Software Protection - Windows 10 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.
This service also exists in Windows 11 and 8.
Startup Type
| Windows 10 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1507 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 1511 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 1607 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 1703 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 1709 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 1803 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 1809 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 1903 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 1909 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 2004 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 20H2 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 21H1 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 21H2 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 22H2 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Software Protection |
| Service name: | sppsvc |
| Type: | own |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\sppsvc.exe |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Software Protection service is running as NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService in its own process of sppsvc.exe. It doesn't share its process with other services. If Software Protection fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 10 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the sppsvc service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Software Protection is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Software Protection
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 10 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreSoftwareProtectionWindows10.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the sppsvc.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 10 installation media.