What is "Software Protection" in my Windows 7 service list? And how is "Software Protection" service related to sppsvc.exe?

"Software Protection" is a Windows 7 service that "Enables the download, installation and enforcement of digital licenses for Windows and Windows applications. If the service is disabled, the operating system and licensed applications may run in a notification mode. It is strongly recommended that you not disable the Software Protection service." "Software Protection" service is provided by sppsvc.exe EXE file.

Detailed information on "Software Protection" service:

Service name: sppsvc
Display name: Software Protection
Execution command: C:\Windows\system32\sppsvc.exe
Start type: Automatic
Service status: Stopped
Dependencies:
   Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

"Software Protection" service is provided by an EXE file called: sppsvc.exe:

Name: sppsvc.exe
Location: C:\Windows\System32\sppsvc.exe
Description: Microsoft Software Protection Platform Service
File version: 6.1.7601.17514
Size: 3.03 MB (3,179,520 bytes)
Modified: Saturday, November 20, 2010, 7:17:30 AM

Disabling "Software Protection" service may cause issues when running Windows 7 system.

⇒ "ThinkPad HDD APS Logging Service - TPHDEXLG64.exe" Service on Windows 7

⇐ "SNMP Trap - snmptrap.exe" Service on Windows 7

⇑ Other System Services on Windows 7

⇑⇑ Windows 7 Services Tutorials