If you are noticing High CPU usage by WSAPPX, it is likely that updates are being downloaded/installed on your computer and you can expect the CPU usage to go down after completion of the update process.
WSAPPX is a legitimate part of Windows operating system and it is known to consume as much as 40-50% CPU and high amounts of RAM, while it is bringing updates for Apps downloaded from the Windows Store.
High CPU Usage By WSAPPX in Windows 10/11
As you can see in the image below, the WSAPPX service was using 40.6% of CPU on our computer and the CPU usage came down to after the updates were downloaded.
In certain cases, 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 the following methods.
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 operating system to find and fix problems with Windows Store Apps (if any)
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security.
2. On the next screen, select Troubleshoot in the left pane. In the right-pane, click on Windows Store Apps.
3. Next, click on Run the Troubleshooter option.
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 recurring 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 icon and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
2. On the Settings screen, turn OFF Update Apps Automatically option.
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 the computer is another way to fix the problem of High CPU Usage by WSAPPX on Windows computers.
1. Type Windows + R keys to open the Run Command on your computer.
2. Type SystemPropertiesAdvanced and click on OK.
3. On the next screen, click on Advanced tab, scroll down to “Performance” section and click on the Settings button.
4. On the Performance Options screen, switch to Advanced tab and click on the Change button in Virtual Memory section.
5. On Virtual Memory screen, uncheck Automatically manage option, check System Managed size option and click on OK.
6. Restart the computer for above changes to be implemented.
4. Update Device Drivers
While the problem of High CPU Usage by WSAPPX 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.
2. On the Device Manager Screen, click on Action > Scan for hardware changes.
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.
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).