Software Protection - Windows 7 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 10, 11 and 8.
Startup Type
| Windows 7 edition | without SP | SP1 |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Home Basic | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Home Premium | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Professional | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Ultimate | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Enterprise | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
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 runs as NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService in its own process. It does not share the executable file with other services. If the Software Protection fails to load or initialize, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows 7 startup should proceed, but a message box is displayed informing you that the sppsvc service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Software Protection will not start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
If the Software Protection is stopped, the Windows Licensing Monitoring Service fails to start and initialize.
Restore Default Startup Type of Software Protection
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 7 edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreSoftwareProtectionWindows7.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 7 installation media.