The Lowdown on Wondershare Passport: What It Is, Why It’s Running, and How to Take Control

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If you’ve recently spotted “Wondershare Passport” or “WsAppService.exe” chilling in your Task Manager, consuming resources, and you’re scratching your head wondering what it is, you’re not alone. It’s a common situation, and thankfully, you can get a handle on it. To really get a grip on Wondershare Passport, you should understand that it’s not a standalone app you actively open, but rather a background service vital to many Wondershare applications.

So, let’s cut to the chase. Wondershare Passport, often appearing as WsAppService.exe or WsAppService3.exe in your system processes, is actually a core component of the Wondershare App Framework or Wondershare Studio software. Think of it as a central nervous system for all your Wondershare programs, handling things like software updates, license management, and user authentication. If you’ve ever installed popular tools like Filmora, Dr. Fone, PDFelement, Recoverit, or UniConverter, then you’ve likely welcomed Wondershare Passport onto your system without even realizing it.

While it’s designed to make your experience with Wondershare products smoother by keeping them updated and licensed, it has a bit of a reputation. Many users, myself included, have noticed it hogging CPU or memory, even when no Wondershare app is actively running. And getting rid of it isn’t always as simple as hitting ‘uninstall.’ The good news is, armed with the right info, you can manage or completely remove it if it’s causing headaches. We’ll walk through exactly how to do that, whether you’re a Windows warrior or a Mac maestro.

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Table of Contents

What Exactly Is Wondershare Passport? aka WsAppService.exe/WsAppService3.exe

You know how some software companies have these behind-the-scenes services that make their ecosystem tick? Wondershare Passport is pretty much that for Wondershare. It’s not a program you’ll see with its own shiny icon on your desktop or in your Start menu. Instead, it’s a background process that lives within the larger Wondershare App Framework.

Its main job is to act as a central hub for various Wondershare applications. This includes crucial tasks like:

  • Managing Updates: It checks for, downloads, and installs updates for your Wondershare software, ensuring you’re always running the latest version with the newest features and security fixes.
  • User Authentication: It helps verify your Wondershare ID and product licenses, so you can access all the premium features you’ve paid for.
  • Facilitating Data Transfer: In some cases, it might help with data exchange between your installed Wondershare applications and their servers.

Basically, if you’re using any of Wondershare’s popular tools—like their video editor Filmora, data recovery specialist Recoverit, or PDF editor PDFelement—this “Passport” service is usually running to support them. It’s supposed to streamline things, making sure your software stays current and properly licensed.

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Why You’re Seeing Wondershare Passport on Your System

So, how did this “Passport” end up on your computer if you didn’t specifically download something called “Wondershare Passport”? Well, it’s pretty straightforward: Wondershare Helper: O Que É e Como Lidar Com Isso (De Verdade!)

  • Bundled Installation: Most of the time, Wondershare Passport gets installed automatically as a component when you install any major Wondershare software. You might have downloaded Filmora or Dr. Fone, and the App Framework, including this Passport service, came along for the ride. It’s a dependency for those programs to function correctly.
  • Background Operation: Once installed, it’s designed to run silently in the background, often starting up with your operating system. This allows it to perform its tasks, like checking for updates, without you having to manually open it.
  • Hidden Presence: Because it operates in the background, you won’t see a window for it. You typically only spot it if you open your Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on Mac and notice processes like WsAppService.exe, WsAppService3.exe, or Wondershare Passport listed there.
  • Potential for Unwanted Bundles: In some instances, users have reported that Wondershare-related components, including the “Helper” tool or parts of the App Framework, might get installed even when other software is being installed, sometimes without very clear disclosure. This can be frustrating if you didn’t intentionally opt for Wondershare products.

The key takeaway here is that if you’ve got Wondershare software, Wondershare Passport is usually an expected, if sometimes resource-intensive, part of the package.

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Wondershare Passport vs. Wondershare ID: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to get these two terms mixed up because they sound so similar and are both related to Wondershare. But they actually serve different purposes:

  • Wondershare Passport WsAppService.exe/WsAppService3.exe: This is the background service or framework we’ve been talking about. It’s the technical component that runs on your computer, managing updates, licenses, and other operational aspects for your Wondershare applications. You don’t “log in” to Wondershare Passport directly. it just runs as a system process.
  • Wondershare ID: This is your personal user account. It’s what you create and log into to manage your purchases, track product activation status, and access various Wondershare services and communities, like the Filmora Effects Store. Your Wondershare ID is typically an email address and password that you use to register and activate your software.

So, while Wondershare Passport works behind the scenes on your machine to support the software, your Wondershare ID is your personal key to the larger Wondershare ecosystem and managing your interaction with their products. You can have a Wondershare ID without having any Wondershare software installed, and thus, no Wondershare Passport process running.

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The Big Question: Is Wondershare Passport Safe? And Why Users Are Concerned

When you see an unfamiliar process consuming resources, it’s natural to wonder, “Is this safe?” Let’s break down the general consensus around Wondershare Passport.

First off, Wondershare itself is a legitimate software company with a range of popular products used by millions across 150 countries. Their core applications, like Filmora and Recoverit, are widely used for video editing, data recovery, and other utilities. So, in that sense, Wondershare Passport is part of software from a known developer.

However, the “safety” perception often takes a hit because of how Wondershare Passport WsAppService.exe sometimes behaves. Here’s why users, myself included, raise an eyebrow:

  • High CPU/Memory Usage: This is probably the most common complaint you’ll hear. Many users on forums like Reddit and other tech sites report that WsAppService.exe can sometimes consume a significant amount of CPU or memory in Task Manager, even when no Wondershare application is actively being used. One user on a tech forum mentioned their PC running much slower, only to find WsAppService.exe using over 75% of memory. This can severely impact your computer’s performance, turning a smooth experience into a sluggish one.
  • Persistence After Uninstall: This is another major pain point. People often find that even after uninstalling a Wondershare product, components like WsAppService.exe remain running in the background. It’s frustrating to think you’ve removed a program only to find its remnants still consuming resources or causing pop-ups. This incomplete uninstallation process is a big reason for user distrust, as it feels intrusive and hard to fully get rid of. Some Reddit users describe having to manually “scrub through the registry” to delete every instance of “Wondershare” after an uninstall.
  • Bundled Software Concerns: There are reports suggesting that some Wondershare components might get installed inadvertently with other software, or that the “Wondershare Helper” tool might be left behind and display popup ads. While Wondershare products are legitimate, these practices can feel a bit aggressive and can make users wary of unwanted software on their systems.
  • “Wondershare Passport has stopped working” Errors: Some users encounter error messages, indicating that the process has crashed or isn’t working correctly. This can lead to system instability or interfere with the functionality of their Wondershare applications.
  • Accusations of Spying Unproven: While there haven’t been any proven reports, some older discussions have included accusations of the Wondershare application framework service spying on users or stealing credentials. It’s important to stress that these are unproven accusations, but they contribute to the general unease some users feel about the persistent background process.

In essence, while Wondershare Passport isn’t typically considered malware in the traditional sense like a virus designed to harm your system or steal data maliciously, its sometimes aggressive resource consumption, persistent background presence, and tricky uninstallation process lead many users to perceive it as unwanted bloatware or potentially intrusive software. The company’s reputation has unfortunately been affected by these user experiences, with some users even strongly recommending against installing any Wondershare products due to these issues.

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Wondershare Passport in Task Manager: Taking Back Control Windows 10/11

If you’re noticing your PC slowing down and you spot “Wondershare Passport” or WsAppService.exe hogging resources in your Task Manager, here’s how you can take some immediate action and then manage its behavior.

Identifying the Culprit

First things first, let’s confirm you’ve found the right process:

  1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc the easiest way! or Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select “Task Manager.”
  2. Look in the “Processes” Tab: You’ll usually find WsAppService.exe or Wondershare Passport listed under “Background processes.” Sometimes it might be called “Wondershare AppService”. You might also see WsAppService3.exe. Pay attention to the CPU and Memory columns to see if it’s indeed consuming a lot of resources.

Temporarily Ending the Task

For a quick fix to free up resources, you can end the process:

  1. Select the Process: In Task Manager, find WsAppService.exe or Wondershare Passport.
  2. End Task: Right-click on it and select “End task“.

Keep in mind, this is usually a temporary solution. The process might restart on its own, especially if you open another Wondershare application or after you reboot your system.

Disabling Startup Processes

To prevent Wondershare Passport from launching automatically with Windows, you can try disabling it at startup: Wondershare Player on Windows 10: Your Ultimate Guide to Seamless Playback

  1. Open Task Manager again Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Go to the “Startup” Tab: Look for any entries related to “Wondershare,” “WsAppService,” or “Wondershare App Framework.”
  3. Disable the Entry: Select the relevant Wondershare entry, then click the “Disable” button at the bottom right.

This step helps prevent it from automatically loading, but it won’t stop it from running if a Wondershare application you launch requires it.

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Managing Wondershare Passport on Mac

Mac users can also encounter Wondershare Passport and its associated processes. While the executable names might differ slightly or the system interface is different, the underlying functions and common issues are quite similar.

Locating and Quitting Processes

On a Mac, you’ll use Activity Monitor instead of Task Manager:

  1. Open Activity Monitor: You can find it in Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor, or simply search for it using Spotlight Cmd + Space, then type “Activity Monitor”.
  2. Check the “CPU” and “Memory” Tabs: Look for processes named Wondershare Passport, WsAppService, or anything starting with “Wondershare” in the process list. You might see names like com.wondershare.mac-waf.
  3. Quit the Process: If you find a resource-hogging Wondershare process, select it, then click the “X” icon in the toolbar. You’ll usually be prompted to “Quit” or “Force Quit.” Choose “Force Quit” if “Quit” doesn’t work.

Just like on Windows, quitting the process is a temporary measure. It might restart if a Wondershare app needs it, or after a system reboot. Unlocking Your Documents: The Ultimate Wondershare PDFelement OCR Download Guide

Uninstalling Wondershare Applications on Mac

The most effective way to prevent Wondershare Passport from running on your Mac is to uninstall any Wondershare applications you no longer use.

  1. Drag to Trash: For most Mac applications, you can simply drag the application from your Applications folder to the Trash.
  2. Empty Trash: Right-click on the Trash icon and select “Empty Trash.”
  3. Check for Leftovers: Even after dragging to the Trash, Wondershare applications, like on Windows, can leave behind support files and preference files. You might need to manually search in locations like ~/Library/Application Support/, ~/Library/Preferences/, and /Library/Application Support/ for any folders or files related to Wondershare and delete them. This requires caution, so only delete files if you are absolutely sure they belong to Wondershare and are safe to remove.

For a more thorough cleanup on Mac, some users opt for third-party uninstaller tools that are designed to remove all associated files, but always proceed with caution and research any tool before using it.

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How to Completely Remove Wondershare Passport The Full Cleanup

If you’ve decided that Wondershare Passport is just not for you, especially if you’re not using any Wondershare products anymore, a simple uninstall might not be enough. Many users report that Wondershare applications tend to leave behind stubborn files and registry entries. Here’s how to perform a more thorough cleanup.

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  • Close all Wondershare applications.
  • Back up your registry Windows only: If you’re going to edit the registry, it’s always a good idea to back it up first. In Registry Editor, go to File > Export and save a copy.

1. Uninstalling Main Wondershare Applications Windows & Mac

This is your first step. It’s the standard way to remove any software, and it gets rid of the main program files.

For Windows 10/11:

  1. Open Settings: Right-click the Start button and choose “Settings,” then go to “Apps” > “Apps & features.”
  2. Find Wondershare Apps: Scroll through the list and look for any Wondershare application you have installed e.g., Filmora, Recoverit, PDFelement, UniConverter.
  3. Uninstall: Click on the Wondershare application, then click “Uninstall“. Follow any on-screen prompts.
  4. Repeat for all Wondershare apps: Make sure to uninstall every single Wondershare program listed.

If you don’t see the application listed here, or the uninstallation fails with an error like “Wondershare AppService has stopped working”, you might need to manually run an uninstaller. Navigate to C:\Program Files x86\Wondershare\WAF\ or C:\Program Files x86\Wondershare\WAF3\ and look for an unins000.exe file. Double-click it to run the uninstaller.

For Mac:

  1. Drag to Trash: Open your Applications folder, find any Wondershare apps, and drag them to the Trash.
  2. Empty Trash: Right-click the Trash icon and select “Empty Trash.”

2. Dealing with Lingering Processes and Folders

After the standard uninstall, Wondershare often leaves folders behind. You’ll want to manually delete these to ensure the WsAppService isn’t lurking.

For Windows:

  1. Kill Wondershare Passport Process if still running: Open Task Manager Ctrl + Shift + Esc. In the “Processes” tab, find WsAppService.exe or Wondershare Passport. Right-click and “End task.” Also, check the “Services” tab for WsAppService.exe and stop it there if running.

  2. Delete Program Files Folder: Filmora Not Responding? Here’s How to Fix It (And Get Back to Editing!)

    • Open File Explorer.
    • Navigate to C:\Program Files x86\.
    • Look for a folder named “Wondershare” and delete it. You might need administrator permissions.
  3. Check Common Files: Also, check C:\Program Files\Common Files\ for any “Wondershare” folders and delete them.

  4. Check User Data Folders: Sometimes data is left in user-specific folders.

    • Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
    • Type %appdata% and press Enter. Look for “Wondershare” folders and delete them.
    • Repeat with %localappdata% and %programdata%.
  5. Delete Application Support Files: Open Finder, then click “Go” in the menu bar, hold down the Option key, and select “Library.”

  6. Inside the Library folder, look for folders related to Wondershare in:
    * Application Support
    * Caches
    * Preferences
    * LaunchAgents
    * LaunchDaemons
    * Delete any folders or files associated with Wondershare. Be careful not to delete system files.

3. Cleaning the Registry Windows Only – Advanced Users!

This step is critical for a complete cleanup, as Wondershare is known for leaving registry entries that can cause issues or even trigger unwanted pop-ups. Proceed with extreme caution, as incorrect registry edits can harm your system. Filmora Says “Not Enough Space in the Specified Output Directory”? Here’s How to Fix It!

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Search for “Wondershare”:
    • In Registry Editor, click on Edit > Find... or press Ctrl + F.
    • Type “Wondershare” and click “Find Next.”
  3. Delete Entries: For each entry found, right-click on it and select “Delete.”
    • Crucially, press F3 to find the next instance and repeat the deletion process until no more “Wondershare” entries are found. This can take some time, as there might be many.
    • Be extra careful to only delete entries directly related to Wondershare. If you’re unsure, leave it.
  4. Restart Your System: After you’ve finished scrubbing the registry and deleting folders, restart your computer.

4. Disable Processes via Autoruns Advanced Windows Users

For those stubborn background processes, a tool like Microsoft’s Autoruns can give you more control.

  1. Download Autoruns: Get it from the official Microsoft Sysinternals website.
  2. Run Autoruns as Administrator.
  3. Search for Wondershare: Use the search function within Autoruns magnifying glass icon or Ctrl + F and type “Wondershare.”
  4. Uncheck or Delete: You’ll see various startup entries. Carefully uncheck or delete any entries clearly associated with Wondershare AppService or Wondershare Passport.

5. Using Anti-malware or Optimization Software Optional

While Wondershare Passport isn’t typically malware, its aggressive behavior sometimes warrants a scan. Some users recommend running a reputable anti-malware scan like Malwarebytes or Avast after the manual cleanup to catch any lingering, potentially unwanted components. Additionally, system optimization tools might help identify and disable remnants, but manually following the steps above is often more effective for this specific issue.

By following these steps, you should be able to thoroughly remove Wondershare Passport and its associated components from your system, reclaiming your resources and peace of mind.

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Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Even with the best intentions, dealing with Wondershare Passport can sometimes throw a curveball. Here are some common issues and quick troubleshooting tips. Wondershare Not Responding? Here’s How to Fix It!

High CPU/Memory Usage

This is, by far, the most frequent complaint. You’re doing something simple, and suddenly your fan kicks on, and your system slows down.

  • Check Task Manager/Activity Monitor First: Always confirm WsAppService.exe or Wondershare Passport is the culprit. Sometimes another program is actually causing the slowdown.
  • End the Task Temporarily: As covered earlier, killing the process in Task Manager Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Activity Monitor can provide immediate relief.
  • Disable from Startup: Prevent it from automatically launching by disabling it in Windows Task Manager’s “Startup” tab or by using a tool like Autoruns.
  • Update Wondershare Software: Ironically, sometimes an outdated version of the App Framework can cause issues. If you still use Wondershare products, ensure they are all updated to their latest versions.
  • Consider Full Uninstall: If it’s a persistent problem and you don’t heavily rely on Wondershare software, a complete removal is often the most effective solution.

“Wondershare Passport has stopped working” Errors

Getting error messages like this can be frustrating and interrupt your workflow.

  • Restart Your Computer: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches.
  • Update Wondershare Products: Ensure all your Wondershare applications are up to date. Sometimes, conflicts arise from old versions of the framework trying to work with newer applications.
  • Reinstall Affected Wondershare Software: If a specific Wondershare application is frequently causing these errors, try uninstalling just that application following the general uninstall steps and then reinstalling it fresh. This can sometimes fix corrupt files within the installation.
  • Check for Conflicts: Rarely, other software might conflict with Wondershare Passport. If you’ve recently installed new software, try temporarily disabling it to see if the issue resolves.

Incomplete Uninstallation

This is a classic. You think you’ve uninstalled a Wondershare app, but you still see WsAppService.exe in your processes, or notice lingering folders and registry entries.

  • Manual Deletion is Key: The steps outlined in the “How to Completely Remove Wondershare Passport” section are crucial here. You must go beyond the standard uninstall and manually delete remaining folders and clean the registry.
  • Use the unins000.exe: If the regular uninstall doesn’t work, hunt down the specific uninstaller file in the Wondershare installation directory.
  • Restart Multiple Times: Sometimes, lingering processes only get fully removed after one or more system restarts.

“Wondershare Passport” is a different process name e.g., Ifysoft Passport

Occasionally, users might see similar “Passport” processes from other developers, especially after trying mobile recovery software.

  • Verify the Developer: Always check the “Publisher” column in Task Manager or inspect file properties to confirm it’s genuinely from Wondershare. If it’s from another developer, it’s a separate issue.
  • Research Unfamiliar Processes: If you see something you don’t recognize, Google the exact process name to understand its origin and purpose.

By being diligent with these troubleshooting steps, you can usually overcome the common headaches associated with Wondershare Passport and maintain a healthier, more responsive computer. Wondershare Native Push: What It Is, Why You Have It, and How to Manage It

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The Wondershare Ecosystem: When Passport is Actually Useful

Now, after all that talk about uninstalling and managing, it’s fair to ask: is Wondershare Passport ever good? Well, yes, it actually serves a purpose if you’re an active user of the Wondershare suite of tools.

If you regularly use multiple Wondershare products, say Filmora for video editing, Recoverit for data recovery, and PDFelement for document tasks, then Wondershare Passport or rather, the Wondershare App Framework it’s part of can genuinely streamline your experience.

Here’s where it shines for dedicated users:

  • Streamlined Updates: Instead of individually checking for updates for each Wondershare program, the App Framework manages this centrally. It ensures all your Wondershare software is kept up-to-date with the latest features, performance enhancements, and crucial security patches. This saves you time and effort, and helps maintain the stability of your tools.
  • Centralized License Management: For users with multiple Wondershare licenses, Wondershare Passport acts as a hub for validating your Wondershare ID and ensuring all your products are correctly activated. This means fewer individual license keys to manage and a smoother experience across your purchased software.
  • Unified Service Integration: The framework often allows for better integration between different Wondershare products. This can lead to more cohesive workflows, where, for instance, a project started in one app might seamlessly transition to another, or shared assets are easily accessible.
  • Access to the Wondershare Ecosystem: Through the framework, you might get quicker access to their online resources, effect stores like the Filmora Effects Store, and other services tied to your Wondershare ID.

So, for users who are deeply embedded in the Wondershare ecosystem and actively use several of their applications, Wondershare Passport can indeed offer a level of convenience and efficiency. It’s when users have only one app, use it infrequently, or completely uninstall their Wondershare software that the background process often becomes more of a nuisance than a help. Unleashing Creativity: Your Ultimate Guide to Wondershare AI Music in Filmora

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wondershare Passport in Task Manager?

Wondershare Passport, often appearing as WsAppService.exe or WsAppService3.exe, is a background process that’s part of the Wondershare App Framework. It runs on your computer to manage updates, license validation, and user authentication for various Wondershare software products like Filmora, Dr. Fone, and Recoverit. It’s not a standalone application you open but rather a support service for other Wondershare programs.

Is Wondershare Passport a virus or malware?

No, Wondershare Passport is generally not considered a virus or malicious software in the traditional sense. It’s a legitimate component from a known software company, Wondershare. However, many users report it causing high CPU or memory usage and being difficult to remove completely, even after uninstalling Wondershare applications. This behavior leads some users to perceive it as bloatware or intrusive, but it’s not typically classified as a virus.

Why is Wondershare Passport using so much CPU/memory?

High resource consumption by Wondershare Passport is a common complaint. This can happen for several reasons, including: actively checking for updates, conflicts with other software, or simply being an inefficient background process. Sometimes, an outdated version of the App Framework itself can contribute to these issues. If you notice this, temporarily ending the task in Task Manager or Activity Monitor can provide immediate relief, but a full uninstall might be necessary for a permanent fix if you don’t need Wondershare products anymore.

How do I stop Wondershare Passport from running?

To stop Wondershare Passport from running, you have a few options: you can temporarily end the WsAppService.exe or Wondershare Passport task in your Task Manager Windows or Activity Monitor Mac. For a more lasting solution, you can disable it from launching at startup via the Task Manager’s “Startup” tab on Windows. The most effective way to prevent it from running at all is to completely uninstall all Wondershare applications from your system and then manually clean up any lingering files and registry entries. Wondershare Mockitt Offline: Can You Design Without the Internet?

Can I uninstall Wondershare Passport without affecting my other Wondershare products?

Uninstalling the core Wondershare Passport App Framework components will likely affect the functionality of your installed Wondershare products. These components are crucial for updates, licensing, and sometimes the core operation of programs like Filmora or Recoverit. If you want to keep using Wondershare applications, it’s generally not recommended to remove Wondershare Passport entirely. Instead, you might try disabling it from startup or only ending the process when it causes performance issues. If you decide to completely remove Wondershare Passport, be aware that your other Wondershare software might stop working correctly or require a reinstallation of the framework.

What is the difference between Wondershare Passport and Wondershare ID?

Wondershare Passport refers to the background service or framework like WsAppService.exe that runs on your computer to manage updates, licenses, and other technical aspects for Wondershare software. On the other hand, Wondershare ID is your personal user account email and password that you use to log in, manage your product purchases, track activation status, and access various Wondershare online services. One is a system process, and the other is your personal account.

How do I completely remove all traces of Wondershare from my computer?

Completely removing all traces of Wondershare requires more than just a standard uninstall. First, uninstall all Wondershare applications via your operating system’s “Apps & features” Windows or by dragging to Trash Mac. Then, you’ll need to manually delete any remaining Wondershare program folders, often found in C:\Program Files x86\ or relevant Library folders on Mac. On Windows, advanced users should also carefully clean up residual registry entries related to “Wondershare” using regedit. Restarting your computer after these steps is recommended.

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