What is RuntimeBroker.exe and why does it sometimes increase the CPU usage in the background?

When reviewing the list of processes in Task Manager, you may have noticed one in particular: RuntimeBroker.exe. It's noteworthy because, sometimes, triggers CPU resource consumption in the backgroundWhat should you do? To find out, let's talk about what RuntimeBroker is and how it works on Windows.

What is RuntimeBroker.exe in Windows?

In a previous post we explained How to use Task Manager to identify the process that is causing slowness on Windows. This is an effective way to know which applications are consuming a lot of resources in the backgroundBut what if the problem isn't a specific application, but rather a process called RuntimeBroker (runtimebroker.exe)? What should you do?

Before stopping its activity, it's a good idea to understand what runtimebroker.exe is and why it sometimes increases the CPU usage in the background. For your peace of mind, RuntimeBroker.exe It is an internal and official process of the Windows operating systemMicrosoft included it in its operating system starting with Windows 8, and it's still present in Windows 10 and Windows 11. So it's not a program that was accidentally installed on your computer, nor is it a virus or digital threat.

If so, why does it sometimes throttle the CPU in the background? This behavior is unusual: Usually, runtimebroker.exe does not consume too many system resources.. It normally stays between 20 and 40 MB, and can increase to 500 or 700 MB when it's running. To better understand this, let's look at what this process does and why it's important.

What is the function of the RuntimeBroker process in Windows?

What runtimebroker.exe does is control the behavior of the Universal Windows (UWP) appsThese apps are designed to work across multiple Windows devices: PCs, tablets, Xbox, etc. They can usually be downloaded primarily from the Microsoft Store, although this isn't the only distribution medium. Netflix, Spotify, the Xbox App, and PicsArt Photo Studio are some examples of universal apps.

And what does RuntimeBroker control in these applications? Basically, make sure they don't do more than they are allowed toAmong other things, it looks at which universal apps are active and what permissions they have been granted. It also verifies that they don't override limits and that they only access data or hardware with explicit consent.

As you can see, runtimebroker.exe is a very important and necessary process to protect your privacy.. It acts as a kind of watchdog that monitors what universal apps do. It prevents them from overstepping their functions, thus protecting the integrity of the system and your data as a user. These are very good reasons not to stop their activity within Windows.

Why does the CPU sometimes spike in the background?

Given its nature, runtimebroker.exe is forced to run in the backgroundIn fact, it's always active with a low profile, and it's normal for CPU usage to spike as soon as you launch a universal app. What's not okay is that the process continues to register spikes after you close the apps involved. Why does this happen?

The main reason comes from another Windows function, specifically, the Tips, Tricks and Recommendations optionThis is also a background process, and when running, it can activate RuntimeBroker and increase its CPU usage. Sometimes, it can keep running constantly, creating unnecessary overhead on available resources.

Another reason why runtimebroker.exe spikes the CPU in the background is that still busy with a problematic application. Perhaps the app has changed its terms and conditions, and needs an update to renew its permissions. Or perhaps it's trying to access system resources or data to which it has been restricted.

In any case, the problem is not with RuntimeBroker, but with some service or application under its control. Therefore, the solution is not to stop the process, but identify conflicting apps or servicesBelow, we list some measures you can take to reduce RuntimeBroker's high resource consumption.

How to fix high runtimebroker.exe usage

It is true that one way to reduce the impact of RuntimeBroker on the computer is completely stopping the processTo do this, simply open Task Manager, go to the Processes section, right-click runtimebroker.exe, and click End Task. The problem with this is that it doesn't solve the root problem, which could be caused by a problematic app or an unnecessary service. Instead, try the following:

Prevent universal apps from running in the background

It is best to cut to the chase and Prevent universal apps from running in the backgroundThis measure will give the runtimebroker.exe process a significant break from hogging the CPU. How do I do it? Simple:

1. Click on Configuration - Applications.
2. Click on Installed applications.
3. In the list of applications, locate any app and click on the three horizontal dots menu on the right. If the command appears Advanced, it is a universal application.
4. Click on Advanced Options.
5. In the section Background app permissions, expand the tab and select Never.
6. Do this for all the universal apps you want to limit.

Disable tips, suggestions, and other unnecessary services

Along with the above measure, also It is advisable to disable tips, suggestions, and other unnecessary Windows services.These processes are typically run through Universal Apps, so they affect the operation of runtimebroker.exe. Disabling them is just as simple:

1. Go to Configuration - System - Notifications
2. Go down and click on Additional configuration.
3. Unmark the following three boxes:
   1. Displays the Windows Welcome experience after updates and when you're signed in to show what's new and what's new.
   2. Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device.
   3. Get tips and tricks when using Windows.

Update apps

Finally, you are right to keep applications updatedto prevent them from conflicting with the system. On the other hand, if you notice that runtimebroker.exe is overloaded after installing an app, uninstall it. You can also Check the legitimacy of Runtimebroker verifying that your executable is located inside the System32 folder.

Now you know what runtimebroker.exe is and why it sometimes increases the CPU usage in the background. And best of all, you know the solutions to prevent this Windows process from overloading the operating system. It's not something that happens often, but if it does, Do not hesitate to apply the suggestionsand bring Windows back to normal.