What is runtimebroker.exe?
RuntimeBroker.exe is a security process that acts as an intermediary between Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps and system resources. When a Store app needs access to your location, camera, microphone, or files, RuntimeBroker verifies the app has permission and mediates the access.
Think of RuntimeBroker as a security guard. UWP apps run in a sandbox and can't directly access system resources. When an app needs something (like your webcam), it asks RuntimeBroker, which checks if the app has permission before granting access. This prevents malicious apps from accessing resources without authorization.
Main Functions
- Permission Management - Enforces UWP app permissions
- Resource Access Control - Mediates access to camera, location, files
- Sandboxing - Keeps Store apps isolated from system
- API Brokering - Provides controlled access to Windows APIs
- Security Enforcement - Prevents unauthorized resource access
- Process Isolation - Separate instance per app for security
Is runtimebroker.exe Safe?
Yes, the legitimate runtimebroker.exe is completely safe when it's the authentic Microsoft process.
How to Verify Legitimacy
- File Location: C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe
- Digital Signature: Microsoft Windows
- Runs as: Your user account
- Multiple Instances: One per active UWP app is normal
Warning: RuntimeBroker.exe using 100+ MB memory constantly without UWP apps running indicates issues. File outside System32 is malware. Consistently high CPU when no Store apps are open suggests corrupted permissions or malicious app. Reset Store apps if suspicious.
High CPU or Memory Usage
High resource usage by runtimebroker.exe can occur under certain conditions.
Common Causes
- UWP Apps Running - Active Microsoft Store apps use RuntimeBroker
- Live Tiles Updates - Start menu tiles fetching data
- Background Apps - Store apps running in background
- Notifications - Apps sending push notifications
- Cortana/Search - Windows Search is a UWP app
- Windows Tips/Suggestions - Promotional content in Start menu
Solutions
- Disable Background Apps - Settings → Privacy → Background apps → Turn off
- Turn Off Live Tiles - Right-click Start menu tiles → More → Turn off live tile
- Disable Tips/Suggestions - Settings → System → Notifications → Get tips... OFF
- Uninstall Unused Store Apps - Settings → Apps → Uninstall rarely-used UWP apps
- Reset Store App - Settings → Apps → Microsoft Store → Advanced → Reset
- Restart RuntimeBroker - Task Manager → End task (it will restart automatically)