What to do if Software_Reporter_Tool.exe is loading the processor

The Software Reporter Tool (SRT) is part of the Google Chrome browser and is needed to check the integrity of the browser. It is actively used during updates, rollback to factory settings, uninstallation and other procedures. The service constantly monitors changes in the browser that negatively affect the stability of the web browser. Most of the problems are caused by extensions, malicious ads, etc. It is difficult to say whether this is good or bad, but SRT is a built-in browser utility, which means that in most cases antivirus scanning will not help (viruses may also come across). At the same time, Software_Reporter_Tool.exe often loads the processor, the service freezing can last more than 15 minutes with a stable load on the CPU. We are looking into ways to fix the problem in Windows 10, 11.

CONTENT

• How to eliminate huge CPU load from Software_Reporter_Tool.exe?
  • 1) Deleting the Software_Reporter_Tool.exe file
  • 2) Turn off background services and remove virus software
  • 3) Remove read and write permission
  • 4) Disable or block SRT via registry
  • 5) Block the process through group policies

How to eliminate huge CPU load from Software_Reporter_Tool.exe?

First, you should try to get this process out of the frozen state. A browser restart or refresh may work. Clearing the cache and cookies often helps. If this approach does not give positive results, you can delete or block this service. Google Chrome works well without it, so there should be no consequences for its stability.

1) Deleting the Software_Reporter_Tool.exe file

On the one hand, the solution is obvious and simple. On the other hand, the effectiveness may be short-lived, with the next update the file will recover, and the problem may return with it. To prevent the Software_Reporter_Tool.exe file from running, go to the% localappdata% \ Google \ Chrome \ User Data \ SwReporter folder, open the directory with the Chrome version and delete the problematic file. After reboot everything should work fine.

Important! Windows 10, 11 may prevent a file from being deleted because another process is using it. If you see a blocked message, open Task Manager and kill all Chrome processes. Only after that you need to complete the problematic service.

2) Turn off background services and remove virus software

There are several useful settings in the Google Chrome browser that can help in this problem with a high CPU load from the Software_Reporter_Tool.exe file.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Chrome browser and go to the “Settings” section.
2. We open the “Additional” list and go to the “System” section.
3. Disable the item “Do not disable services running in the background when closing the browser”.
4. In the last section of the “Reset settings and remove malware” menu, click on the “Remove malware from computer” button.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen.

3) Remove read and write permission

One method to prevent the SRT service from starting is to change the read and write permissions.

On Windows 10/11, this is done as follows:

1. Go to% localappdata% \ Google \ Chrome \ User Data (you need to enter Run in the line, it is launched with the Win + R buttons.
2. Right click on the SwReporter and go to Properties.
3. On the “Security” tab, click “Advanced”.
4. Click on the “Disable inheritance” button and select “Remove all inherited permissions from this object.”

4) Disable or block SRT via registry

If, even after the above measures, the high load on the disk persists (although it should not after the folder is locked for reading), you can turn off the utility through the registry. It can also be used as an alternative procedure.

Step by step guide:

1. We open the registry editor by searching for the regedit file and launching it through the search.
2. We follow the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies.
3. Go to the Chrome folder and create a DWORD (32-bit) parameter in the right pane.
4. Create a ChromeCleanupReportingEnabled and then a ChromeCleanupEnabled.
5. Set both parameters to 0.

The result of the procedure will be that the program should stop running, but you can also block it additionally in the same registry.

What should be done:

1. We follow the path HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies.
2. Create a whole section in the left column and select “Create”, write the name DisallowRun.
3. Now here we create a stock parameter named 1 and enter it as the value of Software_Reporter_Tool.exe and save.
4. Reboot your PC.

5) Block the process through group policies

Unfortunately, sometimes Windows 10 still periodically runs Software_Reporter_Tool.exe even bypassing the registry (rare). Rather, this method is an alternative, but it can be additional.

How to block SRT:

1. Press Win + R, enter gpedit.msc and press Enter.
2. Inside, go to User Configuration> Administrative Templates> System.
3. Select on the right in the panel “Do not run specified Windows applications”, double-click on it.
4. We activate the option and open the list of prohibited applications.
5. In the value area, enter software_reporter_tool.exe and restart the computer.

Something of the above should definitely help if Software_Reporter_Tool.exe loads the processor up to 50% or 100%. We have considered so many ways to block that this file definitely has no chance of continuing to malfunction in Windows 10, 11, but the same applies to Windows 7.