What Is WSAPPX?
Wsappx is a service in both Windows 8 and Windows 10. It’s part of the Universal Windows Platform and Microsoft Store. While it typically runs all the time, it usually uses minimal resources. As you can see, wsappx at the time of writing wasn’t using any CPU or disk resources. But this number can quickly change when you start using the Microsoft Store. The process runs most heavily while installing, updating, deleting, and running Microsoft Store apps. It also runs when installing desktop software outside of the store. Don’t be too worried if usage spikes especially when you’re installing, updating, or deleting an app. When running an app, the process is also responsible for checking the app’s license. This is what causes usage to rise when you first start using an app.
Do You Need It?
Yes, you do need wsappx. However, you don’t have to leave it enabled all the time. You only need it enabled when you’re using the Microsoft Store or installing, deleting, or updating apps. Occasionally, you may get an error concerning licensing when using a Microsoft Store app. If so, you’ll need to enable the services behind the process. The two services that trigger this process include AppX Deployment Service and Client License Service. On Windows 8, the latter is called Windows Store Service.
Expect Temporary Spikes
When you’re actually using the Microsoft Store, high disk and CPU usage aren’t uncommon. Even if you’re not using the store at the moment, apps may be updating in the background, leading to higher usage temporarily. However, wsappx should go back to normal levels after the process is complete. In fact, even when I used the Microsoft Store, my CPU usage never rose over one percent, with it staying at around zero most of the time. When your disk and CPU usage are excessive, such as causing your system to slow down and nearing 100 percent or usage not dropping back down quickly, you have a problem.
Quick Fixes
The following are several quick fixes that may work if you’re just now experiencing the issue.
Run a Virus Scan
It may sound simple, but a virus can cause usage spikes in a wide variety of Windows processes. If the Microsoft Store or any downloaded apps are infected, you could experience high resource usage.
Update Windows
If there’s a problem with the Microsoft Store, updating Windows may also install any new updates for the Microsoft Store, too. This is especially true with major feature updates.
Uninstall the Latest App
If the trouble began right after installing a new app, remove the app and restart your computer. If this fixes the issue, try installing the app again, as it may not have installed correctly the first time.
Increase Your Virtual Memory
This may help by allocating more memory for your computer. Open Start and type “performance.” Select “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.” Select the Advanced tab and press “Change” under Virtual Memory. Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.” Select your drive and select “Custom size.” Set the initial size to your device’s RAM (in megabytes) and the maximum size to twice that.
Disable the Microsoft Store
This is a more drastic solution but effective if you’re not really using the Microsoft Store. If you have Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise, you have access to the Group Policy Editor. If you have Windows 10 Home, you can’t use this method, but there is a workaround. First, to use Group Policy, press Win + R and type gpedit.msc. Press OK. Next, select “Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Store.” Select “Turn off the Store application.” Click “Edit policy setting.” Select Enabled and press Apply. If you can’t do this, you have to use the Registry Editor instead. If you do, be careful. Changing the wrong thing can damage your system. Please read these warnings, such as why you should back up your system and registry before proceeding. Open Start and type regedit. Choose “Run as administrator.” Select Yes when prompted. Expand the following options: If you don’t see WindowsStore, right-click on “Microsoft” and choose “New -> Key.” Name it WindowsStore. Right-click in an empty area in the right pane once you’ve selected WindowsStore. Select “New -> DWORD (32-bit value).” Name it “RemoveWindowsStore”. Right-click this and choose Modify. Set the value to “1.” Restart your computer when you’re finished. Switch the value back to “0” to re-enable the Microsoft Store, also called Windows Store in Windows 8. It may take a mix of all of the above to fix this issue. Always back up your system before making any major changes just to be safe. If wsappx is not the cause for high CPU usage in Windows, try some of these fixes.
