When you delve into the Task Manager on your Windows computer, you are greeted by a myriad of processes quietly humming away in the background. Among these is the WidgetService.exe, which manages the Widgets you interact with, and the Runtime Broker, a crucial component tied to the universal apps residing on your device.
Typically, the Runtime Broker operates unobtrusively, but there are moments when it spikes in CPU usage, particularly upon launching an app from the Microsoft Store. For users with high-end systems, this surge may go unnoticed, yet those on lower-end devices might experience a brief lag in performance. The temptation to disable the Runtime Broker may arise during these instances, but such a move is ill-advised for several compelling reasons.
What is Runtime Broker?
Launched alongside Windows 8 in 2012, the Windows Store—now known as the Microsoft Store—serves as a digital marketplace for apps, games, and more. To ensure that downloaded applications comply with their stated permissions, Microsoft integrated the Runtime Broker as a core process within Windows. This process acts as a mediator, verifying that any media-related app you open has declared the necessary permissions for accessing various device areas, such as storage.
Upon booting your computer, the Runtime Broker begins its work, consuming minimal CPU resources. However, once a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app is initiated, you may observe a notable uptick in CPU usage—often around 30%—as it checks the app’s permissions. Once this verification is complete, the CPU usage typically returns to normal levels, reflecting the process’s intended functionality.
Why is Runtime Broker using so much CPU?
Occasionally, you may notice the Runtime Broker continuing to draw significant CPU resources even after closing a UWP app. Such occurrences are usually temporary glitches, easily resolved by terminating the Runtime Broker process via the Task Manager. Simply right-click on Runtime Broker and select End Task to restore normalcy.
If this high CPU usage recurs with a specific app, it may indicate an underlying issue with that application. In such cases, you have a couple of options:
- If the app isn’t essential, consider uninstalling it to eliminate the problem.
- If the app is important, check for updates by opening the Microsoft Store, clicking the Downloads icon, and downloading any available updates for the problematic UWP app.
For users on Windows 10, an additional step may help mitigate Runtime Broker’s resource consumption: navigate to Settings > System > Notifications & Actions and disable the option for Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.
Is it safe to disable Runtime Broker?
While it is technically possible to disable Runtime Broker by modifying the registry, this action is strongly discouraged. As an official Windows component, disabling it could destabilize your system and compromise your security and privacy when interacting with UWP apps. The Runtime Broker plays a vital role in safeguarding your interactions with these applications.
Moreover, given its importance, the Runtime Broker process can be a target for malicious entities seeking to exploit it. To ensure that the legitimate Runtime Broker is running, right-click the process in the Task Manager and select Open file location. This should direct you to the C:WindowsSystem32 directory. If a different location appears, it may indicate a virus masquerading as the Runtime Broker. To verify, you can upload the suspicious file to the Virustotal website for analysis. If deemed malicious, utilize an antivirus program to remove the threat from your system.
