If you’ve ever opened Task Manager on a Windows PC, you might have noticed a mysterious process called Runtime Broker consuming your system’s memory or CPU. But what is Runtime Broker, and should you be worried about it? This guide breaks it down in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Profile Biographie Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Runtime Broker |
| Type | Windows background process |
| First Introduced | Windows 8 (2012) |
| File Name | RuntimeBroker.exe |
| Location | C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe |
| Purpose | Manages app permissions for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps |
| Safe to Disable? | Not recommended, but manageable |
| Common Issues | High CPU or memory usage |
What Is Runtime Broker and Why Is It Running?
Runtime Broker is a core process in Windows that acts as a permission manager for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. It ensures that these apps only use the resources and data they’re allowed to access, such as your camera, microphone, or files.
It works silently in the background and only becomes active when a UWP app requests access to system permissions. So, in normal conditions, Runtime Broker consumes very little resources.
Is Runtime Broker a Virus?
No, Runtime Broker is not a virus. It is an official Microsoft system process located in the System32 folder. However, if you find a version of it outside this folder or if it behaves suspiciously, it might be a disguised malware.
To verify its legitimacy:
- Open Task Manager.
- Right-click on Runtime Broker.
- Click “Open file location.”
- If the location is not C:\Windows\System32, you should run a malware scan immediately.
Why Does Runtime Broker Use So Much CPU or RAM?
Sometimes, Runtime Broker causes high CPU or memory usage, especially after a Windows update or when a UWP app misbehaves. This happens because it is handling permission checks for background apps or new features.
Common causes:
- Live Tiles from the Start menu.
- Background UWP apps.
- Notification-related processes.
In such cases, CPU usage can temporarily spike to 30–40% and memory to several hundred MBs.
Can You Disable Runtime Broker?
You can’t completely disable Runtime Broker because it’s tied into the Windows permission system. However, you can reduce its impact with a few tweaks:
1. Turn off tips and suggestions
- Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions.
- Toggle off “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions”.
2. Disable Background Apps
- Open Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
- Turn off apps you don’t need running in the background.
3. Turn off Live Tiles
- Right-click on Start menu tiles.
- Choose “Turn live tile off.”
These steps won’t disable Runtime Broker entirely but will stop it from becoming resource-hungry.
Should You Worry About Runtime Broker?
In most cases, no—Runtime Broker is harmless. It’s a trusted Windows component that ensures app security. However, if you constantly see high CPU usage and your system slows down, then it’s worth checking your app settings and reviewing unnecessary apps running in the background.
How to Fix Runtime Broker High CPU Usage
Here are the best methods to deal with high CPU or RAM usage caused by Runtime Broker:
1. Restart the Process
Go to Task Manager, right-click on Runtime Broker, and click “End task.” It will restart automatically if needed.
2. Update Your System
Outdated or buggy Windows versions can cause Runtime Broker issues. Make sure your system is up to date by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Scan for Malware
Use Windows Defender or a trusted third-party antivirus tool to rule out any malware pretending to be Runtime Broker.
Runtime Broker in Windows 10 vs Windows 11
While Runtime Broker functions similarly in both Windows 10 and 11, Windows 11 has slightly improved performance management. However, users may still see occasional spikes, especially when using widgets, live tiles, or UWP apps.
Summary: Understanding Runtime Broker
To wrap up, Runtime Broker is a built-in Windows process that plays a crucial role in maintaining app security. It monitors permissions for UWP apps and runs only when needed. Although it can sometimes be a memory hog, it is not harmful or dangerous in most cases.
Read more: RCSDASSK Problem: Causes, Solutions, and System Guide
FAQs About What Is Runtime Broker
Runtime Broker is a Windows process that manages app permissions for UWP apps. It ensures your personal data is accessed only with permission.
No, it’s not recommended to disable Runtime Broker. It’s essential for the proper functioning of UWP apps, but its impact can be reduced.
Usually, when multiple background apps request permissions, Runtime Broker ramps up memory usage. Disabling live tiles and unnecessary background apps helps.
No, Runtime Broker is a system process and deleting it can break app functionality. You should manage its impact rather than remove it.
Yes, it plays a key role in managing UWP app permissions securely. Without it, your privacy and security could be at risk.
