Fix Runtime Broker High CPU usage usage windows 11/10

Runtime Broker is an essential system process that helps manage app permissions on your PC. It runs in the background and checks whether apps that are running have the necessary permissions, like access to your files or webcam. Normally, it shouldn’t consume much CPU or memory, typically only using a few megabytes of RAM. However, sometimes you may notice Runtime Broker High CPU usage leading to PC performance slowdown. Users report Runtime Broker 100 CPU usage after a recent Windows update. In this article, we’ll explore the common reason behind this and solutions to fix Runtime Broker’s high CPU usage problem.

Why Runtime Broker Causes of High CPU Usage

According to Microsoft, Windows 11 High CPU usage problems are typically caused by incompatible or defective applications on your PC.

• Background processes: Certain background processes or tasks, such as live tiles, notifications, or updating apps, can trigger excessive CPU usage by Runtime Broker.
• Privacy settings: Permissions related to privacy settings, such as location services or microphone access, can also cause the Runtime Broker to consume more CPU if these settings are frequently accessed or misconfigured.
• Windows updates: Sometimes, a recent Windows update might cause Runtime Broker to behave abnormally, leading to higher CPU usage.

Disable Background Apps

Background apps often contribute to high CPU usage by continuously running in the background and interacting with Runtime Broker.

How to Disable Background Apps:

• Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Privacy.
• Scroll down to Background apps under the “App permissions” section.
• Toggle off Let apps run in the background or individually turn off apps you don’t need running in the background.

Turn Off Tips, Tricks, and Suggestions

Windows occasionally provides tips and suggestions, which can cause Runtime Broker to spike in CPU usage.

• Open Settings (Win + I) and go to System > Notifications & actions.
• Scroll down and uncheck Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.

Disable Live Tiles on Start Menu

Live tiles are dynamic and update constantly, which can cause increased CPU usage by Runtime Broker.

• Open the Start Menu.
• Right-click on any live tile, such as Weather or News.
• Select Turn live tile off from the context menu.

Adjust Privacy Settings

Privacy-related settings that are accessed frequently can cause Runtime Broker to use more CPU.

• Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Privacy.
• Navigate through different privacy categories such as Location, Camera, and Microphone.
• Turn off permissions for apps that you don’t want to access these features.

Check for Problematic Apps

Sometimes, specific apps can cause Runtime Broker to use more CPU than normal. This is often the case with newly installed or recently updated apps.

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and look at the Processes tab.
• Identify any apps with high CPU usage alongside Runtime Broker.
• If an app is consistently consuming high resources, consider uninstalling it:
  • Open Settings (Win + I) > Apps > Apps & features.
  • Find the app and click Uninstall.

Update Windows

Sometimes, high CPU usage by Runtime Broker can be due to bugs that have been addressed in recent Windows updates.

• Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
• Restart your PC after the updates are installed to see if the issue is resolved.

Scan for Malware

Malware or viruses can sometimes disguise themselves as system processes, including Runtime Broker, and cause high CPU usage.

• Open Windows Security by typing it into the search bar.
• Go to Virus & Threat Protection and click on Quick scan.
• For a more thorough scan, select Full Scan.

End Runtime Broker Process Temporarily

If you need a quick fix to reduce CPU usage, you can end the Runtime Broker process temporarily. However, this is not a permanent solution, as the process will restart when needed.

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
• Find Runtime Broker in the Processes tab.
• Right-click on it and select End task.

Registry Tweak to permanently disable runtime broker

Note: This tweak modifies registry entries to permanently disable runtime brokers on Windows 10. We recommend backup registry database before making any modifications.

Note: Disabling the Runtimeborker didn’t affect your Windows 10 computer. The Runtime Broker isn’t a necessary process.

Press the Windows key + R, type regedit and hit the enter key to open the Windows registry editor. Now navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TimeBroker

Here On the right side of the pane, double click on Start and change the Value data from 3 to 4.

Close the Windows registry editor and reboot your system to take effect the changes. Now on the next start, you didn’t find the Runtime Broker process in the Task Manager. You will not find the Runtime Broker process there as it has been deactivated.

Since the Runtime broker is used to manage apps from Microsoft Store, it is necessary to protect your Windows 10 security and privacy when running those apps.

Check the Runtime Broker is not infected with Virus Malware

If the RuntimeBroker.exe file is located in the System32 folder on your Windows 10 PC (C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe), it is a legitimate Microsoft process. But if it is not available there, it could be malware.

To verify that your RuntimeBroker is not compromised or replaced by any virus Go to Task Manager -> right-click on Runtime Broker process and choose Open File Location. If the file is stored at Windows\System32, you are sure that any virus does not infect your file. If you still want to confirm, then, you can run a Virus scan to verify that.