Windows is powered by several background processes that keep the operating system together. Seeing an occasional spike in resource usage by these processes isn’t surprising, but if they sustain that usage, you can run into issues.
In this article, we’re looking at what is Wsappx, why it is causing the high CPU usage, and what you can do to fix the problem.
Also read: Windows 10 stuck on restarting: 5 Fixes
What is Wsappx?
Wsappx is a Windows service built to handle the Microsoft Store and the Universal App Platform. While it does run pretty much all the time in the background, the amount of system resources used is minimal.
However, if you’re doing something on the Microsoft Store, like downloading or updating an app, for example, the process will eat up CPU or disk resources. This can also happen when you’re running or deleting an app.
Why the high CPU usage?
Since most Microsoft Store apps aren’t as CPU intensive as the service at times might be, there’s a big question as to why Wsappx ends up using so many system resources.
It turns out; the service contains two sub-processes called ClipSVC and AppxSVC. The former handles licenses and protects and possibly pirated apps for the store, while the latter usually deploy apps and runs every time you’re running a Microsoft Store app.
How to fix Wsappx high CPU usage?
You can try out the following solutions to see if that solves your problem.
Update your PC
The first thing you should do is to update your PC. Updating your PC will, in most cases, update your drivers and fix any issues in the process.
Check out this detailed guide to know how to update your PC here
Remove all new software
If you’ve installed any new programs recently, try removing them to see if that solves your problem. Once again, if you’re removing multiple programs, remove them one at a time and reboot your PC each time to isolate the program at fault.
Scan for malware
Scanning for any possible malware and removing any found can also help eliminate the issue. Often, malware can hog up your PC’s resources under the pretext of a Windows process.
Also read: What is APC index mismatch in Windows 10? 5 Fixes
Allocate more virtual memory
Increasing your computer’s virtual memory creates a cache on your hard drive that can be used to lower CPU usage.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for advanced system settings. Then, click on the corresponding option.
Step 2: Under the Advanced tab, click on the Settings button in the Performance section.
Step 3: Go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual Memory.
Step 4: Uncheck the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives option.
Step 5: Change the value to a higher amount than it already was.
Now restart your PC, and the CPU usage due to Wsappx should be significantly lower.
Disable the Microsoft Store
Disabling the Microsoft Store will, in turn, disable this service as well, causing your CPU usage to go down.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type regedit and hit enter.
Step 2: Head over to the following directory
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore
Step 3: Create a new DWORD named RemoveWindowsStore with 1 in the Value field.
Now restart your PC, and the Wsappx high CPU usage error should be fixed.
Also read: Windows was unable to complete the format: 2 Fixes
