The Connected Devices Platform Service was introduced into the newer versions of Windows and wasn’t really made a highlight in the update notes. This is why users have been curious about the function of the service as it shows up in the task manager. In this article, we will discuss the function of the service and whether it is safe to disable it entirely.
What is Connected Devices Platform Service?
The Connected Devices Platform Service [CDPSvc] is a relatively new service that was introduced into the later versions of Windows. While it was a new addition to the operating system, the service wasn’t really made a highlight and Microsoft doesn’t provide much of an explanation regarding its functionality. Microsoft describes the services’ functions as “This service is used for Connected Devices Platform scenarios” which doesn’t really hint in detail towards the real functionality of the service.
According to our investigations, the service is used during connecting with Bluetooth devices and Printers, scanners, music players, mobile phones, cameras, etc. The connection with these sort of devices was also possible in the previous versions of Windows where the service didn’t exist. This makes the service a bit suspicious and sparks controversy regarding its functionality. Some reports suggest that the service is used only during connection with Xbox.
Controversies Surrounding CDP Service
There have been many user reports about the service using too much disk space and causing sluggish performance on some computers. This raises a lot of suspicions because there isn’t any apparent reason for the service existing in the first place. Also, the service is known to spark a lot of errors in the Windows Event Log. One of these errors was the “Error 7023” that is automatically logged into the Event Log and doesn’t have any apparent effect on the system’s performance or any other application.
Should it be Disabled?
There is a conflict in users’ statements regarding this question. Some users that disabled the service went on to use their computers without any issues or side effects. However, some users have reported that they encountered some problems while connecting certain devices with the computer. Therefore, it is our recommendation that if you don’t use Xbox Live or any other Bluetooth devices with the computer regularly, you should disable the service.
How to Disable the Service?
If you have decided that the service isn’t useful to you and are fixated on disabling it, follow the method listed below to permanently do so. Note that you can reverse this decision easily in the future if you change your mind.
- Press “Windows” + “R” to open the Run prompt.
- Type in “Services.msc” and press “Enter“.Typing in “Services.msc” and pressing Enter
- Double click on the “Connected Devices Platform Service” to open its properties.Double clicking on the CDP service
- Click on “Stop” and then click on the “Startup Type” dropdown.Clicking on “Stop”
- Select the “Manual” option and click on “Apply“.
- Select “OK” to save your changes.
Note: If after doing this you experience any issues during connecting a certain device to the computer, you can easily start this service back up again by clicking on the “Start” option in the 4th step.
Kevin Arrows
Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist [MCTS] certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
The Connected Devices Platform User service is vital for your Windows PC's well-being. Here's how to fix it when it consumes too much of your RAM.
On every Windows startup, the Connected Devices Platform User service uploads the necessary data that connected devices on your computer need. It also authenticates and facilitates communication between them.
When it consumes too much RAM, it means something could be wrong with the process or your connected devices. Below, we'll show you how to stop Connected Devices Platform User Service from hogging your physical memory.
1. Disable Connected Devices Platform User Service
The simplest way to stop Connected Devices Platform User Service from using too much RAM is to disable it. However, this might cause some unexpected behavior on your computer. And if that happens, you can always enable it again.
To disable Connected Devices Platform User Service, press Win + R to bring up Windows Run. Enter services.msc in the text box and then press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Find the Disable Connected Devices Platform User Service in the list of services and double-click on it. Click on the Startup type dropdown and select Disabled. Then, under Service status in the same window, click on Stop.
Now, check Task Manager to see if the service is still consuming too much RAM.
2. Remove the ActivitiesCache.db file
Some users have reported that deleting the ActivitiesCache.db file on their computer has helped solve the problem. To delete it, start by disabling the Connected Devices Platform User Service, as discussed above. Then, press Win + R to open Windows Run, copy and paste %localappdata%\ConnectedDevicesPlatform\ in the text, and then hit the Enter key.
This will open the ConnectedDevicesPlatform folder. You'll see several files and folders in there, so open each of the folders and delete the ActivitiesCache.db file in all of them.
Once you do, restart your computer and see if Connected Devices Platform User Service is still causing RAM consumption issues.
3. Check for Issues With Your Computer's Hardware
Sometimes, the problem could arise due to one of your connected devices experiencing a problem. To check if your connected devices are functioning properly, open Device Manager by pressing Win + R, enter devmgmt.msc in the text box, and then hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
In Device Manager, double-click the device you suspect is causing issues. This will open its properties window.
In the General tab of the Properties window, make sure it says This device is working properly under Device status.
If it doesn't, you will see an error message and a code. Take note of both so you can start troubleshooting the problem. You can start by using one of the troubleshooters on Windows to check for and fix the hardware problem you're seeing.
If all the steps above don't work then you might need to use a system restore point that you created before it started using too much RAM. And if that doesn't work as well, you might have to reset your Windows computer
Free Your RAM From Connected Devices Platform User Service
No process is entitled to consume too much RAM on your computer. And if you find that Connected Devices Platform User Service is doing just that, you can disable it, delete the ActivitiesCache.db file, or see if there's something wrong with your hardware. Hopefully, one of those things will help stop the process hogging the RAM.