Quick Answer
hsscp.exe is safe. It’s part of the HP Support Assistant client, handling updates, diagnostics, and maintenance tasks with minimal impact on system performance.
What is hsscp.exe?
hsscp.exe is the executable for the HP Support Assistant Client. It launches alongside Windows when maintenance tasks or user actions require driver checks, updates, and diagnostics for HP devices. The process helps keep HP software current and your system healthy.
HP Support Assistant uses a multi-process design to run update checks, diagnostics, and data collection independently from the main UI, improving responsiveness while protecting system stability and driver health.
Quick Fact: HP Support Assistant has evolved to run as modular components; HSSCP.exe coordinates tasks without locking the entire desktop.
Types of HSSCP Processes
- Launcher Process: Initiates tasks when HP Support Assistant starts or updates are requested
- Updater Process: Checks and installs HP driver and software updates
- Diagnostics Process: Runs hardware diagnostics and health reports
- Telemetry/Service Process: Collects usage data and communicates with HP servers for support
- UI Helper: Supports UI interactions and notifications within HP Support Assistant
- Background Maintenance: Performs scheduled maintenance tasks and cleanup
Is hsscp.exe Safe?
Yes, hsscp.exe is safe when it originates from HP and is located in the legitimate Program Files path.
Is hsscp.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real hsscp.exe is NOT a virus. Malware occasionally masquerades with similar names; verify location and signature.
How to Tell if hsscp.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Support Framework\HSSCP.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP Support Framework\HSSCP.exe. Any hsscp.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. The signer should list HP Inc. or Hewlett-Packard as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU per process, 100-300 MB total memory. Unusually high usage when idle is a red flag.
- Behavior: HP Support Assistant tasks are typically triggered by user actions or scheduled maintenance, not continuous background activity.
Red Flags: If hsscp.exe is in an unexpected folder (Temp, AppData), runs during idle with no HP software, lacks a valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with a trusted antivirus and verify HP paths.
Why Is hsscp.exe Running on My PC?
hsscp.exe runs to support HP Support Assistant maintenance, driver checks, and diagnostics. It may start automatically for updates or when you open the HP software.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Maintenance Tasks: HP Support Assistant is checking for driver updates or running diagnostics for your hardware.
- Background Update Checks: Automated update checks and driver catalog synchronization occur behind the scenes.
- Startup and Auto-Launch: HP Support Assistant may auto-launch at login to ensure devices stay current.
- Scheduled Maintenance: Regular tasks like cleanup or health reports run on a schedule.
- Telemetry and Support Telemetry: Light data collection and reporting to HP servers to facilitate support and warranty checks.
Can I Disable or Remove hsscp.exe?
Yes, you can disable hsscp.exe. It’s safe to close HP Support Assistant when not in use, and you can uninstall or disable auto-launch if desired.
How to Stop hsscp.exe
- End Individual Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate HSSCP.exe, and End Task for specific components
- Close HP Support Assistant: Exit all HP Support Assistant windows
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable HP Support Assistant
- Stop Background Services: Open services.msc, locate HP Support Assistant Service, set Startup type to Disabled
- Disable Tasks in Scheduler: Open Task Scheduler, disable HP Support Assistant related tasks
How to Uninstall HP Support Assistant
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → HP Support Assistant → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → HP Support Assistant → Uninstall
- ✔ Note: Uninstalling may remove update checks; you can reinstall from HP support site if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If hsscp.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Background Checks: Schedules checks for updates and diagnostics; reduce frequency in HP Support Assistant settings
- Resource-Heavy Updates: Update checks or driver scans can spike usage; pause or defer scans
- Outdated HP Software: Update HP Support Assistant to the latest version to improve efficiency
- Malicious Extensions: While unlikely, verify no third-party add-ins alter HP software behavior
- Corrupted Profile: Reset HP Support Assistant or create a new user profile and reconfigure
- Network Issues: Network problems can cause retries; ensure stable connection
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and identify HSSCP.exe components with high usage
2. Close unnecessary HP Support Assistant tasks
3. Update or reinstall HP Support Assistant
4. Check for Windows updates
5. Disable non-essential HP Support Assistant features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hsscp.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate hsscp.exe from HP is not a virus. Verify its location at C:\Program Files\HP\HP Support Framework\HSSCP.exe and ensure a valid signature from HP Inc.
Why is hsscp.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage usually comes from ongoing driver checks or diagnostics. Check HP Support Assistant task details, disable non-essential components, and update software.
Can I delete hsscp.exe?
You can uninstall HP Support Assistant via Settings, but be aware you may lose automated updates. Reinstall from HP if needed.
Can I disable hsscp.exe?
Yes. Close HP Support Assistant or disable auto-launch in Task Manager. You can also disable related tasks in Task Scheduler.
Why does HP Support Assistant launch at startup?
HP Support Assistant may auto-launch to keep drivers and software up to date. Disable startup in Task Manager to prevent auto-start.
How do I reduce HP Support Assistant resource usage?
Update to latest version, limit background checks, close unused features, and consider resetting the HP profile if problems persist.