The Software Reporter Tool ( SRT ) is a Chrome browser process responsible for verifying the integrity of the browser. Chrome runs a CRT to track any changes in the browser to record any programs and strategies that might interfere with proper operation. These could be unwanted extensions or malicious ads appearing due to a weird process, and if any malicious software is found, you will be prompted to run the uninstaller on Windows 11.
Sometimes it happens that the Software Reporter Tool process can freeze and run for about 15 minutes, which will lead to a high usage on the processor in Windows 11 since the program may not respond and freeze. In this guide, we will explain how to fix the High CPU Usage of a computer or laptop using the Software Reporter Tool service (Software_Reporter_Tool.exe) in Windows 11.
How to Fix Chrome Software_Reporter_Tool.exe on Windows 11
1. Refresh and clear the Chrome cache
- Open the Chrome browser and then type the Ctrl + H key. Click on the left “Clear history” and select “All time” by ticking all the boxes in the two tabs “Basic settings” and “Advanced”.
- Next, open the settings in Chrome and go to the ” About browser ” tab. Make sure you have the latest version.
2. Disable the Software Reporter Tool
If the Software Reporter Tool loads the processor, disable its launch through the parameters of the Chrome browser itself. For this:
- Open the Chrome browser settings by clicking on the ellipsis in the upper right corner.
- Scroll to the very bottom and click on “Advanced”.
- In the “System” column, disable the item” Do not disable services running in the background when you close the browser “, then click on “Remove malware from your computer” below and follow point 4.
- Uncheck “Report malware, system settings and processes …” to Google.
- Restart Chrome and check if the high CPU usage issue is resolved by the Software Reporter Tool.
3. Remove read and write permissions
To prevent the Software Reporter Tool from loading the processor, we will prohibit it from writing and reading in Windows 11. For this:
- Press Win + R and enter %localappdata%\Google\Chrome\User Data to open the desired location
- Right-click on the SwReporter folder and choose “properties.”
- Go to the “Security” tab, and below, click on ” Advanced.”
- At the very bottom, click on “Disable inheritance.”
- In a new window, “Remove all inherited permissions from this object.”
4. Remove Software_Reporter_Tool.exe
If the Software_Reporter_Tool.exe process still loads the CPU, it can be removed to prevent it from starting.
- Press Win + R and enter %localappdata%\Google\Chrome\User Data\SwReporter. Open the folder with the version of Chrome and delete software_reporter_tool.exe, then restart your PC.
5. Block SRT via registry
Step 1 . If, after the above methods, the Software Reporter Tool loads the processor, then we will block its execution through the registry. To do this, press Win + R and type Regedit to open the Registry Editor. In the registry, go along the path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies
- Choose the Chrome folder on the left and right-click on the empty field on the right.
- Now select New > DWORD Value (32-bit).
- Create two parameters named ChromeCleanupReportingEnabled and ChromeCleanupEnabled.
- Restart your PC and check if the Software Reporter Tool is putting a load on the processor.
Note: By default, the value will be 0; if it is different, double click on the created parameters and set 0. If the Chrome folder is not in the left column, then make it by right-clicking on Policies and ” New “> ” Section “.
Step 2 . If, after step 1, SRT continues to create a high load on the CPU, then we will block it. Follow the path in the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies
- Right-click on Policies on the left and New > Section.
- Name it DisallowRun
- Next, right-click on the created DisallowRun section.
- Select New > String Parameter.
- Give name one and double click on it.
- Write the value Software_Reporter_Tool.exe and click OK.
- Reboot your PC.
