How to Fix High CPU Usage By WSAPPX in Windows 10

By: Waseem Patwegar

If you are noticing High CPU usage by WSAPPX in the Task Manager and you find this
annoying, you will find below the steps to reduce High CPU Usage by WSAPPX in
Windows 10.

How to Fix High CPU Usage By WSAPPX in Windows 10

High CPU Usage By WSAPPX in Windows 10

WSAPPX is part of Windows operating system that has been designed to bring fresh
updates for Apps downloaded from the Windows Store.

When the WSAPPX Service is active, it is known to consume as much as 40% CPU and
high amount of RAM.

High CPU Usage By WSAPPX in Windows Task Manager

Once WSAPPX has finished bringing updates, the WSAPPX service should automatically
close and the CPU usage should go back to normal levels.

However, sometimes High CPU usage by WSAPPX can continue for extended periods,
preventing you from using the computer.

If this happens, you should be able to fix the problem using methods as provided
below.
1. Troubleshoot Windows Store Apps

High CPU usage by WSAPPX could be due to a problem with Windows Store Apps that
WSAPPX service is trying to update.

To confirm, you can make use of the in-built Troubleshooter in Windows 10 to find
and fix problems with Windows Store Apps (if any)

1. Open Settings > click on Update & Security

Update and Security Option on Windows Settings Screen

2. On the next screen, scroll down and click on Troubleshoot in the left pane. In
the right-pane, click on Windows Store Apps.

Troubleshoot Windows Store Apps

3. Next, click on Run the Troubleshooter option.

Run Troubleshooter For Windows Store Apps

4. Follow the on-screen instructions as Windows Troubleshooter tries to find and

fix problems with Windows Store Apps on your computer.
2. Disable Automatic App Updates

If High CPU Usage by WSAPPX is often recurring on your computer and impacting your
work, you can fix this issue by disabling Automatic App Updates for Windows Store
Apps on your computer.

1. Open Microsoft Store > click on 3-dots More icon > Settings.

Open Microsoft Store Settings

2. On the Settings screen, turn OFF Update Apps Automatically option.

Disable Automatic App Updates on Microsoft Store

Note: Remember to manually update Apps by going to Microsoft Store > More Icon >
Downloads & Updates > click on the Update button.
3. Change Memory Management Type

Increasing the available virtual memory on your computer is another way to fix the
problem of High CPU Usage by WSAPPX in Windows 10.

1. Open Control Panel on your computer.

Open Control Panel

2. On the Control Panel screen, make sure you are in �Category� view and click on
System and Security.

System and Security Option in Windows 10 Control Panel Screen.

3. On System and Security screen, click on System.

System Option in Windows 10 System and Security Screen

4. On the System screen, click on Advanced system settings link in the side menu.

Advanced System Settings Option in Windows 10

5. On the next screen, click on Advanced tab and click on the Settings button in
Performance section.

Advanced Performance Settings Option in Windows 10

6. On Performance Options screen, click on Advanced tab and click on the Change
button in Virtual Memory section.

Change Virtual Memory Settings Option in Windows 10

7. On Virtual Memory screen, uncheck Automatically manage option, check System

Managed size option and click on OK.

Set System Managed Size For Virtual Memory On Windows PC

Make sure you Restart the computer for above changes to be implemented.
4. Update Device Drivers

While the problem of High CPU Usage by WSAPPX in Windows 10 is not directly related
to drivers, outdated device drivers can make the WSAPPX service unresponsive,
causing high CPU Usage.

1. Right-click on Start button and click on Device Manager.

Device Manager Option in Windows 10

2. On the Device Manager Screen, click on Action > Scan for hardware changes.

Scan for Hardware Changes Option in Windows 10 Device Manager Screen

Windows will scan your computer for Hardware changes and update drivers, if they
need to be updated.
5. Scan for Malware

Lastly, scan your computer for malware, using the Antivirus program installed on
your computer.

Scan Computer Using Norton Antivirus

You can also make use of Windows Defender Offline tool to scan and remove harmful
programs from your computer.

Once the scan is completed, you will be able to delete or quarantine the malware on
your computer (if any).
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