Computer Hardware

Runtime Broker High CPU Usage

Runtime Broker High CPU Usage is a common issue that many computer users experience. It can be frustrating and disruptive, causing your computer to slow down and become unresponsive. But did you know that Runtime Broker is actually a legitimate Windows process that helps manage app permissions? While it's meant to improve your computer's performance and security, sometimes it can consume an excessive amount of CPU resources, leading to high usage and performance issues.

Understanding the underlying causes of Runtime Broker High CPU Usage is crucial for resolving the problem. One possible reason is that certain apps are misbehaving or running in the background, causing Runtime Broker to work overtime. Another factor could be outdated device drivers or software conflicts. It's essential to keep your system and apps up to date to prevent such issues. To address Runtime Broker High CPU Usage, you can try closing unnecessary apps, updating drivers and software, or adjusting your computer's power settings. Taking these steps can help alleviate the strain on your CPU and restore smoother performance to your computer.




Understanding Runtime Broker High CPU Usage

Runtime Broker is a background process in the Windows operating system that manages app permissions and ensures the security of user data. However, in some instances, users may encounter issues where the Runtime Broker process consumes a high amount of CPU resources, leading to system slowdowns and reduced performance. In this article, we will explore the causes of Runtime Broker high CPU usage and discuss potential solutions to resolve this issue.

Why Does Runtime Broker Consume High CPU Resources?

1. App Permissions and Background Tasks:

The primary role of Runtime Broker is to manage app permissions, which includes determining the access rights for applications to resources like contacts, location, and more. When an application requires access to certain resources, Runtime Broker ensures that the permissions are correctly allocated.

Additionally, Runtime Broker also handles background tasks for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. These background tasks could include activities such as receiving notifications, syncing data, or fetching updates. These tasks can sometimes consume higher CPU resources, causing the Runtime Broker process to utilize more CPU power.

  • 2. Live Tiles and Notifications:

Another factor contributing to high CPU usage by Runtime Broker is the Live Tiles feature, where apps display real-time updates on the Windows Start menu. These live tiles require Runtime Broker to constantly monitor and update the tile content, which can result in increased CPU consumption. Similarly, if an app generates frequent notifications, it can also contribute to higher CPU usage.

How to Fix Runtime Broker High CPU Usage?

1. Disable Live Tiles and Notifications:

If your system experiences significant Runtime Broker high CPU usage due to constant updates and notifications, you can try disabling live tiles and reducing the frequency of notifications.

To disable live tiles:

  • Right-click on the live tile that consumes excessive CPU resources.
  • Select "More" and choose "Turn Live Tile Off."

To adjust notification settings:

  • Go to "Settings" and click on "System."
  • Select "Notifications & Actions" and customize the notification settings according to your preference.

2. Check App Permissions and Background Tasks

Incorrectly assigned or damaged app permissions can also result in Runtime Broker high CPU usage. To resolve this:

1. Check app permissions:

To review and modify app permissions:

  • Go to "Settings" and click on "Privacy."
  • Choose the desired category, such as "Camera" or "Location," and ensure that the permissions are correctly configured for each app.

2. Disable unnecessary background tasks:

To manage background tasks:

  • Go to "Settings" and click on "Privacy."
  • Select "Background Apps."
  • Disable background tasks for applications that you do not require to run in the background.

3. Perform a System Scan and Update

Runtime Broker high CPU usage can also be caused by malware infections or outdated system components. To address this:

1. Run an antivirus scan:

Perform a thorough scan using a reliable antivirus software to detect and remove any potential malware or viruses.

2. Update Windows and drivers:

Ensure that your Windows operating system and drivers are up-to-date. Regularly check for Windows updates and install the latest versions to fix any bugs or vulnerabilities that could be contributing to Runtime Broker high CPU usage.

4. Reset or Reinstall Problematic Apps

If a specific app is consistently causing Runtime Broker high CPU usage, you can try resetting or reinstalling that app:

1. Reset an app:

To reset an app:

  • Go to "Settings" and click on "Apps."
  • Select the problematic app and click on "Advanced Options."
  • Click on "Reset" to reset the app's settings to default.

2. Reinstall an app:

To reinstall an app:

  • Go to "Settings" and click on "Apps."
  • Select the problematic app and click on "Uninstall."
  • Visit the official app store to download and reinstall the app.

Addressing Runtime Broker High CPU Usage

Runtime Broker high CPU usage can significantly impact system performance, causing slow response times, lag, and reduced overall efficiency. By understanding the potential causes of this issue and implementing the appropriate solutions, users can effectively address Runtime Broker high CPU usage and restore optimal system performance.


Runtime Broker High CPU Usage

Understanding Runtime Broker High CPU Usage

Runtime Broker is a Windows process that manages permissions for apps downloaded from the Windows Store. However, sometimes this process can consume a significant amount of CPU resources, resulting in high CPU usage. This can lead to slow performance and decreased system responsiveness.

There can be several reasons for Runtime Broker high CPU usage, including:

  • Background apps running constantly and requesting permissions
  • Incompatible or outdated apps
  • Corrupted system files
  • Malware or virus infections

To fix Runtime Broker high CPU usage, you can try the following solutions:

  • Disable background apps
  • Update or uninstall incompatible or outdated apps
  • Perform a system file check to fix corrupted files
  • Scan your computer for malware or viruses

By addressing the underlying causes and implementing these solutions, you can effectively reduce Runtime Broker high CPU usage and improve the overall performance of your system.


Key Takeaways:

  • Runtime Broker is a Windows process that manages permissions for apps from the Microsoft Store.
  • If Runtime Broker is using a high amount of CPU, it can slow down your computer.
  • High CPU usage by Runtime Broker can be caused by running multiple apps or having too many open tabs in your web browser.
  • You can reduce Runtime Broker's CPU usage by closing unnecessary apps and tabs.
  • If the issue persists, you can try resetting the Windows Store cache or disabling notifications for certain apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about runtime broker high CPU usage:

1. What is Runtime Broker?

Runtime Broker is a Windows system process that manages permissions for apps from the Microsoft Store. It ensures that apps have only the necessary permissions to perform their functions and enhances the security of your system.

However, in some cases, Runtime Broker can utilize a high amount of CPU resources, leading to slower performance and increased power consumption on your device.

2. What causes high CPU usage by Runtime Broker?

There are a few potential causes for high CPU usage by Runtime Broker:

- Overloaded permissions: If there are too many apps with unnecessary permissions, Runtime Broker may consume more CPU resources while managing those permissions.

- Faulty apps: Some apps from the Microsoft Store may contain bugs or errors that cause Runtime Broker to use excessive CPU.

3. How can I identify if Runtime Broker is causing high CPU usage?

You can use the Task Manager to identify if Runtime Broker is causing high CPU usage:

- Right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager".

- In the "Processes" or "Details" tab, look for "Runtime Broker".

- If the CPU usage for Runtime Broker is consistently high, it may be the cause of your performance issues.

4. How can I reduce high CPU usage by Runtime Broker?

To reduce high CPU usage by Runtime Broker, you can try the following solutions:

- Close unnecessary apps: Close any apps that you are not currently using to reduce the load on Runtime Broker.

- Update apps: Make sure all your apps from the Microsoft Store are up to date, as older versions may have performance issues.

- Disable background apps: Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and disable unnecessary apps from running in the background.

5. Should I disable Runtime Broker?

Disabling Runtime Broker is not recommended, as it is an important system process for managing app permissions and ensuring the security of your system. However, if you are experiencing persistent high CPU usage and have tried other solutions without success, you can consider disabling it as a last resort. Keep in mind that disabling Runtime Broker may limit the functionality of some Microsoft Store apps.



To conclude, high CPU usage caused by Runtime Broker can be frustrating and impact the performance of your computer. It is important to understand the underlying reasons for this issue and take appropriate actions to mitigate it.

To address Runtime Broker high CPU usage, you can try disabling certain system features that may be contributing to the problem. Additionally, performing a thorough malware scan and updating your system drivers can also help in resolving this issue.


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