WINDOW 11

How to Fix RuntimeBroker.exe Error in Windows 11

5 SOLUTIONS
MAY 31, 2025

The RuntimeBroker.exe process is a fundamental component of Windows, managing permissions for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. When malfunctioning, it causes high CPU/memory usage, app crashes, or "file in use" errors. Below is the systematic approach to diagnose and resolve these issues.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Buggy UWP apps

Poorly coded apps monopolize resources.

Excessive background activity

Multiple UWP apps running in the background overload the Runtime Broker.

Corrupted system files

Broken OS components disrupt Runtime Broker operations.

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Disable Background Apps & Windows Tips

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/5

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

This tackles the root cause - apps constantly requesting permissions through Runtime Broke

Method 1 of 5
Next Method

Turn off Windows Tips

Press Win + I → Go to System → Notifications

Turn OFF:• “Show me tips about Windows”• “Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device”

Method 1 of 5
Step 1 of 2
Step 2

Disable Background Apps

Press Win + I to open Settings

Go to Apps → Installed apps

Click ⋯ next to any app → Advanced options

Select Never from the dropdown to disable background activity for that app

Method 1 of 5
Step 2 of 2
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Update or Repair Buggy UWP Apps

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/5

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Buggy or corrupted UWP apps are the primary cause of Runtime Broker errors.

Method 2 of 5
Next Method

Update all Microsoft Store apps

Open Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates

Method 2 of 5
Step 1 of 4
Step 2

Repair specific app

Go to Settings → Apps → Installed appsFind the app → ⋯ → Advanced options → Click Repair

Method 2 of 5
Step 2 of 4

Reset if repair fails

Same screen → Click Reset

⚠️ Warning: This removes app data.

Method 2 of 5
Step 3 of 4

Clear Microsoft Store cache

Press Win + R → Type wsreset.exe → Press Enter

Pro Tip: Problematic apps include Photos, Mail, Movies & TV, and recently installed apps

Method 2 of 5
Step 4 of 4
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Run System File Repair (DISM + SFC)

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/5

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

Corrupted Windows files cause deep-rooted Runtime Broker instability and crashes.

Method 3 of 5
Next Method

Open Command Prompt as Admin

Press Win + S → Type cmdRight-click → Run as administrator

Method 3 of 5
Step 1 of 4

Run DISM

Type:DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth(Takes 10–20 min)

Method 3 of 5
Step 2 of 4

Run SFC

After DISM completes, type:sfc /scannow(Takes 5–15 min)

Method 3 of 5
Step 3 of 4

Restart PC

Restart your PC after both scans complete

Method 3 of 5
Step 4 of 4
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End Runtime Broker + Identify the Faulty App

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/5

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

This method provides immediate relief while helping identify the root cause.

Method 4 of 5
Next Method

Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + EscFind Runtime Broker

Method 4 of 5
Step 1 of 4

End the task

Right-click on Runtime Broker → End Task

Restart your PC and test apps one-by-one

Method 4 of 5
Step 2 of 4

Watch for spikes

If Runtime Broker uses high CPU after opening a certain app → That’s the issue

Method 4 of 5
Step 3 of 4

Fix the bad app

Use Method #2 to update, repair, or reset it

Tip: In Task Manager, group processes by type to see what’s connected to Runtime Broker

Method 4 of 5
Step 4 of 4
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Perform a Clean Boot (Find Conflicting Software)

6 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

5/5

METHOD
Method 5
Overview

Performing a clean boot can isolate third-party software conflicts that interfere with the Runtime Broker.

Method 5 of 5

Open System Config

Press Win + R → Type msconfig → Press Enter

Method 5 of 5
Step 1 of 6
Step 2

Enable Clean Boot

In General tab → Select Selective startup

In Services tab → Check Hide all Microsoft services

Then click Disable all

Method 5 of 5
Step 2 of 6
Step 3

Disable Startup Apps

Go to Startup tab → Click

Open Task ManagerDisable everything

Method 5 of 5
Step 3 of 6

Restart PC

Restart your PC and test system performance

Method 5 of 5
Step 4 of 6

Find the issue

If problem is gone, re-enable apps one-by-one until issue returns

Method 5 of 5
Step 5 of 6

Exit Clean Boot

Go back to msconfig → Choose Normal startup and restart

Common problem apps:: Antivirus tools, optimizers, overlays, and clipboard managers

Method 5 of 5
Step 6 of 6

Pro Tips

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Don't disable Runtime Broker permanently – it's important for UWP app security.

Create a restore point before making any system changes.

Check for malware first – make sure RuntimeBroker.exe is in C:\Windows\System32.

Methods (5)

Disable Background ...
2 Steps
Update or Repair Bu...
4 Steps
Run System File Rep...
4 Steps
End Runtime Broker ...
4 Steps
Perform a Clean Boo...
6 Steps

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