RuntimeBroker.exe (Runtime Broker) Explained: What It Does and How to Tell If It’s Fake

You open Task Manager and spot RuntimeBroker.exe. Maybe it is using a little memory, maybe it spikes CPU for a moment, or maybe it sits there quietly and never goes away. If you have never heard of it before, it is easy to assume it is suspicious.

Most of the time, RuntimeBroker.exe is completely legitimate. It is a Windows process that helps manage permissions for modern apps. But, like many system-sounding names, it is also a target for malware impersonation. Fake copies often hide in unusual folders, use subtle naming tricks, or lack a valid Microsoft digital signature.

This article breaks down what RuntimeBroker.exe does, how to confirm it is the real Windows component, what to do if it is consuming resources, and how to remove it safely if it is malicious.

What is RuntimeBroker.exe?

Runtime Broker is a Windows process that acts as a permissions gatekeeper for apps, especially apps that use the Windows Runtime (UWP) model. In simple terms, it helps Windows enforce what an app is allowed to access, such as:

• Microphone
• Camera
• Location
• Contacts
• Calendar
• Notifications
• File access (in some contexts)

You will most often see RuntimeBroker.exe when:

• You open a Microsoft Store app
• A background app requests access to a protected feature
• Windows is managing notifications or live tiles
• A permission prompt is triggered behind the scenes

That is why it can appear even when you are not actively launching a Store app.

Why is RuntimeBroker.exe running in the background?

RuntimeBroker.exe is designed to run when needed. It often appears briefly, does its job, then settles down. On many systems, it can remain running at a low level without indicating any problem.

Seeing it in Task Manager is normal.

Is RuntimeBroker.exe a virus or legitimate?

Usually legitimate. The real issue is look-alikes.

What the real RuntimeBroker.exe should look like

Legitimate RuntimeBroker.exe typically has:

• A normal Windows file path
• A valid Microsoft digital signature
• Resource usage that is low most of the time, with occasional short spikes when apps request permissions

How malware impersonates RuntimeBroker.exe

Fake versions commonly:

• Run from a non-Windows folder (AppData, Temp, Downloads, ProgramData)
• Use a nearly identical name (extra spaces, different capitalization, hidden characters)
• Lack a valid Microsoft signature
• Reappear after you end them
• Launch at startup via scheduled tasks or registry run keys

How to confirm RuntimeBroker.exe is real (fast checks)

1) Check the file location (the fastest legitimacy test)

A legitimate RuntimeBroker.exe is typically found in:

• C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe

How to check:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Find RuntimeBroker.exe
3. Right-click → Open file location

What it means:

• If it opens in System32, that is a strong sign it is legitimate.
• If it opens anywhere else (AppData, Temp, Downloads, random folder), treat it as suspicious.

2) Verify the digital signature

1. In the file location folder, right-click RuntimeBroker.exe → Properties
2. Check the Digital Signatures tab
3. Confirm it is signed by Microsoft and the signature is valid

If the signature is missing or invalid, that is a major warning sign.

3) Watch for subtle name tricks

Malware often uses names that look identical at a glance, such as:

• RuntimeBroker .exe (extra space before .exe)
• Runtime Brokеr.exe (uses a look-alike character)
• RuntimeBroker.exe (trailing space in display)
• RuntimeBroker32.exe or other variants

Windows itself typically uses the exact name RuntimeBroker.exe in the proper system location.

Why is RuntimeBroker.exe using high CPU or memory?

In most legitimate scenarios, RuntimeBroker.exe uses very little CPU. When it spikes, it is usually because an app is repeatedly requesting permissions or misbehaving.

Common legitimate causes:

• A Store app stuck in a loop (Photos, Mail, Widgets, Teams components, etc.)
• Notification or background permission activity
• A Windows update or app update causing temporary churn
• Corrupted Store app cache or a buggy app version

Quick ways to lower RuntimeBroker.exe usage (when it’s legitimate)

1. Restart the PC (often clears stuck app permission loops)
2. Open Task Manager and see what else spikes at the same time
3. Update Microsoft Store apps
4. Temporarily disable background permissions for non-essential apps:
   • Settings → Privacy & security → App permissions (Location, Microphone, etc.)
5. If one Store app seems tied to it, reset that app:
   • Settings → Apps → Installed apps → (app) → Advanced options → Reset

If RuntimeBroker.exe is constantly high CPU for hours, it is worth investigating for either a broken app or a fake copy.

Strong signs RuntimeBroker.exe is malware

Treat it as suspicious if you notice any of these:

• It is not located in C:\Windows\System32\
• It lacks a valid Microsoft signature
• It appears immediately at boot and stays high CPU with no clear cause
• Multiple copies are running from different folders
• You recently installed a cracked program, sketchy driver pack, or ran a suspicious attachment
• Security tools flag it or it matches known malicious behavior

If it is malware: how to remove RuntimeBroker.exe malware safely

If your checks point to a fake RuntimeBroker.exe, follow this flow.

• STEP 1: Use Rkill to terminate malicious processes
• STEP 2: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows
• STEP 3: Reset browsers back to default settings
• STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove for Trojans and Unwanted Programs
• STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove Rootkits and other Malware
• STEP 6: Use AdwCleaner to remove Malicious Browser Policies and Adware
• STEP 7: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner
• STEP 8: Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool
• STEP 9: Run the Disk Check tool

STEP 1: Use Rkill to terminate malicious processes

In this first step, we will download and run Rkill to terminate malicious processes that may be running on your computer.

RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections. When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies that stop us from using certain tools.

1. Download Rkill.

   You can download RKill to your computer from the below link. When at the download page, click on the Download Now button labeled iExplore.exe. We are downloading a renamed version of Rkill (iExplore.exe) because some malware will not allow processes to run unless they have a certain filename.

   

   RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK
   (The above link will open a new page from where you can download Rkill)

2. Run RKill.

   After downloading, double-click the iExplore.exe icon to kill malicious processes. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
   The program may take some time to search for and end various malware programs.

   

   When it is finished, the black window will close automatically and a log file will open. Do not restart your computer. Proceed to the next step in this guide.

STEP 2: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows

In this second step, we will manually check if any unknown or malicious programs are installed on the computer. Sometimes adware and browser hijackers can have a usable Uninstall entry that can be used to remove them.

With the malicious programs removed, you’re ready for the next step in this guide.

STEP 3: Reset browsers back to default settings

In this step, we will remove spam notifications,  malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware.
Please note that this method will remove all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.

STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove for Trojans and Unwanted Programs

In this next step, we will we will install Malwarebytes to scan and remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present on your computer.

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.

1. Download Malwarebytes

   Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.

   

   DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS (FREE)
   
   (The link opens in a new page where your download will start)

2. Install Malwarebytes

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

   The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:

   • Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.

     

   • Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.

     

   • When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.

     

   • On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.

     

4. Enable “Scan for Rootkits”

   Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.

   

   In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.

   

   Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.

5. Start the Scan

   Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.

   

6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.

   

7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.

   

   Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.

   

8. Restart Your Computer

   Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.

   

STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove Rootkits and other Malware

In this fifth step, while the computer is in normal back, we will download and run a scan with HitmanPro to remove Trojans, rootkits, and other malicious programs.

HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner — it’s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it’s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: Bitdefender and Kaspersky.

Good news: scanning is completely free, with no limits. You only need a license when it’s time to remove what was found — and even then, you can activate a free one-time 30-day trial to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)

1. Download HitmanPro

   Click the button below to download HitmanPro. Remember — the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.

   DOWNLOAD HITMANPRO (FREE SCAN)
   (The link opens in a new page where your download will start)

2. Install HitmanPro

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the file: “hitmanpro.exe” on 32-bit Windows, or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” on 64-bit Windows.

   

   If a User Account Control pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click “Yes” to continue.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts

   On the HitmanPro start screen, click “Next” to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required — it goes straight to work.

   

   

4. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.
   

5. Review the Results and Click “Next”

   When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click “Next” to remove the detected threats.

   

6. Click “Activate Free License”

   To remove the malicious files, click the “Activate free license” button. This starts your free 30-day trial — no payment details needed — and unlocks the full cleanup.
   

   When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click Next, then click Reboot if prompted. If there’s no reboot prompt, just click Close — your PC is clean.

STEP 6: Use AdwCleaner to remove Malicious Browser Policies and Adware

In this next step, we will use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and unwanted browser extensions from your computer.

AdwCleaner is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars — the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It’s a quick scan that’s well worth running.

1. Download AdwCleaner

   Click the button below to download AdwCleaner — it’s free, portable, and requires no installation.

   

   DOWNLOAD ADWCLEANER (FREE)
   (The link opens in a new page where your download will start)

2. Run AdwCleaner

   Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file named “adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe“. There’s no installation — the program starts right away.
   

   If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click “Yes“. When the license agreement appears, click I agree to continue.

   

3. Enable “Reset Chrome policies”

   This setting removes malicious browser policies — a trick malware uses to lock your browser settings so you can’t change them back. Click “Settings” on the left side of the window, then turn on “Reset Chrome policies“.

   

4. Start the Scan

   Click “Dashboard” on the left side of the window, then click the “Scan” button.

   

5. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes — it’s one of the fastest scanners around.

   

6. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner will list everything it found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the malicious items at once.

   

7. Click “Continue” to Finish the Cleanup

   Save any open work first — AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you’re ready, click the “Continue” button.
   

   AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it — your computer will be clean when you log back in.

STEP 7: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner

This step involves installing and running a scan with ESET Online Scanner to check for any additional malicious programs that may be installed on the computer..

ESET Online Scanner is a free second-opinion scanner that performs a deep, full-system check for viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malware. We use it as the final step because it’s thorough — if anything slipped past the previous scans, ESET will find it. A clean result here means your computer is malware-free.

1. Download ESET Online Scanner

   Click the button below to download ESET Online Scanner.

   

   DOWNLOAD ESET ONLINE SCANNER (FREE)
   (The link opens in a new page where your download will start)

2. Run the Installer

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click “esetonlinescanner.exe“.
   

3. Install ESET Online Scanner

   On the start screen, select your language from the drop-down menu and click Get started.

   

   On the Terms of use screen, click Accept.
   

   Choose your preferences for the Customer Experience Improvement Program and the Detection feedback system (either choice is fine), then click Continue.
   

4. Start a Full Scan

   Click Full Scan — this checks your entire computer, not just the common hiding spots.

   

   Select Enable for Detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications — this lets ESET catch adware and bundled junk programs, not just viruses. Then click Start scan.

   

5. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   ESET will now check every file on your computer. Because it’s a full scan, this can take a while — often an hour or more, depending on how much data you have. Leave it running in the background and check on it from time to time.

   

6. Review the Results

   When the scan completes, the Found and resolved detections screen appears. Any threats found were automatically cleaned and quarantined — there’s nothing extra you need to do. Click View detailed results if you want to see exactly what was removed.
   

   If ESET found nothing — congratulations, your computer has passed the final check and is malware-free.

STEP 8: Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool

In this step, we will use System File Checker (SFC) tool to detect and repair files that may have been corrupted by malware.

The SFC tool scans all protected system files on your computer and replaces any files that are corrupt or damaged with a cached copy that is stored in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache. By running the SFC tool, you can help ensure that your system is functioning properly and fix any issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

   To open the Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows, type “cmd” in the search bar and then right-click on the Command Prompt result and select “Run as administrator” as shown in the image below.
   
   A User Account Control (UAC) prompt will appear asking for permission to allow the program to run. Click “Yes”.

2. Type “sfc /scannow”.

   You will now be presented with a black screen called the ‘Administrator: Command Prompt’. On this screen, type “sfc /scannow” to scan for and repair any corrupt system files.
   

3. Restart your computer.

   Restart your computer if sfc /scannow repaired files. System File Checker may or may not prompt you to restart but even if it doesn’t, you should restart anyway.

4. Run again sfc /scannow.

   Run again sfc /scannow to check if the files were repaired.

STEP 9: Run the Disk Check tool

As a final step, we will utilize the Disk Check tool, commonly referred to as “chkdsk,” to identify and resolve any issues that were caused by malware.

This tool checks your hard disk for errors and can fix any issues it finds. To use the Disk Check tool, you will need to open the command prompt and enter the “chkdsk” command followed by the drive letter (e.g., “chkdsk C:”). You can also add the “/f” flag to the command to instruct the tool to fix any errors it finds. By running the Disk Check tool, you can help ensure that your hard disk is functioning properly and fix any issues that may be causing high disk usage.”

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

   To open the Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows, type “cmd” in the search bar and then right-click on the Command Prompt result and select “Run as administrator” as shown in the image below. A User Account Control (UAC) prompt will appear asking for permission to allow the program to run. Click “Yes”.

2. Type “chkdsk /f /r”

   You will now be presented with a black screen called the ‘Administrator: Command Prompt’. On this screen, type “chkdsk /f /r” to repair any errors on your hard drive.

3. Restart your computer

   The Disk Check tool may require you to restart your computer in order to complete the scan and repair process. Type “Y” and click on Enter, then restart the computer. A CHKDSK command can take a long time, especially when performed on larger drives. Once it’s done, however, it will present a summary of results including total disk space, byte allocation, and, most importantly, any errors that were found and corrected.

Conclusion

RuntimeBroker.exe is normally a legitimate Windows process tied to app permissions and modern app behavior. Seeing it in Task Manager is common, and brief CPU spikes can be normal when apps request access to protected features.

The real danger is malware. If RuntimeBroker.exe is not in C:\Windows\System32\, or it does not have a valid Microsoft signature, treat it as suspicious. Use the removal steps above to scan offline, remove persistence, and clean it safely.

If you want, paste the file path shown by “Open file location” and I will tell you immediately whether it looks legitimate.

FAQ: RuntimeBroker.exe (Runtime Broker)

Is RuntimeBroker.exe a virus?

Usually, no. RuntimeBroker.exe is a legitimate Windows process that helps manage permissions for modern apps. It becomes suspicious mainly if it runs from the wrong folder, has no valid Microsoft signature, or behaves like an malware.

What does RuntimeBroker.exe do?

It acts like a permission gatekeeper for apps. When an app requests access to protected features (microphone, camera, location, notifications, etc.), Runtime Broker helps Windows enforce those permission rules.

Why do I see RuntimeBroker.exe running even when I’m not using apps?

Some apps run in the background, handle notifications, update live tiles/widgets, or request permissions quietly. RuntimeBroker.exe can appear during those events and may remain running at low usage.

What is the real file location of RuntimeBroker.exe?

A legitimate copy is typically located at:

• C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe

If it is running from AppData, Temp, Downloads, ProgramData, or any random folder, treat it as suspicious.

How can I check if RuntimeBroker.exe is the real Windows file?

Fast checks:

1. Task Manager → right-click RuntimeBroker.exe → Open file location
2. Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures
3. Confirm a valid Microsoft signature and that the path is System32

Why is RuntimeBroker.exe using high CPU or memory?

Short spikes can be normal when apps request permissions. Persistent high usage usually means:

• A Store app is stuck or looping in the background
• A buggy app update is repeatedly triggering permission checks
• Corrupted app cache or background activity

If it stays high for a long time, confirm the file path and signature first.

Is it safe to end RuntimeBroker.exe in Task Manager?

Generally yes, but it may temporarily disrupt Store apps, notifications, or permission-related tasks. Windows can restart it when needed. If it keeps coming back and is not in System32, investigate for malware.

Why are there multiple RuntimeBroker.exe processes?

You may see more than one instance when multiple apps are running or requesting permissions. Multiple copies are not automatically malicious, but multiple copies from different folders is a red flag.

What are the biggest signs RuntimeBroker.exe is malware?

• It is not in C:\Windows\System32\
• No valid Microsoft digital signature
• Name tricks (extra spaces, strange characters, slightly different spelling)
• It reappears after you end it
• It shows up right after installing suspicious software

What should I do if RuntimeBroker.exe is malware?

A safe removal flow:

1. Disconnect from the internet
2. Run Microsoft Defender Offline scan
3. Run a Full scan after reboot
4. Remove persistence (startup apps, scheduled tasks, suspicious services)
5. Delete the malicious file from the suspicious folder
6. Run:
   • sfc /scannow
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Should I delete RuntimeBroker.exe from System32?

No. If it is in System32 and properly signed, it is a normal Windows component. Deleting it can break Windows app permissions and cause system instability.