Microsoft changed the Appxsvc setting on Windows 11 to run automatically, resulting in higher system resource consumption.

 

Microsoft is preparing to change the default system startup on Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 by automatically starting the AppX Deployment Service (Appxsvc) at boot time. Previously, this service only started when an app from the Microsoft Store was launched. This change is seen as potentially impacting resource usage, especially on lower-spec or resource-constrained computers.

This change was officially confirmed in the December 2025 Patch Tuesday update, KB5072033, which covers Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and Windows Server 2025. Microsoft updated the cumulative update release notes to indicate that Appxsvc's startup type has been changed from Manual (Triggered) to Automatic to improve system stability.

Microsoft explains that the Automatic setting ensures that Microsoft Store-related services are always available, reducing the likelihood of issues arising from app installation or update failures. However, from a user's perspective, the AppX Deployment Service has been reported to occasionally experience high CPU, memory, and disk usage, leading to reduced system performance. This is especially concerning on low-spec computers or older machines with limited resources.

Originally, this service was set to Manual (Triggered), meaning it only started when an app from the Microsoft Store was installed or updated. This reduced the system load when the Store wasn't in use. However, when changed to Automatic, the service runs in the background continuously from startup, even when the user isn't running any Store apps. This raises concerns about increased overall resource usage.

Microsoft explicitly states that changing the Appxsvc setting is not recommended, as it may cause Microsoft Store apps, related features, and services to malfunction or become unusable. Disabling this service could impact app installation, updates, and overall system stability.

IT industry analysts believe this change may be related to Microsoft's long-term plan to push Microsoft Store app updates directly through Windows Update in the future. This means that processes and services related to the Store need to be readily available to support this change.

Previously, Microsoft announced a new feature on Windows Server 2025 that improves storage performance and related speed by up to 80%. Therefore, this default adjustment on Windows 11 is being closely watched, as while the goal is stability, it may come at the cost of increased resource usage for the user's system.