Application Frame Host - UWP Container
ApplicationFrameHost.exe is safe. It provides the window frame and container for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps from Microsoft Store.
ApplicationFrameHost.exe is the container process for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. It creates the window frame, title bar, and border for modern Windows Store apps. This process ensures UWP apps have a consistent appearance and integrate properly with Windows 10/11 features like Snap Assist and virtual desktops.
When you run a UWP app (like Calculator, Weather, or any Microsoft Store app), ApplicationFrameHost.exe hosts the app's window while the actual app code runs in a separate process. This separation improves security and stability.
Note: You'll see one ApplicationFrameHost.exe instance for each running UWP app. If you don't use Microsoft Store apps, you may never see this process.
Yes, ApplicationFrameHost.exe is completely safe - it's a legitimate Microsoft component for UWP apps.
C:\Windows\System32\Important: ApplicationFrameHost.exe should only appear when you have UWP apps running. If it runs with no UWP apps open, or from a location other than System32, scan for malware.
ApplicationFrameHost.exe uses minimal resources itself (10-50 MB RAM typically), but you might see higher usage attributed to it.
You cannot disable it entirely, but it only runs when UWP apps are active. If you don't use Microsoft Store apps, it won't run. To minimize its presence: 1) Don't use UWP/Store apps, 2) Close all Store apps after use, 3) Disable background app permissions for Store apps. Traditional desktop programs don't use this process.
All Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps from Microsoft Store use ApplicationFrameHost.exe. Examples include: Windows Calculator, Weather, Mail & Calendar, Microsoft Photos, Movies & TV, Alarms & Clock, OneNote for Windows 10, Microsoft To Do, and any third-party apps installed from Microsoft Store. Traditional .exe desktop programs don't use this process.
Each UWP app you run gets its own ApplicationFrameHost.exe instance to host its window. If you have 5 Store apps open, you'll see 5 instances. This is normal and helps isolate apps from each other for better stability and security. Closing a UWP app will end its corresponding ApplicationFrameHost.exe process.
ApplicationFrameHost.exe creates the window frame for UWP apps, while RuntimeBroker.exe manages their permissions and security. ApplicationFrameHost handles the visual window container, while RuntimeBroker acts as a security mediator between UWP apps and system resources. Both work together to run Store apps safely.