If you open the Windows Task Manager while using Google Chrome, you might notice a background process called software_reporter_tool.exe consuming massive amounts of CPU and disk I/O. This executable is a built-in malware scanner shipped by Google. Its job is to routinely scan your entire hard drive, looking for third-party software, browser hijackers, or malicious extensions that might conflict with Chrome. It then reports this telemetry back to Google servers.
While this scanner is helpful for novice users who frequently download malware, it is an absolute nightmare for power users and developers. Because the Software Reporter Tool runs on its own internal schedule, it can suddenly spike your CPU to 100% in the middle of a heavy gaming session or while rendering a video. If you already run a dedicated antivirus program (like Windows Defender or Malwarebytes), having Chrome redundantly scan your entire hard drive is completely unnecessary. You can permanently neuter the Software Reporter Tool to reclaim your system resources.
Disabling the Executable via File Permissions
You cannot simply delete software_reporter_tool.exe. The next time Chrome updates in the background (which happens constantly), Google will simply download a fresh copy of the executable and put it right back. Instead, you must strip Chrome’s ability to actually run the file by revoking its NTFS file permissions.
- Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialogue box.
- Paste the following directory path exactly as written and press Enter:
%localappdata%\Google\Chrome\User Data\SwReporter - You will see a folder named with a version number (e.g.,
112.285.200). Double-click to open it. - Inside, you will find
software_reporter_tool.exe. Right-click the file and select Properties. - Click on the Security tab at the top of the Properties window.
- Click the Advanced button at the bottom.
- A new “Advanced Security Settings” window will open. Click the Disable inheritance button near the bottom.
- A warning will pop up. Choose the option to Remove all inherited permissions from this object.
- The list of users and permission entries will instantly become completely blank.
- Click Apply, click Yes to confirm the Windows Security warning, and then click OK.
By stripping all read and execute permissions from the file, you have effectively bricked the executable at the operating system level. When Google Chrome’s internal scheduler attempts to trigger the hard drive scan, Windows will violently block the action, stating “Access Denied.” Your CPU and disk usage will never be spiked by the Software Reporter Tool again.