Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Located in C:\Windows\System32\wpp.exe; signed by Microsoft Corporation
Warning
May run in background during tracing
Extensive tracing may spike CPU/memory during active sessions
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
If tracing isn’t needed, stop active sessions via WPR UI (wprui.exe) and disable related tasks
What is wpp.exe?
wpp.exe is the Windows Performance Profiler component that coordinates Windows Software Trace Preprocessor (WPP) tracing. It can run automatically when performance diagnostics or developer tracing are enabled, and it collects data about CPU, memory, I/O, and driver events to help diagnose system performance issues.
WPP manages trace sessions, consolidates provider data, and records events to ETW logs for later analysis. It operates with trusted system permissions and is typically invoked by tools like WPR during profiling.
Quick Fact: WPP tracing is a core Windows diagnostics capability; it runs when needed and can be turned off to reduce overhead.
Types of WPP Processes
- Main Profiler Process: Orchestrates tracing sessions and UI (1 instance)
- Data Collector: Gathers trace data from ETW providers
- Provider Manager: Manages ETW provider registrations for logs
- UI Handler: If WPR UI is used, handles user interactions
- Driver Interface: Interfaces with kernel drivers for low-level events
- Background Tasks: Background data streaming for performance monitoring
Is wpp.exe Safe?
Yes, wpp.exe is safe when located in the legitimate Windows folder and signed by Microsoft.
Is wpp.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real wpp.exe is not a virus. Malware may impersonate it. Verify location and signature.
How to Tell if wpp.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\wpp.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\wpp.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click wpp.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show Microsoft Corporation.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage when tracing is idle is low; spikes during tracing are expected.
- Behavior: WPP runs during trace sessions and typically exits when tracing ends.
Red Flags: If wpp.exe is not in the Windows System32 folder, lacks signatures, or runs continuously without a trace session, scan with antivirus.
Why Is wpp.exe Running on My PC?
wpp.exe runs when a Windows performance trace is active or when tracing tools are configured to capture data. It may run in the background to maintain ready state for profiling.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Tracing Session: A current WPR or ETW tracing session is collecting data.
- Background Telemetry: System telemetry or enterprise policies enable tracing in background.
- Startup or Scheduled Trace: Trace sessions may be started automatically at startup or on a schedule.
- Developer Tools: Development environments enable WPP-based profiling for apps.
- Driver and Kernel Events: Low-level events from drivers can trigger WPP components to collect logs.
Can I Disable or Remove wpp.exe?
Disabling wpp.exe is not generally recommended. It is a Windows system profiling component. You can stop active trace sessions and adjust tracing settings if you need to free resources.
How to Stop wpp.exe
- Stop Active Traces: Open Windows Performance Recorder UI (C:\Windows\System32\wprui.exe) and stop any running trace sessions.
- Terminate Trace Components: If needed, close WPRUI and WPR (C:\Windows\System32\wpr.exe) gracefully.
- Disable Background Tracing: In Windows Settings, disable optional diagnostics data or trace enabling features.
- Prevent Startup Traces: Check Task Scheduler for trace-related tasks and disable them.
- Uninstall Optional Toolkit: If you installed Windows Performance Toolkit separately, uninstall via Apps & Features.
How to Uninstall Windows Performance Toolkit (optional)
- ✔ Open Settings → Apps → Apps & Features and locate Windows Performance Toolkit; click Uninstall
- ✔ If not listed, remove the Windows SDK components from Programs and Features
- ✔ Restart the PC after uninstallation
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If wpp.exe is consuming excessive resources during tracing:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active Trace Session: Stop the trace when finished; use WPRUI to end sessions.
- Background Telemetry: Limit telemetry via Settings and policies; disable unnecessary data collection.
- Idle Growth: Trace log files can grow; set log size limits and clean up older logs.
- Driver Events: Some drivers cause heavy logs; update drivers or adjust trace providers.
- Outdated Tools: Update WPR/WPP components to latest version for performance improvements.
- Disk I/O Saturation: Check for disk bottlenecks; reduce logging verbosity or archive logs.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open WPRUI and stop any active trace sessions
2. Limit trace providers to only essential ones
3. Clear or archive large trace logs
4. Update Windows and toolkit components
5. Restart the system if necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wpp.exe safe?
Yes, when located in C:\Windows\System32\wpp.exe and signed by Microsoft.
Why is wpp.exe running on my PC?
Because a trace session or diagnostics task is active or configured to run.
Can I delete wpp.exe?
No, it is a Windows system component; uninstalling is not supported. Disable tracing instead.
Can I disable wpp.exe?
You can stop tracing sessions and adjust telemetry settings; it will not harm Windows to do so.
What should I do if wpp.exe consumes too much CPU?
Identify the active trace provider in WPRUI, stop the session, and update drivers or apps provoking logs.
How do I view wpp.exe trace data?
Use Windows Performance Recorder (WPR/WPRUI) or ETW log viewers to review generated traces.