Runtime Broker had its first time since Universal Windows Platform apps were introduced in Windiows8, and it continues to perform important functions since then. The Runtime Broker process keeps a check on the permissions of different applications installed from the Microsoft Store. The permissions could be ranging from permissions to access the local files, recording the webcam, and monitoring the location. All these data transferring processes seem highly personal and sensitive. Often the apps that you install are dubious, so by checking on them and limiting the permission, you can save your personal information from getting stolen. Runtime Broker serves the purpose. By restricting the permission of applications, it secures your data; otherwise, your personal information might be at stake.
Although some systems are quite wholesome and computers cannot do without them, runtimebroker.exe is not all-encompassing, yet whatever function it performs is pretty crucial by enabling Windows to protect your system. The Runtime Broker is always on guard, and you don’t have to be concerned about the security system, as it has always got your covered.
Now, the question comes to its security and whether it can be disabled or not. So, as far as the safety is concerned, Runtime Broker, securing your system from cheap applications, is totally safe to run. It plays a vital role in many countermeasures deployed by Microsoft to safeguard the windows operating system against threatening conditions like malware infections.
Disabling Runtime Broker
Now, as far as disabling or permanently removing the Runtime Broker is concerned, it is not possible to permanently delete or disable it. Even if you delete it once—and ending it won’t harm your computer—Windows will automatically restart it after few seconds. Moreover, if it is impossible to disable the Runtime Broker, even if it were, you wouldn’t disable such a system that protects you from getting mugged of your important data, so why would one want to disable such a magnificent system that is not doing you any harm. In fact, it is protecting you from harm by being defensive and restricting access to your files as well as settings.
There is a situation where malware may replace the original Runtime Broker system with the fake version, thereby deleting the original one. Mostly, if it enters your computer, it hides in the Task Manager Processes list masquerading as Runtime Broker and wreaks havoc on your computer. However, such a situation happens once in a blue moon, and it can be sorted out easily. And for your convenience, we are offering you some assistance in case your Runtime Broker is being replaced with the fake Runtime Broker after the malware enters your computer.
Malware Acting as Runtime Broker
You can apply the following methods to check if your window runs an original Runtime Broker process, runtimebroker.exe, or the malware is hoodwinking you into believing it to be the original Runtime Broker. To start the malware check, you need to follow the following steps:
- First of all, open the Windows Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting the Task Manager option.
- Secondly, you need to find the Runtime Broker process in the Processes tab in the Task Manager window, or you can simply runtimebroker.exe in the Details tab. You may come across different examples in a list form, basing on the UWP apps you have been running so far. Now, right-click the service name and opt for the Open file location option.
- Finally, the Windows File Explorer will open, showcasing the location of the running process. This can be found in the C\Windows\System32 folder.
If Windows File Explorer fails to open the System32 folder, rest assured that the process running on your machine is not the real one, and malware has taken up your computer. It would help if you now move on to eradicating the vicious malware from your computer. For that, you can use the specialist antimalware software or use the built-in Windows Defender for this purpose.
Let us make it easier for you by jotting down easy methods to ward off malware
Method 1: Scanning
Scanning is the first and the preferable method to eliminate malware that pretend to be Runtime Broker. With scanning, you need to remember that different anti-virus programs offer different results upon scanning. One anti-virus program may deduct and remove viruses from your computer after scanning with the help of one anti-virus program and later decide to scan it with another. Upon your surprise, you will find several other viruses, and it goes on.
Hence, it is recommended that you should better have many anti-virus programs installed on your computer. However, nowadays, malware and viruses are too smart to run multiple anti-malware programs. But the modern problems require modern solutions, so what you do is run scanning of the system either before booting up of the operating system or start the scanning process after getting the Windows into Safe Mode.
Once the Safe Mode is turned on, run several scanning programs one after another until you are sure about no remains of any sort of virus. You can use SUPERAntiSpyware followed by MalwareBytes, Anti-Malware, Spybot, and Ad-Adware. Make sure to enable Safe Mode with Networking also.
Method 2: Rescue Disk
Another method to get rid of malware acting as Runtime Broker is resorting to the Rescue Disk. Besides turning the Safe Mode on, scanning the computer even before Windows begins to boot up. An offline virus scanner or a pre-boot scanner can serve the purpose.
To scan the computer before the booting up of Windows, you are supposed to opt for another computer to download an ISO image file from an anti-virus company like Microsoft or Kaspersky and later burn it onto a disc. After that, you are supposed to boot to this disc in place of regular Windows install. Now, run the antivirus software from there. As the Windows is not working, the virus acting like Runtime Broker can’t meddle and can be removed easily.
This is by far the best method to get rid of stubborn malware. For this purpose, the best Rescue Disk would be Windows Defender Online, Kaspersky Rescue Disk, Bitedefender Rescue CD, Avira Rescue System.
Because of the convenience, this method is one of the most sought-after programs to retain the original Runtime Broke system
Method 3: Clean Install
The final method to remove malware pretending to be a Runtime Broker is a clean install. The method, as compared to other methods, is not enjoyable, yet the results are certain. All you do is deleting everything on the hard drive, thereby eradicating every possible chance of having a virus.
Most often, pictures, text documents, and videos remain safe from virus. So, you should better scan all the personal data and copy the data to an external drive upon seeing no virus.
This process is not much complicated, but it is definitely time-consuming. However, it is also one of the effective methods to tell real and fake Runtime Broker apart. Windows8 and Windows10 make it easier, as one need not to have CD/DVD any more.
Runtime Broker High CPU Issues in Windows10
High CPU or RAM consumption is indeed alarming. If it is because of Runtime Broker , it would be because the UWP app from the Microsoft Store must have been launched. It happens because the Runtime Broker is doing its job by checking if the app has permission.
Another reason behind CPU usage could be several other Windows system actions. For instance, the tips and alerts for new Windows users in the notification area might appear as though the UWP app is activating the Runtime Broker. Usually, the spike doesn’t last long, but if it does stay for an extendedr period, there might be something wrong with the UWP app. The app asking for permissions repeatedly and opening again and again could get the Runtime Broker worked up.
The frustrating part about all this is the improbability to trace the apps overwhelming the Runtime Broker process. Yu can monitor the Taskbar once you open the UWP apps, and if you find any app causing an issue, troubleshoot it.
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Final Thought:
Runtime Broker is the best system to protect your computer from snoopy viruses. Without it, your personal information may be at risk, especially if you have installed nom-Microsoft apps from the Microsoft Store. This is only for the safety of users that systems like runtimebroker.exe are impossible to remove. However, make sure to monitor your Taskbar Manager religiously to check if anything fishy is going on within your system by acting like a Runtime Broker. Once deducted, scan for malware to remove it at once.
