Enable/Disable Diagnostic Policy Service (DPS) & Fix High CPU Usage
The Diagnostic Policy Service (DPS) is an important Windows service that helps identify, troubleshoot, and resolve problems related to Windows components, network connections, and system services. Whenever you use Windows troubleshooters, they rely on the Diagnostic Policy Service to detect issues and recommend possible fixes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely enable or disable the Diagnostic Policy Service (DPS) and fix Diagnostic Policy Service high CPU usage on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
How to Enable or Disable Diagnostic Policy Service (DPS)
Windows allows you to control the Diagnostic Policy Service through the Services application. Enabling the service restores Windows troubleshooting features, while disabling it prevents the operating system from automatically diagnosing hardware, network, and system problems.
Step 1: Open the Services Window
Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter. The Services window will appear, displaying every Windows service installed on your computer.
This window lets you start, stop, restart, enable, or disable background services that Windows relies on.
Step 2: Find Diagnostic Policy Service
Scroll through the alphabetical list until you locate Diagnostic Policy Service.
Double-click the service to open its Properties window. Here, you’ll see the service’s current status, startup type, and other configuration options.
Step 3: Enable or Disable the Service
To enable the service, select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu. If the service is currently stopped, click Start, then select Apply, followed by OK.
To disable the service, choose Disabled from the Startup type menu. If it’s currently running, click Stop, then select Apply and OK.
Keep in mind that disabling the Diagnostic Policy Service prevents Windows from running built-in troubleshooters and detecting many system-related problems automatically.
How to Fix Diagnostic Policy Service (DPS) High CPU Usage
If Diagnostic Policy Service is constantly using high CPU resources, the issue is often related to corrupted system files, damaged service data, excessive diagnostic logs, outdated drivers, or Windows update problems. The following methods solve the problem in most situations.
Step 1: Restart the Diagnostic Policy Service
The first solution is simply restarting the service.
Open the Services window by typing services.msc into the Run dialog. Locate Diagnostic Policy Service, right-click it, and select Restart.
Restarting the service clears temporary errors that may have developed while Windows was running. After restarting, monitor Task Manager for a few minutes to see whether CPU usage returns to normal.
Step 2: Restart Your Computer
Sometimes the service remains active because another Windows component failed to shut down correctly.
Save your work and restart your PC using the normal Windows restart option instead of shutting it down manually. During startup, Windows reloads system services and often clears temporary software conflicts that cause high CPU usage.
After your computer starts again, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and check whether Service Host: Diagnostic Policy Service is still consuming excessive processor resources.
Step 3: Run System File Checker and DISM
Corrupted Windows system files are one of the most common causes of abnormal service behavior.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Allow the scan to complete without interruption. If Windows repairs damaged files, restart your computer.
Next, run this command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
DISM downloads healthy Windows components and replaces damaged system files that SFC cannot repair. Once the scan finishes, restart your PC.
Step 4: Clear Diagnostic Event Logs
Large or corrupted diagnostic logs can occasionally cause the service to work continuously.
Search for Event Viewer and open it. Expand Applications and Services Logs, then browse the available diagnostic logs.
Right-click on unnecessary diagnostic logs and choose Clear Log. This removes old event records that Windows no longer needs and can reduce unnecessary background activity.
Be careful not to delete logs unless you’re certain they’re no longer required for troubleshooting.
Step 5: Update Windows
Microsoft regularly releases updates that improve Windows services and fix known performance issues.
Open Settings, select Windows Update, then click Check for updates.
Download and install every available update. Once installation finishes, restart your computer. Many users notice that high CPU usage disappears after installing the latest cumulative Windows updates.
Step 6: Update Device Drivers
Outdated or faulty drivers can repeatedly trigger Windows diagnostics, forcing the Diagnostic Policy Service to work much harder than normal.
Open Device Manager and check for any device showing a yellow warning icon.
Update network adapters, storage controllers, chipset drivers, and graphics drivers using either Windows Update or the official hardware manufacturer’s software.
After updating the drivers, restart your PC and monitor CPU usage again.
Step 7: Perform a Clean Boot
If third-party software is constantly triggering Windows diagnostics, a clean boot helps identify the source.
Open System Configuration by typing msconfig into the Run dialog.
On the Services tab, hide Microsoft services and disable all remaining third-party services.
Open the Startup tab and disable unnecessary startup applications through Task Manager.
Restart your computer and observe whether CPU usage improves. If it does, gradually re-enable services until you identify the application causing the problem.
Additional Tips
- Keep Windows fully updated to receive the latest bug fixes and service improvements. Regularly update hardware drivers from trusted manufacturers.
- Avoid using aggressive system optimization software that disables Windows services automatically.
- Run a full malware scan if high CPU usage appears unexpectedly.
- Restart your computer occasionally to refresh background services and clear temporary system processes.
FAQs
Is it safe to disable the Diagnostic Policy Service?
Yes, but doing so disables Windows troubleshooting features. Most users should leave the service enabled unless instructed otherwise during advanced troubleshooting.
Why is Diagnostic Policy Service using so much CPU?
High CPU usage usually results from corrupted system files, outdated drivers, damaged event logs, Windows update issues, or software conflicts.
Can I permanently stop DSP?
Yes. You can set its startup type to Disabled in the Services window. However, Windows troubleshooters may no longer function correctly.
Does restarting the service solve high CPU usage?
Sometimes. Restarting clears temporary service errors, but persistent problems usually require repairing Windows files, updating drivers, or installing Windows updates.
Does malware affect the Diagnostic Policy Service?
Yes. Certain malware infections may trigger continuous diagnostics or interfere with Windows services. Running a complete security scan is recommended if the issue appears suddenly.