Hello! You have probably noticed the Runtime Broker in Windows 11 at some point. Specifically, when visiting the list of processes offered by the Task Manager. Actually, it is sometimes nested within an application’s own tasks. Other times, though, it appears as a standalone task. Some say it is a feature that consumes CPU and RAM unnecessarily. But what is it really all about? Today we will see what Runtime Broker is and what it is used for. We will show you all the details of a process that, as you will see, is very necessary to protect your privacy and the data you store on your computer. Let’s get started!
What is Runtime Broker in Windows 11?
Runtime Broker in Windows 11 is an official process of the operating system that appeared in Windows 8. This last fact is relevant. Indeed, with this version of Microsoft’s system came universal applications. As we will tell you later, this is a component closely related to this kind of software. However, you must be very clear that it is the company itself who has implemented it and not any of the applications you have installed.
What is the purpose of Runtime Broker in Windows 11?
Now you can breathe easy. Indeed, Runtime Broker in Windows 11 is an official process that comes from Microsoft. It has nothing to do with malicious programs or applications that you have downloaded from the Internet. This fact is actually encouraging. However, it is normal that you want to know why it runs in the background and consumes your computer’s resources.
The main purpose of Runtime Broker in Windows 11 is to control what universal applications do. Surely now you understand better why it first appeared in Windows 8. It is a system mechanism to prevent an application from overreaching its functions. With this intention, it verifies that it only accesses the resources for which it has permissions. It is therefore a protection system that safeguards the integrity of the system, other applications, user data and hardware. Always depending on the authorized functions it has.
Runtime Broker must run in the background
The downside of all this is that the security provided by Runtime Broker in Windows 11 forces it to remain active in the background. This may not seem like a big deal if your computer has sufficient resources. However, on more limited computers, it is a problem.
Microsoft has designed this service so that it consumes little RAM and does not overload the CPU. Unfortunately, this is sometimes not fulfilled, taking up to half a GB of memory, in addition to saturating the processor. This usually happens when you launch a universal application. However, there are also occasions in which this excessive consumption of resources is maintained over time. What can we do to avoid this issue?
How to prevent Runtime Broker in Windows 11 from overloading the computer?
There are a few tricks to prevent Runtime Broker in Windows 11 from consuming too many resources. Below, we take a look at the most effective ones
End Runtime Broker task
The first solution we propose is to stop the process completely. Do it in the following way:
- Enter the task manager.
- Open the Processes section.
- Click on Runtime Broker with the right mouse button.
- In the context menu, click on End Task.
You don’t have to worry about security. The task will re-launch when necessary. In fact, it almost always opens automatically after it is finished. The idea is not to permanently kill the process, but to restore it to work as it should.
Disables unnecessary system functions
There are some Windows features that also go through Runtime Broker because they are based on universal applications. This is the case for System tips, tricks, and hints. You will find the necessary settings in the Windows settings, by going to System > Notifications > Additional settings. From there, uncheck these three options:
- Show the Windows welcome experience after updates when signed in to show what’s new and suggested.
- Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device.
- Get tips and suggestions when using Windows
With all these options turned off, Runtime Broker’s pressure on the system will decrease considerably.
Prevents universal applications from running in the background
You can ask Windows not to allow universal applications to run in the background. Doing so is certainly a good idea if you are looking to reduce the impact of the Runtime Broker and the application itself.
To change these settings, go to the Applications section of the Windows settings and click on Installed applications. Then click on the three dots next to each application to see if the Advanced Options command appears in the context menu. If so, it is a universal application. As shown in the screenshot above, select Never in the drop-down you will see under Background Apps Permissions.
Make sure that Runtime Broker is not a virus.
A malicious application could impersonate the legitimate Runtime Broker using the same name. If a virus has impersonated this system protection, it may be consuming a large amount of resources.
- Access the task manager.
- Right-click on the Runtime Broker process that is consuming a lot of resources.
- In the menu, click Open file location.
- If the executable is located in the System32 folder, it means it is not a virus.
And you, have you had problems with Runtime Broker in Windows 11? Leave us your opinion in the comments. This way, we can share your experience with other members of our community. And if you liked this article, please share it on social networks to help us reach more people! Bye!
