog post in the social networks to help spread the word about this solution.

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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Repairwin.com. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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