You might have noticed High CPU Usage in your Task Manager, and after looking at the CPU-intensive processes, you would have noticed that Wsappx is causing this issue or its strange name can catch attention too as it doesn’t really convey the meaning. Following this guide, you’ll get to know what is Wsappx? Is Wsappx a virus? How to Disable Wsappx? You’ll also know the related services and why do they consume so much memory.
What is Wsappx? Is it a Virus?
Wsappx was introduced in Windows 8 and is continued in Windows 10. It’s a background process that runs as a part of Windows Store and the Universal app platform of Microsoft. Whenever you install, perform updates, or even uninstall Store apps Wsappx is deployed and as soon as the process finishes, Wsappx closes too. The app has reported issues that resulted in high CPU usage. It’s a tool that’s used to help Windows 10 simplify its tasks running in the background. No malware has been reported in this case. You can always run a scan from an antivirus or window’s own Windows defender to check for any potential threats in your system.
The Wsappx process itself contains two further processes. Windows 8 and 10 include the AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC). Additionally, Windows 10 has Client License Service (ClipSVC) and Windows 8 has Windows Store Service (WSservice). Expanding Wsappx in Task Manager will show these services.
- What Is AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC)?
Apps like Mail or Paint 3D that come under the hood of Universal Windows Platform apps are distributed in. AppX packages so are the name of the service. This will be only active when you install or uninstall, and if it’s running in the background while you are neither installing or uninstalling, the service is updating your apps. This will be found on both Windows 8 and Windows 10.
- What Is Client License Service (ClipSVC)?
This service is specifically designed to bring apps successfully from the store. Microsoft calls it “infrastructure Support” and warns that disabling it will cause performance issues. As it handles multiple tasks like license management to prevent piracy, ClipSVC is an important process fo windows 10.
- What Is Windows Store Service (WSService)?
Similar to ClipSVC, the infrastructure support on Windows 8 is provided through Windows Store Service. They also have similar descriptions in the Services interface.
Why Is It Using So Much CPU?
A small amount of CPU is used while apps are updated, installed or uninstalled. Automatic update of apps causes high CPU usage that can be disabled. To stop automatic updates, follow these 4 Quick Steps:
- launch the Store
- Click your user icon (top right corner)
- Click on Settings
- Turn the “Update apps automatically” slider off.
How to Fix/Disable Wsappx?
There are 6 different ways in which you can fix the high CPU usage issue. Disabling it is not a recommended process but there are a few ways that can help you fix the issue, yet not disable the service.
1: Update Your Device Drivers
As a general rule of thumb whenever you encounter an issue in Windows, you should always check if your drivers are updated. Although it isn’t really related to drivers, users have reported their issues being fixed after getting the latest updates as outdated drivers cause incompatibility issues.
How to update/download the latest device drivers?
2. Increase Virtual Memory
The latest Operating Systems come with modern techniques that allot enough memory for each process according to their type. Sometimes, the default settings are not enough due to other limitations. If background processes run slowly, increasing virtual memory manually can help speed up the process.
Minimum value for virtual memory should be equal to the size of your RAM. Maximum value should be twice the value of your RAM.
Increase virtual memory by following the instructions below.
- Go to the setting by typing “Advanced settings” in the start menu
- Click on “Settings” button.
- Go to the “Advanced” tab, and then click “Change”
- Untick the option that says “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives”
- Now enter minimum and maximum values in MB
- Reboot to save changes.
3. Check Your Disk and Clean Up Junk Files
Cleaning up junk files can be done using Windows. You can also use any of third-party apps but it’s recommended to have it downloaded from a trusted platform.
4. Scan Your Computer to Check Virus
Windows Defender can check for virus threats on your PC. Many users don’t trust as it doesn’t keep itself updated with the latest malware. You can download an antivirus that can scan for threats on your PC and while using the web as well.
5. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
The last option you can resort is to perform a Clean Boot.
These were 5 methods that can help you solve the high CPU usage issue caused by Wsappx service permanently.
