Failed to schedule Software Protection service for re-start at 2114-01-10T10:42:29Z. Error Code: 0x80041318.

Task scheduled for ‘ Software Protection Service ’ might have gone corrupt. So Action plan to recreate the task:

Step 1: Locate the corrupted task references in the registry and in Task Scheduler
To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open Task Scheduler.
2. Expand Task Scheduler Library tree in the left pane, and located the folder that contains the corrupted task. Make a note of the location of the corrupted task. You will need this information later in this procedure.
3. Locate the registry sub-key that corresponds to the corrupted task in one of the following registry sub-key. You can locate the subkey by searching for the name of the task:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Schedule \TaskCache\Tree
Click the registry sub-key that corresponds to the corrupted task, and then make a note of the GUID value in the «Id» entry. For example, <2911fbbd-a0aa-4a79-a8ee-84ef7555a71b>. You will need this information in the next step of this procedure.
4. Locate the registry sub-key that corresponds to the corrupted task in one of the following registry three sub-keys. To locate this sub-key, search for the GUID value that you noted in the previous step. For example, <2911fbbd-a0aa-4a79-a8ee-84ef7555a71b>. The task will exist in only one of the three locations:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Schedule \TaskCache\Plain
Or: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Schedule \TaskCache\Logon
Or: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Schedule \TaskCache\Boot
Make a note of the registry location of the corrupted task. You will need this information later in this procedure.

Step 2: Create a temporary copy of the corrupted task file
To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open the following folder in Windows Explorer: %SYSTEMDRIVE%\Windows\System32\Tasks\
2. Locate and then copy the task file that corresponds to the corrupted task to a temporary location.

Step 3: Clean up the corrupted task
To do this, follow these steps:
1. Delete the task file that corresponds to the corrupted task from the Tasks folder (%SYSTEMDRIVE%\Windows\System32\Tasks).
2. Delete the registry sub-key that corresponds to the corrupted task from the following registry sub-key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Schedule \TaskCache\Tree
3. Delete the registry sub-key that corresponds to the corrupted task from the following registry sub-key. The task will be in GUID format. For example, <2911fbbd-a0aa-4a79-a8ee-84ef7555a71b>.

Note Refer to the note that you made earlier in this procedure to locate the registry folder.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Schedule \TaskCache\Tasks
4. Delete the registry sub-key that corresponds to the corrupted task from one of the following registry three sub-keys. The task will exist in only one of the three locations and will be in GUID format. For example, <2911fbbd-a0aa-4a79-a8ee-84ef7555a71b>.

Note Refer to the note that you made earlier in this procedure to locate the registry folder.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Schedule \TaskCache\Plain Or: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Schedule \TaskCache\Logon Or: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE \Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ Schedule \TaskCache\Boot

Step 4: Re-create the task by using the temporary backed-up copy
To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open Task Scheduler.
2. Expand Task Scheduler Library tree in the left pane, and open the folder that previously contained the corrupted task.

Note Refer to the note that you made earlier in this procedure to locate the folder.
3. Right-click the folder that previously contained the corrupted task, and then click Import Task.
4. In the Open dialog box, select All files (*.*). Browse to the temporary folder that contains the backed up task file, and then select the task file. Click Open. The new task is created and is visible in Task Scheduler.

Software Protection Platform Service Sppsvc.exe causing High CPU usage

Microsoft Software Protection Platform allows the company to validate Microsoft services, and make sure nobody tampers with Windows or any Microsoft software including Office, OneDrive and so on. The process which does this job on Windows 10 is Sppsvc.exe. It may so happen that you may be facing an issue where Sppsvc.exe is causing High CPU usage. It in this post we will figure a way to find a fix for that.

Do not disable this service or delete it by any means. If you do so, Windows activation, Office activation, etc. will fail. You will see activation watermark on the desktop. I have seen a lot of reports about it, and its not a good move, unless you are not bothered about it. There is a registry key hack (HKLMSYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services), and if you alter it any way, you may not be able to restore it.

Software Protection Platform Service Sppsvc.exe causing High CPU usage

Now that the warnings are cleared let’s take a look at possible solutions. The chances are that if Sppsvc.exe is causing High CPU usage, it means that it is stuck with validations, and is not able to complete. We have noticed users reporting it with 30-40% CPU usage. Here are the things you can take a look at:

1. Kill sppsvc.exe
2. Stop Software Protection Services
3. Scan & Check for Malware
4. Check Windows Activation.

1] Kill sppsvc.exe

• Right-click on the Taskbar and choose to open Task Manager
• Under the processes tab, look for
  • Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service listing
  • or MMC > Services > Software Protection Properties (Local computer)
• Right click on the program, and choose to end task.

It will make sure to resolve sppsvc.exe causing High CPU usage for sure – temporarily at least!

2] Stop Software Protection Services

Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service is set to Automatic (Delayed Start). Usually, it’s not running the background. It is invoked from time to time to check on the authenticity of Microsoft Software and Windows.

This Service enables the download, installation and enforcement of digital licenses for Windows and Windows applications. If the service is disabled, the operating system and licensed applications may run in a notification mode. It is strongly recommended that you not disable the Software Protection service.

• In the RUN prompt, type services.msc, and hit the Enter key.
• When Windows Services opens, look for Software Protection service in the list.
• Double click to open the properties, and click on the Stop button.
• You can also right-click on the service > All tasks > Stop.

The last action will make sure to stop the Microsoft Software Protection Platform (sppsvc.exe), and other related services stop.

Note: There is no way to disable this service, and change the startup method.

3] Scan & Check for Malware

Rare, but its a good idea to check if the file has been replaced by a malware. The best way is to check the location of the running sppsvc.exe.

In the Task Manager, right click on sppsvc.exe, and choose to open the file location. Validate if it is C:\WINDOWS\system32\sppsvc.exe. If yes, then the file is good. If not, then you should immediately delete it. There are a couple of ways to do it depending on the situation.

• Try deleting it directly.
• Boot into safe mode, and then delete it.
• Use a third party anti-virus to get rid of the file.

Lastly, since you have deleted the file, use DISM to restore the files. DISM uses Windows Update client, but you can use a Windows side-by-side folder from a network share or a removable media, such as the Windows DVD or USB media.

4] Check Windows Activation Status

Did you notice if your copy of Windows had an activation issue before the CPU usage went high? It is possible that Windows Activation service is not able to validate a Microsoft software or Windows itself. If you have a KMS or MAK key installed on your computer, you might want to verify the validity of the keys.

KMS keys are still easier as you need to connect with your corporate server to authenticate. But in case somebody has sold you MAK key which is no longer valid, you will need to buy a new key.

Let us know if these solutions helped you to resolve Sppsvc.exe causing High CPU usage. If not, it is best to connect with Microsoft Support to resolve the problem.

Want to know about these processes, files or file types?

Software Protection Platform Service & Antimalware Service Executable CPU Usage

I have looked at old posts regarding these processes (ad nauseam!) and Microsoft seems to think that there are no issues with the vast majority of their customer base reporting problems with these two apps using up a huge chunk of processor power.

Today, I was running nothing but Windows (yes, I did a clean install with NOTHING but Windows 10 on the drive just to check things out!), updated it, then sat back and watched for a while as the Software Protection Platform Service & and the Antimalware Service Executable took up a whopping 64% of my CPU combined!

After the Windows Update finished and the requisite restart was done, I ran a Defender scan. no threats/issues. As I said, nothing whatsoever had been installed but Windows and its updates. Why do we keep getting canned replies from Microsoft saying «there may be malicious activity going on or you may have piracy issues» when all I have running is their own product?

Please Microsoft, please. fix it. That is all we are asking.

I bought a **** computer to do MY computing, not yours. One of my machines is not even connected to the internet; scanned it and no viruses or pirated software, so why is it also running at 50%+ CPU usage for these same two processes?

This is a plea for a solution, not a 5-part, 20-step workaround or various stabs in the dark. Once again. I did a clean install, scanned, updated, scanned again, and BAM! CPU goes berserk.

I truly hope to hear something helpful 🙂

(oh, and FYI. your website here marks Antimalware as a misspelling)

Replies (12) 

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This issue is usually occurring due to some software conflicts or damaged system files. To troubleshoot your concern, we suggest performing a clean boot to your device before running the following troubleshooting methods:

Method 1: Run the System File Checker tool.

It is a utility that allows users to scan for corruptions in Windows system and restore corrupted files. The link contains further information about how to run the System File Checker tool.

Method 2: Run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management.

This tool will automatically repair the components of your Windows operating system and records the corruptions to the log file.

To run the DISM tool, follow these steps:

1. Using Search, type Command Prompt.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt on the search results and then select Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password or click Yes.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, and then hit Enter.
4. Once the scan is finished, restart your computer.

Keep us updated about the result.

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«This issue is usually occurring due to some software conflicts or damaged system files.»

Hello Darleen from Microsoft —

If you read my post, you will see that I have done not only a Clean Boot, but a CLEAN INSTALL !

I have read ALL of the responses (and alleged solutions) that Microsoft has handed out since this problem became apparent. If any one of those so-called solutions worked, I would not still be here posting and begging for a fix.

And a FIX is what is needed. not a scan, a reboot, etc. a fix! Windows is constantly updating things, so why can these processes not be addressed?

As you saw in my initial post, there is NOTHING running but Windows itself (updated, scanned, etc) yet the CPU usage by these two processes is absurdly high.

Just to say that «I did it», I shall once again go through what you just suggested. Stay tuned!

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All right. did a Clean Boot and a System File Checker Scan as well. «no integrity violations» on the latter, and even on the Clean Boot, the CPU usage was nuts because of these processes of yours, Microsoft!

Please. DO NOT ask me to create a new user account and see if it still happens. as I stated above, I have read every post regarding this issue that I could find and your ‘solutions’ for the past three years DO NOT WORK.

Mircosoft. just fix it please!

Thank you from a long-time customer, but perhaps not one for much longer if things like this do not get addressed.

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PS — Here is a screen shot from this afternoon showing what I am facing on an virtually constant basis *sigh*

This was taken while the computer was in «Clean Boot’ mode:

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There are a few reasons why your CPU usage would get high and at times there are cases that third party programs running on the background is a factor. Since you’ve performed numerous troubleshooting, this is to shed light on what some of the troubleshooting steps are needed. Creating a new user profile to be named as test is a way for us to determine if the issue has something to do with either the system files of your computer or if has it something to do with the PowerShell of your current user profile. If the issue re-occurs on the new user profile, this means it is more related to the system files being corrupted and if not, this means that there is a possibility with your current user profile being corrupted or some programs might be a factor to it.

Basing on the screenshot that you’ve posted, this is related to the Windows Defender’s program running. You can either give it time or have it scheduled on a time the computer is not used to much as this is necessary to keep your Windows secured. To be able to have this scheduled, you can perform the following steps:

1. On your Start menu, key in task scheduler and press Enter.
2. Double click on Task Scheduler Library.
3. Expand the folders until you locate the path Library/Microsoft/Windows/Windows Defender.
4. Once you’ve located the folder, double click Windows Defender Scheduled Scan in the middle pane.
5. Select the Triggers tab and click New.
6. Create a new scan schedule based on your preferred time. This would be best to kept on a weekly basis.
7. Repeat the same steps for the remaining services which are Windows Defender Cache Maintenance, Windows Defender Cleanup, and Windows Defender Verification on the same folder.

After setting this up, restart your computer and see if the issue would persists by opening your task manager.

Please don’t hesitate to keep us posted on the results.

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Thank you ErwinJames for the response but I have to ask: Did you actually read my post?

I stated quite clearly that I have done a Clean Install of Windows, updated through Microsoft, scanned with Defender, did a Clean Boot and scanned with Defender again. there are no third party programs running! Only Windows 10 and whatever it decides to install/run on its own.

No user accounts are corrupted, no websites were contacted, nothing else installed. that screenshot of mine is from a freshly installed/updated version of Windows 10!

Also, as I stated several times, I have gone through all the old posts from Microsoft about this and have methodically tried every solution (well, «work-around» is more accurate) that was offered. Creating a new User Account was one of those, as was the Task Scheduler «solution».

I DID install Avast! Premier Antivirus and thankfully shutdown my Windows Defender, so the hated Antimalware Service Executable is no longer an issue.

However, even as I type this to you, the Software Protection Platform Service is happily eating up 37% of my CPU and not a thing is running but Windows and this fresh install of Chrome (no add-ons and downloaded from the official site).

Again, thank you for the reply but it is simply another in a long line of do-nothing attempts at a work-around

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Thank you for the clarification. I have reviewed your posts on the previous thread. The reason why we would like to still have it tested, is to have it further isolated, and again for us to see if it is specific with the PowerShell of your current user profile being broken or the system files being corrupted to be able to justify the next troubleshooting to be performed. We would also just like to clarify what is the current build installed on your computer? You’d be able to have that checked by pressing Windows + R on your keyboard and typing winver and hit Enter.

In the event that what’s installed is build 16299.125, we suggest to have your computer updated as there are 2 new build releases that should fix the issue. If you would like to update your computer, you can refer to the update history for Windows 10 to be able to manually update your computer. To manually update your computer, you can perform the steps below:

1. On your browser, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
2. Click on the latest build, and search KB4056892 (latest Windows 10 build).
3. Once the results on the page show, download the bit that your computer processes (either 32 bit (86x) or 64 bit (64x).
4. Install the update manually and go through the prompts until it prompts you to restart your computer.
5. After installing the update and restarting your computer, hit the CTRL + SHIFT + ESC buttons on your keyboard to check if the CPU usage is still high.

If in case that the issue is still the same then this would only mean that there is a system file that needs correction. That being said, it would be best to have your issue submitted using the Feedback Hub. You can either vote on an existing submission or submit a new issue. When you submit a feedback item we gather additional details and information about your issue that will help determine what’s causing it and address it. Feedback items regularly receive Microsoft responses on the submissions in the Feedback app so you can see what we are doing about your feedback. Please revisit frequently to see the status of your feedback items.

For more information on Feedback Hub, see our support article and YouTube video

In order to submit new feedback, please follow these steps:

1. On a Windows 10 device, search for Feedback Hub in Cortana search, then launch the app
2. Navigate to Feedback in the left menu, then press + Add new feedback
3. Select the Problem, and share any details you think are relevant, and choose an appropriate category and subcategory
4. Important: If possible, reproduce the problem(s) after clicking Begin monitoring (or Start capture) near the end of the form; Stop monitoring when you’re done
5. Once you’ve completed the form and monitoring, click Submit
6. Click Continue using Feedback Hub
7. Click My feedback at the top, then find the item you submitted (it may take a while to appear)
8. Open the item you submitted, then click Share
9. Click Copy link, then paste the link here in your response (it will look like https://aka.ms/ )

If you have further questions. please feel free to reply to this thread.