Pctssvc.exe is an essential component of PC Tool Software products, namely PC Tool’s Internet Security and PC Tool’s Spyware Doctor. The primary function of this process is to perform anti-spyware scans when a scheduled scan begins or when you run a manual scan on your Windows computer. As this process is a critical component of PC Tool Software products, you should not delete or remove it if you use PC Tool’s Internet Security and/or PC Tool’s Spyware Doctor.
By default, the program loads automatically everytime Windows starts. Normally, the file has been observed to be located in C:\Program files\ although sometimes it has also been found in a subfolder on the C:\ drive.
Issue
By design, Pctssvce.exe consumes a large amount of system resources, especially when a scan is running. Even under normal circumstances, the process consumes anywhere between 24-28mb of memory. As a result, it often causes system freeze ups. In fact, instances of this process reporting 100% CPU usage for 30 seconds every 2 minutes for considerable periods of time are also known.
While the issue of high CPU usage by pctssvc.exe is widespread, no quick fix solution for this problem is available. You can try the following steps, which have been found useful to resolve high CPU usage by this process:
Uninstall and Reinstall your PC Tool Product
Use the Windows built-in Add or Remove Programs utility to uninstall the PC Tool product (PC Tool’s Internet Security or PC Tool’s Spyware Doctor) installed on your computer. After the uninstallation process is complete, you may consider running a registry scan using an advanced registry maintenance software to ensure all the registry entries related to the installed PC Tool product are deleted from your registry. Next, reinstall the software.
Update your PC Tool Product
If the error persists and you want to continue using your PC Tool software, it is recommended that you update the software to the latest version.
Uninstall any Conflicting Software
Are you running another antivirus tool besides PC Tool software?
If yes, then we recommend you uninstall the additional software, that is, if you believe your PC Tool protective software is better. Running two different antivirus products simultaneously is likely to cause errors and performance-related issues.
Disable Pctssvc.exe
- Right-click the icon of your PC Tool product in the system tray.
- Select Exit.
- Click Start.
- Click Run.
- Type msconfig, and then click OK.
- Click Startup.
- Clear the checkbox before the installed PC Tool product.
This solution works only if you do not plan to use your PC Tool software, but want to keep it on your computer in case you may want to use it again. In case you plan to use your PC Tool software, you may want to skip this step, as when you open your PC Tool software the next time, it automatically configures pctssvc.exe to start again when Windows loads.
You should be able to resolve high CPU usage issues with the help of the above-mentioned resolutions. If you still have problems after performing the steps above, you may consider removing the PC Tool software and install another robust protective malware software – one which does only what it is designed to do, that is, protect your computer from malware, and not cause errors or performance-related issues.