How to Fix Runtime Broker High CPU Usage on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Runtime Broker is a Windows process that helps manage permissions for apps from the Microsoft Store. Sometimes, users notice it consuming a lot of CPU, which can slow down the system. High CPU usage by Runtime Broker is a common issue but can usually be fixed with simple steps.

This guide will walk you through easy and effective ways to reduce Runtime Broker’s CPU usage on Windows 11. Each step is explained in detail to make it simple for anyone to follow.

By following these instructions, you can improve your computer’s performance and stop Runtime Broker from causing excessive CPU load. Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the solutions.

Remember to be patient and try the steps in order, as some fixes are basic and others more advanced.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting, it’s important to check a few things to make sure your system is ready for fixes:

Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often include fixes for bugs that might cause Runtime Broker issues.
Close Unnecessary Apps: Sometimes, apps running in the background can increase CPU usage. Close apps you don’t need.
Restart Your PC: A simple restart can sometimes fix temporary glitches causing high CPU usage.
Check for Malware: Run a quick antivirus scan to make sure no malware is affecting your system.

Step 1: Disable Background Apps

Many apps run in the background and communicate with Windows, causing Runtime Broker to use more CPU. Disabling unnecessary background apps often reduces this load.

Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
Go to Apps > Installed apps.
Find the app you want to limit, click the three dots next to it, and select Advanced options.
Scroll down to Background apps permissions and choose Never or Power optimized.
Repeat for apps you don’t need running in the background.

This step helps because fewer apps running in the background means less work for Runtime Broker.

Step 2: Turn Off Tips, Tricks, and Suggestions

Windows sometimes shows tips and suggestions, which can trigger Runtime Broker activity. Disabling these notifications can reduce CPU usage.

Open Settings again.
Go to System > Notifications.
Scroll down and find Suggest ways I can finish setting up my device and Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.
Turn both toggles to Off.

This reduces unnecessary processes running in the background, easing the workload on Runtime Broker.

Step 3: Adjust Privacy Settings

Apps requesting access to your location, camera, or microphone can cause Runtime Broker to work harder. Managing privacy settings helps reduce this activity.

Go to Settings > Privacy & security.
Select each category like Location, Camera, and Microphone.
Turn off access for apps you don’t want using these devices.
Be careful not to disable essential permissions for apps you use regularly.

By limiting app permissions, Runtime Broker has less work to do managing those permissions.

Step 4: Restart Runtime Broker Process

If Runtime Broker is stuck or using too much CPU, restarting its process can help.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Find Runtime Broker under the Processes tab.
Click it and then select End task at the bottom right.
Windows will automatically restart the process.

This can clear any temporary issues causing high CPU usage.

Step 5: Disable Runtime Broker (Advanced)

This step should be used with caution. Disabling Runtime Broker completely can stop some app permissions from working correctly. Only proceed if previous steps didn’t help.

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesTimeBrokerSvc
Double-click on Start in the right pane.
Change the value data from 3 to 4 and click OK.
Restart your computer.

This disables the Runtime Broker service. If you notice apps misbehaving, revert the value back to 3.

Alternative Method: Use PowerShell to Restart Runtime Broker

For users comfortable with command-line tools, PowerShell can be used to restart Runtime Broker quickly.

Get-Process RuntimeBroker | Stop-Process

Run this command in PowerShell (as administrator) to stop the Runtime Broker process. Windows will restart it automatically.

FAQs

What is Runtime Broker?

Runtime Broker is a Windows system process that manages permissions for apps, ensuring they have access only to what they need.

Is it safe to disable Runtime Broker?

Disabling it can stop some apps from working properly. It’s better to try other fixes first.

Why does Runtime Broker use high CPU sometimes?

It can happen if many apps are running in the background or if Windows is showing tips and notifications.

Can malware cause Runtime Broker issues?

Yes, malware can disguise itself as system processes. Running antivirus scans is important.

Will updating Windows fix Runtime Broker high CPU?

Often, yes. Updates include performance improvements and bug fixes.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps reduce Runtime Broker’s CPU usage, consider the following:

Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as admin and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
Create a new user profile: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted and cause issues.
Reset Windows: Use Windows 11’s reset feature to reinstall without losing files.
Visit Microsoft Support: Official help and forums can provide tailored solutions: support.microsoft.com

Conclusion

High CPU usage by Runtime Broker on Windows 11 is a common issue but usually easy to fix. Start by disabling unnecessary background apps and turning off tips and suggestions. Adjust privacy settings and restart the Runtime Broker process if needed. Only disable the service as a last resort.

Following these steps will help ensure your system runs smoothly without Runtime Broker causing performance problems. Remember to keep your Windows updated and regularly check for unwanted apps running in the background.