Runtime Broker is a critical system process in Windows operating systems designed to manage permissions for apps from the Microsoft Store. Introduced in Windows 8 and subsequent versions, including Windows 10 and 11, Runtime Broker plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and stability of the system by overseeing how much system resources (such as CPU and memory) apps from the Store can be used.
When you run apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store on your PC, Runtime Broker acts as an intermediary, checking permissions and handling memory allocation to prevent one app from consuming excessive resources or accessing data it shouldn’t. Enforcing app sandboxing and resource management policies helps maintain system performance and security.
When you check your PC’s Task Manager, you may notice Runtime Broker running in the background. It typically appears as “Runtime Broker” in the list of processes, showing its active role in managing app permissions and resource usage. While it’s normal for Runtime Broker to consume some system resources, excessive usage or issues like high CPU or memory usage may indicate problems with certain apps or system maintenance.
What is Runtime Broker?
Runtime Broker is a system process in Windows operating systems, starting from Windows 8 and continuing into Windows 10 and 11. Its primary function is to manage permissions for apps acquired through the Microsoft Store. When you run a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app on your PC, Runtime Broker acts as a middleman between the app and the system, ensuring that the app has only the permissions it needs and does not exceed its allocated resources.
Can I disable Runtime Broker, which is causing high CPU usage?
To reduce Runtime Broker’s high CPU usage, you can take several steps to manage its impact on your system.
End runtime broker process.
While it’s true that you can manually end the Runtime Broker process from the Task Manager to temporarily free up CPU and RAM usage, it’s important to understand the implications and considerations involved.
If you find that your computer’s performance is being hindered by high CPU or RAM usage attributed to Runtime Broker, there are steps you can take to alleviate the immediate impact. By accessing the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), navigate to the Processes tab where you’ll locate entries labeled “Runtime Broker.” Right-click on each instance and select “End task” to terminate them temporarily. This action frees up resources like CPU and RAM, making them available for other applications and tasks.
Make changes in the Notifications & Actions center
To optimize your Windows system and reduce unnecessary background activities that may consume resources, you can manage notifications effectively. By accessing the “Notifications and Actions” settings through the Start menu search, you gain control over which apps can send notifications.
Uncheck the two options that display “Show me the Windows welcome experience…” and “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.”
After making these changes, restart your computer to ensure the adjustments take effect. This should lead to noticeable reductions in RAM and CPU usage, improving overall system performance.
Restrict the background apps
To minimize CPU and RAM usage on Windows, consider disabling unnecessary background apps. You can access these settings by searching for “Background apps” in the Start menu.
Adjusting these preferences allows you to streamline system resources for improved performance.
Simply click the toggle button next to the names of apps you don’t need to turn them off. There’s no need to worry, as disabling these background apps won’t cause any issues with Windows.
After adjusting these settings, close the window and restart your computer. You’ll notice a decrease in RAM and CPU usage afterward.
Turn off Live Tiles in the Start Menu
To free up system resources, consider disabling Start Menu live tiles, which consume RAM, CPU, and GPU power through the Runtime Broker process.
Right-click on any Live Tile within the Start menu and head to More > Turn Live Tile Off.
You should notice an immediate reduction in CPU and RAM usage when you check Task Manager.
Is Runtime Broker a Virus?
Runtime Broker is a legitimate Windows process designed to manage permissions for apps from the Microsoft Store.
While it is not a virus, malicious software can sometimes disguise itself as system processes with similar names. To verify if Runtime Broker is genuine, you can check its file location from the Task Manager.
Right-click on the Runtime Broker process, select “Open file location,” and it should lead you to the System32 folder within the Windows directory (C:\Windows\System32).
If you locate a RuntimeBroker.exe process in the C:\Windows\System32\ directory, it is legitimate, and there is no cause for concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Runtime Broker?
Runtime Broker is a system process in Windows operating systems, starting with Windows 8. Its primary function is to manage permissions for apps acquired through the Microsoft Store. It helps ensure that apps have only the necessary permissions and do not consume excessive system resources.
Is Runtime Broker a virus?
No, Runtime Broker itself is not a virus. It is a legitimate Windows process for managing UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps’ permissions and resource usage.
Why is Runtime Broker using high CPU or RAM?
Runtime Broker may occasionally use high CPU or RAM if there are issues with specific apps, outdated Windows versions, or system anomalies. Updating Windows and apps, checking for malware, and adjusting system settings can help resolve excessive resource usage.
Can I disable Runtime Broker?
You cannot disable Runtime Broker entirely as it is essential for the proper functioning of UWP apps. However, you can manage its impact by optimizing app permissions, updating Windows, and troubleshooting any issues related to high resource usage.
How can I check if the Runtime Broker is genuine?
You can verify the legitimacy of Runtime Broker by checking its file location. It should be located in the C:\Windows\System32\ directory. Running an antivirus scan is advisable if it is found elsewhere or if you suspect it might be malicious.
Does ending Runtime Broker in Task Manager help?
Ending Runtime Broker in Task Manager temporarily frees up CPU and RAM usage. However, because it is a critical system process, it will restart automatically shortly afterward.
Conclusion
Runtime Broker is a vital system process in Windows that is responsible for managing permissions and resource allocation for apps acquired through the Microsoft Store. While it is not a virus, it can sometimes exhibit high CPU or RAM usage, often due to issues with specific apps or outdated system configurations. Verifying its legitimacy by checking its file location in C:\Windows\System32\ ensures system security. While you cannot disable Runtime Broker permanently, optimizing app permissions, updating Windows, and troubleshooting performance issues can help maintain system stability and efficiency. Understanding these aspects ensures a smoother computing experience with Windows operating systems.
