Running the Runtime Broker process (RuntimeBroker.exe) in Windows 8 was a new feature introduced by Microsoft, and it was maintained in Windows 10.
Runtime Broker is a valid Windows process, although it has a bad reputation for causing sporadic increases in CPU and memory use on computer systems.
Those who monitor the Windows Task Manager, for example, by loading it with the Ctrl-Shift-Esc key combination, or those who use a more robust process monitor such as Process Explorer, may have discovered that the Runtime Broker is not always active.
If you look closely, you may find that it appears to be connected in some way to Universal Windows Applications (those installed from Windows Store, that came with the operating system, and sideloaded apps).
The following guide provides information about the process and suggestions for reducing the high CPU burden that it can create at times, if necessary.
Information about the Runtime Broker
When you open the Windows Task Manager on Windows 10, you will see the Runtime Broker listed under processes and details.
It should be noted that the Windows 10 Task Manager divides processes into two categories: programs and background processes. According to the current status of Runtime Broker, it may be placed under any of the two categories. A Change the view to details and look for it there for a sharper picture.
To maintain a strong connection with Universal Windows Apps, you will notice that Runtime Broker becomes active whenever one of these applications is launched on your device.
Please allow me to supply you with a bit of additional information: The primary function of Runtime Broker is to determine whether or not these programs have declared all of the required permissions and to notify you if this is the case.
The gadget serves as a security intermediary between the app and the data and hardware on your device.
The Runtime Broker is generating a significant increase in CPU burden
As early as 2015, reports began to surface that Runtime Broker was creating significant CPU loads on Windows 10, and as early as 2012, reports surfaced that it was consuming a large amount of RAM on Windows 8.
It may also consume a significant amount of memory, mainly if a defective app is at the basis of the problem:
Runtime Broker is a Windows process that can be seen in Task Manager and is responsible for managing permissions on your computer for apps downloaded from the Windows Store. Running a defective application may lead Runtime Broker to consume up to a gigabit of RAM or more, even though it should only take up a few megabytes of memory.
Quick temporary Fix
If the Runtime Broker Process consumes more than 15 percent of the available RAM, Microsoft recommends termination.
If your RAM consumption is high and your PC is running slowly, an application may be the source of the problem. Using the shortcut, Ctrl-Shift-Esc open Task Manager, and then, on the Processes page, look for how much memory Runtime Broker is using. If it’ uses up more than 15 percent of your available memory, you most likely have a problem with that app. To prevent Runtime Broker from consuming excessive memory, pick Runtime Broker from the list, then click End task to terminate Runtime Broker. Then restart your computer to complete the process.
- To open the Task Manager, press Ctrl-Shift-Esc on your keyboard.
- In the processes list, select Runtime Broker and then select Properties from the context menu.
- End the task by selecting it from the context menu that appears.
- Restart your computer.
As previously said, this is simply a temporary solution, as Runtime Broker will be launched once more the next time a Universal Windows Application is launched.
Fix 2: Disable “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows
Any feature of Windows 10 powered by a Universal Windows Application may result in the execution of the Runtime Broker process.
This explains why you may notice the process thrashing the hard disk, producing a high CPU load, or consuming a large amount of RAM, even though no Windows application was running at the time.
One typical solution is to regularly turn off the application in charge of presenting recommendations and suggestions to Windows users.
- On Windows 10, the Settings application can be accessed by pressing the windows-I key combination.
- Go to System > Notifications & Actions, to find out more.
- Locate “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows” and turn preference off by clicking on it.
Fix 3: An application that is misbehaving
If you observe that a particular program is causing excessive load, memory consumption, or disk usage on Runtime Broker, you can take the following steps:
- If the software is no longer required, simply uninstall it and the problem will be resolved.
- If the app is absolutely necessary, make sure it is up to date. Check whether an update is available, and if so, download and install it to see if it resolves the problem.
- If this is not the case, try uninstalling the application and reinstalling and again restart your computer.
Fix 4: Limit the number of applications that can run in the background.
Some applications may be running in the background without your knowledge. This means that they will continue to move forward even if they are not in the foreground.
The following are some methods for controlling the behavior:
- To open the Settings application, press the Windows-I key combination.
- Select Privacy > Background Apps from the drop-down menu.
- Any application that you do not wish to run in the background can be turned off by selecting it from the Applications menu.
Features such as the ability to send notifications or stay up to date may be removed due to this.
Other fixes
If you explore the Internet for solutions to Runtime Broker problems, you will find plenty of queries for resolving the issue.
- change the local screen background, select Picture instead than Windows Spotlight (which updates the background image on a regular basis). Personalization > Lock Screen is located in the Settings application’s Personalization section.
- P2P update functionality can be turned off in the Settings menu under Update & Security > Advanced Options. You have the option to choose how updates are delivered. There is an option to turn it off.
Anything else that runs as an application may create the problem.
Determine whether or not Runtime Broker is a virus
Not to mention, you may want to determine whether Runtime Broker is a simple Windows process or whether it is malware before proceeding forward.
RuntimeBroker.exe may be found under c:windowssystem32, which is the quickest way to determine whether or not it is present.
- To open the Task Manager, press Ctrl-Shift-Esc on your keyboard.
- The Runtime Broker process can be found under the processes heading.
- Select the “open file location” menu item from the context menu by right-clicking on the process.
This opens the spot on the computer where the process was initiated from the previous step. Anything other than the c:windowssystem32 directory
If this is the case, go to Virustotal and upload the rogue file there to scan it for viruses.
