Runtimebroker.exe: What It Is & Should I Remove It?
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
Have you ever opened the Windows Task Manager and noticed a process called Runtimebroker.exe running in the background? If so, you may be wondering what it is and whether or not you should remove it. In this article, we’ll explore what Runtimebroker.exe is, what it does, and whether or not it’s safe to remove.
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What is Runtimebroker.exe?
Runtimebroker.exe is a Windows system process that is responsible for managing permissions for Windows Store apps. It was first introduced in Windows 8 and has been included in every version of Windows since then.
When you install a Windows Store app, it needs to request certain permissions in order to function properly. For example, a photo editing app may need access to your photo library in order to allow you to edit your photos. Runtimebroker.exe is responsible for managing these permissions and ensuring that the app only has access to the resources it needs.
What does Runtimebroker.exe do?
As mentioned, Runtimebroker.exe manages permissions for Windows Store apps. When an app requests permission to access a resource, such as your camera or microphone, Runtimebroker.exe checks to see if the app has been granted permission to access that resource. If it has, Runtimebroker.exe allows the app to access the resource. If it hasn’t, Runtimebroker.exe prompts you to grant the app permission.
Runtimebroker.exe also manages app sandboxing. Sandboxing is a security feature that isolates apps from each other and from the rest of the system. This helps prevent apps from accessing resources they shouldn’t and helps prevent malware from spreading.
Is Runtimebroker.exe safe?
Yes, Runtimebroker.exe is a safe and essential Windows system process. It is not a virus or malware and should not be removed. Removing Runtimebroker.exe could cause Windows Store apps to stop working properly and could even cause system instability.
That being said, if you notice that Runtimebroker.exe is using an unusually high amount of CPU or memory, it could be a sign of a problem. In this case, it’s a good idea to run a scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program, such as Malwarebytes Free, to ensure that your system is not infected with malware.
How to check if Runtimebroker.exe is running on your system
If you’re not sure if Runtimebroker.exe is running on your system, you can check by opening the Windows Task Manager. To do this, right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the menu.
In the Task Manager, click on the “Details” tab. You should see a list of processes running on your system. Look for “Runtimebroker.exe” in the list. If it’s there, it means that Runtimebroker.exe is running on your system.
Conclusion
Runtimebroker.exe is an essential Windows system process that manages permissions for Windows Store apps and helps keep your system secure. It is not a virus or malware and should not be removed. If you notice that Runtimebroker.exe is using an unusually high amount of CPU or memory, it could be a sign of a problem and you should run a scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program, such as Malwarebytes Free, to ensure that your system is not infected with malware.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
