Why Wsappx Causes High CPU Usage and How To Fix It

We’ll explain to you what’s up

If yourcomputer is sluggish, one of the ways to investigate what’s causing the problem is to check the Task Manager. While Task Manager displays the running processes that could be hogging all the resources, it doesn’t necessarily explain what they mean.

Wsappx is one of those unfamiliar services you’ll see in Task Manager. However, even though you can see the wsappx process, it isn’t entirely clear what it does. And why is it taking up a significant amount of your CPU and disk resources?

In this article you’ll learn why wsappx causeshigh CPU usageand how to fix it.

What Is Wsappx?

Wsappx is a legitimate Windows service that’s well known for causing both high disk and CPU usage. The service, which handles the Microsoft Store (formerly Windows Store) and the Universal app platform, runs all the time. However, the amount of resources it uses can be minimal or significantly high depending on what you’re doing.

For example, if you’re installing a Microsoft Store app or desktop software outside of the Store, the wsappx process will use more CPU or disk resources. The same happens when you’re running, updating, or deleting an app.

On Windows 10, the wsappx process has sub-processes known as Client License Service or ClipSVC, and the AppX Deployment Service or AppXSVC.

The ClipSVC service handles licensing and protects against piracy for Store apps while the AppXSVC deploys apps so it runs anytime you install, update, or delete an app. Thus, if you disable either of these services, Store apps won’t work.

When the sub-processes are active and running, you’ll see the wsappx process usage increase. While wsappx is avital system process, it doesn’t have to be enabled all the time. It’s only needed when you want to install, update, or delete Store apps.

Note: If you’re using a Microsoft Store app and get an error concerning licensing, you need to enable the ClipSVC and AppXSVC services.

What to Do When Wsappx Causes High CPU Usage

When you see wsappx using up a significant amount of your CPU, there are several fixes to resolve the issue.

If yourcomputer has a virus or malware, it can cause usage spikes in various Windows processes. The same is true if any downloaded or Microsoft Store apps are infected. Running a virus or malware scan will help you rule out the possibility that such threats are the reason for high CPU usage on your computer.

If theMicrosoft Store won’t openor there’s a problem with the program, check whether there are any pendingWindows Updatesand install them.

Sometimes high CPU usage may be as a result of an app you recently installed. In that case,uninstall the appand restart your computer. If this fixes the high CPU usage issue, try to reinstall the app and see whether the problem persists.

Increasing your computer’s virtual memory may help reduce the high CPU usage.

You can disable Microsoft Store using theGroup Policy Editoror the Registry Editor.

If your Windows version lacks the Group Policy Editor option, you can disable Microsoft Store using the Registry Editor.

Note: Disabling Windows Store isn’t recommended if you need frequentautomatic updates for appslike Photos, Calculator, Mail, Movies & TV, and OneNote. Plus, you can’t install or update third-party Windows Store apps when Windows Store is disabled.

Another way to reduce the wsappx high CPU usage is to disable automatic updates for Store apps to keep them from updating without your involvement.

Note: Remembering to check for updates manually isn’t easy for most people. Plus, apps are a major part of the Windows 10 operating system, so unless the automatic updates are grinding your system to a halt, we don’t recommend disabling them.

Bloatware and background apps tend to run when you don’t want them to, thereby increasing CPU usage on your computer. Removing bloatware ensures they don’t keep updating in the background and consuming resources.

Disabling background apps from running means the app can’t check for new notifications when it’s not in use. You can disable background apps that you never use or toggle the slider to completely disable all background apps.

Manage CPU Load

If you’re using Microsoft Store or apps are updating in the background, you may experience the wsappx high CPU usage issue on your computer, albeit temporarily. Try the solutions above and see whether wsappx goes back to normal levels.

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

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Why Wsappx Causes High CPU Usage and How To Fix It#

What Is Wsappx?#

What to Do When Wsappx Causes High CPU Usage#

Manage CPU Load#