Fix SS3svc32.exe at startup in Windows 10

A friend of mine asked me for assistance to fix SS3svc32.exe. Recently, he started to face a popup at every logon, stating: SS3svc32.exe Do you want to allow this app from an unknown publisher to make changes to your device?

In this post, I’ll explain what SS3svc32.exe is, whether you should allow SS3svc32.exe, and how to fix SS3svc32 the message from popping up.

Cause of SS3svc32.exe

Two recent patches for Windows 10 (KB4522738 and KB4517211) may cause some additional warnings and popups. Most likely these occur at every login and will ask to confirm the execution of Sonic Studio 3.

After the installation of the patches, the SS3svc32.exe executable is not digitally signed anymore. This is a reason for Windows 10 to be suspicious.

Fix SS3svc32.exe popup

There are a few ways to take care of the notification after your computer startup. You can fix SS3svc32, workaround or ignore the popup.

Uninstall Sonic Studio

If you don’t need the functionality of Sonic Studio, it’s safe to uninstall. Only sound effects may be affected. Your system won’t crash and games will continue to run.

Open Settings.
Go to Apps -> Apps & Features.
Locate Sonic Studio #, click on it and choose Uninstall.

If you need the noise cancellation, or special effects, this method is not for you. Instead, read the next paragraph to fix SS3svc32.exe.

Set Sonic Studio to run as administrator

Some people have solved the program by adjusting the Run As properties of the executable. Follow these steps:

Open Windows Explorer.
Navigate to C:\Program Files\ASUSTeKcomputer.Inc\Sonic Suite 3\Foundation\
Locate SS3svc32.exe in the folder. Right-click the filename and select Properties.
Select the Compatibility tab.
Click on Change settings for all users.
Select Run this program as administrator.
Click OK

Workaround SS3svc32.exe

To workaround the pop and wait for a fix from Asus or Microsoft, you can rename the file. Follow these steps:

Open Windows Explorer.
Navigate to C:\Program Files\ASUSTeKcomputer.Inc\Sonic Suite 3\Foundation\
Locate SS3svc32.exe in the folder. Right-click the filename and select Rename.
Add any character, like Z or Q:

At the next boot of your computer, the original file cannot be found. The UAC window will not reappear.
Note: if you have disabled filename extensions from showing, rename SS3svc32.

If you have read more of my blogs posts, this is indeed the same trick as I did in Office SDX Helper: Rename sdxhelper.exe

Ignore SS3svc32.exe popup

You may also choose to accept the fact that the window popups. Just hit ok once you logon to your computer. Most likely, ASUS or Microsoft will come with a solution soon. Either via Windows Update or application update.

What is Sonic Studio 3

Sonic Studio 3 is an Asus Republic of Gamers software product that offers sound settings, noise cancellation, and voice volume stabilization. It can be used with speakers and headphones. Record Studio allows you to configure microphone settings.

Is SS3svc32.exe a virus?

Although SS3svc32.exe from Asus Sonic Studio is not a virus, there are some reports of a similar-named file that has been tampered with. Therefore, it is advised to scan the file with an antivirus program like Windows Defender. Follow these steps:

In the popup screen Do you want to allow this app from an unknown publisher to make changes to your device?, click More Details.
Take note of the exact file location.
Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the file location.
Right-click the executable and click Scan with Windows Defender…

Did you already click OK on the popup screen? It’s also possible to find the file location using Task Manager, once the process is running:

Open Task Manager
Go to tab Details
Locate SS3svc32.exe, right-click and select Open File Location

What is SS3svc32.exe?

Just like SS2svc64.exe, SS3svc32.exe is part of the Sonic Studio Suite. SS2svc64 is related to Sonic Studio 2, 64-bit version. Whereas SS3svc32 is part of the Sonic Studio 2, 32-bit version.