BackgroundTaskHost.exe

Background Task Host for UWP Apps

System Safe UWP Tasks

Quick Answer

BackgroundTaskHost.exe is safe. It runs background tasks for Universal Windows Platform apps, handling updates, notifications, and background operations.

What is BackgroundTaskHost.exe?

BackgroundTaskHost.exe manages background tasks for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps from the Microsoft Store. It allows these apps to perform tasks even when not actively open, such as updating live tiles, checking for notifications, syncing data, and downloading content.

This process is part of Windows' task scheduling system specifically designed for modern UWP apps. Unlike traditional desktop programs, Store apps use BackgroundTaskHost.exe to run lightweight background operations without keeping the full app open.

Main Functions

Live Tile Updates - Refreshes Start menu tiles with new content
App Notifications - Checks for and delivers push notifications
Data Synchronization - Syncs app data in the background
Content Downloads - Downloads updates, news, or media
Maintenance Tasks - Performs periodic app maintenance
Lock Screen Updates - Updates lock screen app information

Is BackgroundTaskHost.exe Safe?

Yes, BackgroundTaskHost.exe is completely safe - it's a core Windows component for managing UWP app background tasks.

How to Verify Legitimacy

File Location: C:\Windows\System32\
Digital Signature: Signed by Microsoft Windows
Multiple Instances: Multiple processes are normal (one per background task)
Parent Process: Should be started by svchost.exe or services.exe

Important: While BackgroundTaskHost.exe itself is safe, the tasks it runs depend on installed UWP apps. If you see excessive resource usage, identify which app is responsible through Task Manager details.

High CPU or Memory Usage

BackgroundTaskHost.exe should use minimal resources (20-50 MB RAM per instance, low CPU). High usage indicates an app's background task is problematic.

Common Causes

News/Weather Apps - Frequent content updates
Email Sync - Mail app checking for new messages
OneDrive/Cloud Apps - File synchronization tasks
Social Media Apps - Notification checking
Stuck Background Tasks - Tasks that fail to complete properly
Too Many UWP Apps - Many Store apps with background permissions

How to Identify Problematic App

Task Manager Method: Task Manager → Details tab → Right-click BackgroundTaskHost.exe → Open file location → Note the command line arguments (shows app name)
Resource Monitor: Resource Monitor → CPU tab → Associated Handles → Find which app is calling BackgroundTaskHost
Event Viewer: Event Viewer → Applications and Services → Microsoft → Windows → BackgroundTaskInfrastructure

Solutions

Disable App Background Activity: Settings → Privacy → Background apps → Turn off for specific apps
Restart Problem Process: End BackgroundTaskHost.exe in Task Manager (will restart automatically)
Update Store Apps: Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates
Reset Problem App: Settings → Apps → Select app → Advanced options → Reset
Uninstall Unused UWP Apps: Remove Store apps you don't use
Disable Live Tiles: Right-click Start menu tiles → More → Turn live tile off
Limit Background Tasks: Settings → System → Battery → Battery usage by app → Manage background activity

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I disable BackgroundTaskHost.exe?

You cannot fully disable BackgroundTaskHost.exe as it's a system component, but you can minimize its activity by: 1) Disabling background app permissions in Privacy settings, 2) Turning off live tiles for all Start menu apps, 3) Uninstalling UWP/Store apps you don't use, 4) Disabling "Let apps run in the background" entirely in Settings → Privacy → Background apps.

Why are there so many BackgroundTaskHost.exe processes?

Windows creates a separate BackgroundTaskHost.exe instance for each background task to isolate them. If one task crashes, it doesn't affect others. The number of instances corresponds to how many UWP apps have active background tasks. Having 5-15 instances is normal if you use many Store apps. Each uses minimal resources individually.

Does BackgroundTaskHost.exe run on battery power?

Yes, but Windows reduces background task activity on battery to save power. Windows 10/11 intelligently limits background tasks when battery is low or you're in Battery Saver mode. You can control this: Settings → System → Battery → Battery usage by app → Configure background activity per app (Optimized, Always allowed, or Never allowed).

What's the difference between BackgroundTaskHost and RuntimeBroker?

BackgroundTaskHost.exe runs background tasks for UWP apps (checking notifications, updating tiles, syncing data), while RuntimeBroker.exe manages UWP app permissions and acts as a security intermediary. BackgroundTaskHost executes the actual background work, RuntimeBroker ensures apps have proper permissions to access system resources. Both are necessary for UWP apps to function.