Microsoft Corporation•Usually safe
RuntimeBroker.exeWhat is RuntimeBroker.exe?
RuntimeBroker.exe is a legitimate Windows system process from Microsoft. It helps Windows check and manage app permissions, especially for Microsoft S...
wsappxUsually safeWhat is wsappx?
Publisher: Microsoft CorporationTypical location:
C:\Windows\System32\wsappxwsappx is a legitimate Windows process from Microsoft that helps install, update, and manage apps from the Microsoft Store. If you found it in Task Manager, it is usually normal and not something to remove.
What it does
wsappx supports Microsoft Store app installation, updates, licensing, and related background tasks. You may also see it work through services such as AppX Deployment Service and Client License Service. It can appear active when the Store is installing apps, updating apps, or checking app licenses.
Is it safe?
In most cases, yes: wsappx is a real Microsoft component and is generally safe to leave alone. However, malware can sometimes disguise itself using the same name, so check the file location and publisher. The real file should be signed by Microsoft Corporation and located in a Windows system folder, not in a random user or temporary folder.
Why it causes high CPU or disk usage
- 1Microsoft Store app installs or updates are running
- 2The Store is checking app licenses in the background
- 3A stalled or repeated app update is causing extra disk activity
- 4Windows is finishing post-installation tasks after an update or restart
How to check if it's legitimate
- Open Task Manager and find wsappx.
- Right-click it and choose Open file location. The legitimate file should be in a Windows system location and not in a strange folder.
- Right-click the file, choose Properties, and look for the Digital Signatures or Details tab. The publisher should be Microsoft Corporation.
- If the path is unusual or the publisher is missing, run a malware scan before trusting it.
How to remove it
You should usually not remove wsappx, because it is part of Windows and removing it can break Microsoft Store app installs and updates. If it is using a lot of CPU or disk, try restarting your PC, letting any Store updates finish, installing Windows updates, and closing other resource-heavy apps. If the file location or publisher looks wrong, treat it as suspicious and scan for malware instead of deleting the process manually.
Recommended fixes
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Install Windows updates
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install everything available.
- Restart if prompted.
Close resource-heavy apps
- On Windows open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc); on macOS open Activity Monitor.
- Sort by CPU or memory usage.
- Quit apps you don't need that are using excessive resources.
Scan for malware (Windows)
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Run a Full scan.
- Quarantine or remove anything detected, then restart.
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