Is your PC running at a slow speed? Are you tired of waiting for programs to respond? Undoubtedly, it is very frustrating. Well, there is one thing responsible for this sluggishness called WSAPPX. It is a mysterious process that hangs out in your Task Manager and leaves you wondering, “Why is it slowing down my PC?”
However, you do not need to worry, my fellow tech warriors, because this guide is here to help you understand WSAPPX and its impact on your system’s overall performance. I will break down every single aspect of this topic so that you can easily comprehend it.
So, get ready to unveil all the ins and outs of WSAPPX. By the end of this guide, you will have a better understanding of what is going on inside your computer and be able to make wise decisions to optimize your PC’s performance. Say goodbye to all the activities of scratching your head or Googling; let me explain everything to you.
What is WSAPPX?
WSAPPX is a task that takes care of installing, uninstalling, and managing Universal apps via the Microsoft Store in Windows 8 and 10. This process is not present in Windows 7 and earlier versions because those versions did not have Universal or Modern apps.
To find it, simply open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. If necessary, click on “More details” to see the complete view, then go to the “Processes” tab and scroll down to the very bottom to find it.
There are two sub-processes involved in this process, and you can view them by expanding them in the Task Manager. In Windows 8, one of the sub-processes is called WSService, which stands for Windows Store Service.
On Windows 10, you will find a very similar process called ClipSVC, which is short for Client License Service.
Why is it taking so much CPU and disk resources?
Sometimes, the WSAPPX service can use up a lot of CPU and resources when you are downloading, updating, installing, or uninstalling apps from the Microsoft Store. This can slow down your computer’s overall performance.
You might notice the WSAPPX service running when you are using the Windows Store, like when you are opening it or browsing through it.
But even when you are not using any Microsoft Store apps, the WSAPPX service can still be active. This is because it could be checking for updates for apps you have installed, such as Paint, Windows Media Player, WordPad, and more.
Is Wsappx a virus?
Some people might be confused about this issue. Wsappx is actually a part of the Windows system, and it does not contain any viruses, although it can slow down your computer in certain situations.
Wsappx can be annoying for those who have limited RAM or CPU resources on their computer. If you are worried about malware, it is a good idea to run a scan with your antivirus software.
Can I disable Wsappx?
If you try to close the process in Task Manager, you will receive a message stating that ending this process will make Windows unusable or shut down, which could result in the loss of any unsaved data.
Therefore, it is not recommended to disable the process and its sub-services. However, we can try to prevent it from automatically running in the background, so it will only launch when necessary.
How do I reduce the high disk and CPU usage that WSAPPX is causing?
In order to fix the high disk and CPU usage caused by WSAPPX, you need to follow these methods:
Increase your virtual memory
If your virtual memory settings are not properly configured, it might lead to the WSAPPX process consuming a large portion of your computer’s resources. However, this does not mean that your computer is running out of resources. To ensure that your virtual memory is set to the optimal amount, follow these steps:
- To open the search function, simply press the Windows + S keys on your keyboard simultaneously. Once the search bar appears, type in the word “performance” and select the option that says “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.”
- This will open the Performance Options window. Next, navigate to the Advanced tab and locate the Virtual Memory section. Click on the change button to proceed.
- To make any adjustments, you have to deselect the option that automatically manages the paging file size for all drives.
- Choose the drive where your Windows system is installed, and then select the Custom Size option by clicking on it.
- Set the initial size to match the size of your RAM in megabytes. Set the maximum size to be twice as big as the initial size.
- Tap on the Set button to complete your modifications. Restart your device and check if you are still encountering any problems with the WSAPPX process.
Update Device Drivers
Although it appears that WSAPPX’s high CPU issue is not directly related to drivers, outdated or corrupted device drivers can definitely cause problems.
If your computer keeps attempting to update drivers in the background and the WSAPPX process becomes unresponsive and takes up CPU resources, you can try updating the device drivers yourself.
Here are the steps to update drivers in Windows 10.
- To begin, simply click the right mouse button on the Start button. From the options that appear, choose the Device Manager option. Once you do this, a window called Device Manager will pop up on your screen.
- Now, it’s time to find and expand the Display Adapters section. Once you have done that, right-click on the option that is listed there. From the menu that appears, select the Update driver option. It should be right there, just as shown below.
- When you reach the Update Driver Wizard, simply choose the option that says Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows 10 will then begin searching both your computer and the Internet to find the most up-to-date driver software for your device.
If Windows is unable to find the driver updates you need, you can attempt to find them on the official website of the device’s manufacturer. Additionally, you can find step-by-step instructions on how to install the drivers on your computer.
Disable Windows Store through Policy Group Policy Editor
- To open the Run application, simply press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.
- Then, type in gpedit.msc and click on the OK button. This action will launch the Group Policy Editor, allowing you to make the necessary changes.
- Go to this path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store.
- Then, click twice on the option that says “Turn off the Store application option.”
- Choose the option “Enabled” and then proceed to click on the OK button.
- Try restarting your computer and see if the problems with WSAPPX are still there.
Check for viruses
Your computer may occasionally become infected with viruses or malware, which can cause this issue. If you have not done a thorough scan of your system using an antivirus program, it is important to do so now.
Once the scan is complete, make sure to uninstall any suspicious programs from your PC. Afterward, restart your computer to check if the problem has been resolved.
If the issue persists, it’s time to move on to the next troubleshooting method.
Perform a Disk Check
If you have been experiencing this problem recently, it is important to consider running a disk check. This is because there might be errors or bad sectors on your disk that need to be addressed.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by double-clicking on the “This PC” icon on your desktop. This will open the Windows File Explorer. Once it’s open, right-click on a partition, like the H drive, and select the “Properties” option.
- A dialog box will appear. Click on the “Tools” tab, and then click on the “Check” button. From there, choose the “Scan and repair drive” option.
- Be patient and wait for the process to finish. Once it’s done, you can move on to Step 1 and Step 2 for all the other partitions on your computer.
It is important to mention that disk checking typically requires some time to finish, so if you restart and run it, you might not be able to use your PC for a while. However, you have the option to skip it for now and schedule it at a more convenient time.
Besides using the system command to check for disk issues, you can also utilize DiskGenius Free Edition to test your hard disk. If your computer or hard drive starts to respond slowly, it is advisable to scan the disk for bad sectors.
How to Stop Store Apps From Automatically Updating
It is a piece of cake to turn off automatic updates for Store apps. Just go to the Start Menu and type in “store” to open the Microsoft Store.
Once you are there, click on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and choose Settings. In the Settings menu, simply switch off the Update apps automatically slider.
This will stop app updates from occurring in the future unless you manually start them. To see if there are any updates available, click the Menu button once more and select Downloads and Updates.
Simply press the Get Updates button to check for any updates and install them as you prefer.
Do I need any store apps?
You do not really need to use the Microsoft Store in Windows 10 to get by. However, even if you do not download anything from the Store, there are a bunch of built-in apps in Windows 10 that get updated through it.
For gamers, the Xbox app offers a lot of cool features. The Calculator app is now available in the Store, and if you have not replaced them with other options, the Photos and Mail apps are pretty good defaults.
There are also apps like Your Phone that allow you to access your phone’s data directly from your computer, and they also come from the Store.
Hence, by utilizing any of these, you will experience additional usage from WSAPPX. As updating is a crucial method to safeguard yourself on any platform, we advise against disabling automatic updates unless they severely slow down your system.
Remembering to check for updates manually can be challenging for the majority of individuals. Store apps have less permission compared to desktop apps, thus posing a lesser security risk.
However, considering the minimal resources these updates consume occasionally,. Hence. You should stay up-to-date.
Can I kill the WSAPPX process?
Windows views WSAPPX as an essential system process. Therefore, if you attempt to terminate it using the Task Manager, a warning message will pop up, cautioning you that ending the process may lead to the shutdown of Windows.
You have no control over when WSAPPX starts and stops. It will appear when necessary and disappear when it is finished. Just like other system processes, you do not have to worry about managing it too closely. Windows is perfectly capable of handling processes on its own.
Final Words
WSAPPX plays a crucial role in the Windows 10 and 8 operating systems as it facilitates the installation and updating of apps in the Windows Store. However, it can sometimes lead to problems such as high disk and CPU usage.
Fortunately, there are methods available to resolve this issue effortlessly. We hope that these solutions prove effective on your computer and enhance its overall performance.
Now that you have discovered the hidden knowledge of WSAPPX, you can enhance your PC’s efficiency and ensure its smooth operation. Always remember that knowledge is a source of power, and armed with this newfound understanding, you can confidently overcome any future slowdowns!