How to Fix Runtime Broker High CPU or Memory Usage on Windows
RuntimeBroker.exe using excessive CPU or memory in Task Manager? Fix Runtime Broker resource consumption on Windows 10 and 11 caused by UWP app permissions and notification issues.
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Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix High CPU Usage →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •RuntimeBroker.exe consuming 15-40% CPU continuously
- •Runtime Broker using 500MB-1.5GB of RAM
- •Multiple RuntimeBroker.exe instances in Task Manager
- •CPU usage spikes when opening Settings, Photos, or other Store apps
- •System slowdown after Windows 10/11 feature updates
- •Runtime Broker CPU usage increases when notifications appear
- •Issue goes away temporarily after ending the process but returns immediately
Common Causes
- ⚠UWP apps with excessive background permissions triggering Runtime Broker
- ⚠Windows Tips and Suggestions feature constantly running
- ⚠Too many Store apps sending notifications
- ⚠Corrupted UWP app registrations causing Runtime Broker loops
- ⚠Windows Spotlight (lock screen images) refreshing repeatedly
- ⚠Calendar, Mail, or People app syncing in background
- ⚠Cortana or Windows Search indexing through UWP interfaces
Solutions
Solution 1: Disable Tips and Suggestions
- 1Open Settings → System → Notifications
- 2Scroll down and turn OFF "Get tips and suggestions when using Windows"
- 3Also turn OFF "Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates"
- 4Turn OFF "Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows"
- 5These features cause Runtime Broker to constantly check for new content
- 6This single change often reduces Runtime Broker CPU by 80%+
Solution 2: Reduce Background App Permissions
- 1Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps
- 2For each Store app you don't actively use, click the three dots → Advanced options
- 3Under "Background apps permissions", select "Never" instead of "Always" or "Power optimized"
- 4Focus on: Mail, Calendar, People, News, Weather, Tips
- 5Each background app gives Runtime Broker work to do — fewer apps = less CPU
Solution 3: Disable Lock Screen Spotlight
- 1Open Settings → Personalization → Lock screen
- 2Change "Personalize your lock screen" from "Windows Spotlight" to "Picture" or "Slideshow"
- 3Spotlight downloads and rotates images in the background via Runtime Broker
- 4Turn OFF "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen"
- 5This eliminates a major Runtime Broker background task
Solution 4: Re-register Store Apps
- 1If Runtime Broker is looping due to corrupted app registrations:
- 2Open PowerShell as Administrator
- 3Run: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode}
- 4Wait for it to complete (may take 2-3 minutes)
- 5Restart the computer
- 6This repairs corrupted app manifests that cause Runtime Broker to loop
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