Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Located in C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe
Warning
Often active during app permission prompts
RuntimeBroker only runs to mediate permissions for UWP apps and toasts
Can I Disable?
✔ YES (not recommended)
Disabling may block permission prompts for legitimate apps
What is RuntimeBroker.exe?
RuntimeBroker.exe is a Windows system process that mediates permission prompts for UWP and some desktop apps. It appears in Task Manager when apps request access to location, microphone, camera, or notifications and disappears when prompts finish.
It runs with low privileges and minimal memory, acting as a mediator between apps and the OS for user consent and toasts. It does not perform user tasks itself, only coordinates prompts.
Quick Fact: RuntimeBroker was introduced to improve app sandboxing and security by isolating permission prompts from the main UI.
Types of RuntimeBroker-related Activity
- Permission Prompt Mediation: Handles access requests from UWP and some sandboxed apps
- Toast and Notification Mediation: Displays toasts when apps gain/lose permissions
- Background Mediation: Runs briefly to coordinate permission checks in background
- Security Sandbox Interaction: Ensures minimal privileges and isolation
Is RuntimeBroker.exe Safe?
Yes, RuntimeBroker.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file located in C:\Windows\System32 and signed by Microsoft.
Is RuntimeBroker.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real RuntimeBroker.exe is not malware. Malware may masquerade with similar names; verify path and signature.
How to Tell if RuntimeBroker.exe is Legitimate
- File Location:: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe. Any RuntimeBroker.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a Microsoft signature.
- Resource Usage:: Typically low CPU and memory. Sudden spikes outside prompts warrant investigation.
- Behavior:: RuntimeBroker should only run during permission prompts. Persistent background activity can indicate malware.
Red Flags: If RuntimeBroker.exe is not in C:\Windows\System32 or lacks a Microsoft signature, run a full system scan and verify OS integrity.
Why Is RuntimeBroker.exe Running on My PC?
RuntimeBroker.exe runs briefly when an app requests permissions or displays a prompt, and generally idles when no prompts are active.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Permission Prompts: A UWP or desktop app is requesting permissions (location, mic, camera, notifications), triggering mediation.
- Foreground App Interactions: During app use, Windows routes consent prompts through RuntimeBroker to the user.
- Background App Activities: Some apps run in the background and may request permissions asynchronously, causing brief activity.
- OS Privacy and Security Features: Windows privacy settings may initialize RuntimeBroker for consent prompts or policy checks.
- System Start or App Install: During Windows startup or new app installation, RuntimeBroker may initialize to handle first prompts.
Can I Disable or Remove RuntimeBroker.exe?
Generally not recommended to disable RuntimeBroker.exe, as it mediates legitimate prompts. You can reduce activity by controlling app permissions and notifications.
How to Stop RuntimeBroker.exe
- Close Apps Prompting Permission: Complete the permission prompt or close the app triggering it.
- Reduce App Permissions: Open Windows Settings → Privacy & security → App permissions and disable unnecessary access.
- Disable Notifications for Nonessential Apps: Settings → System → Notifications & actions; customize per-app alerts.
- Restart Windows: A simple restart clears transient RuntimeBroker activity.
- OS Updates: Make sure Windows is up-to-date to ensure proper RuntimeBroker behavior.
Common Problems: RuntimeBroker.exe
If RuntimeBroker.exe causes issues, use these checks to diagnose and fix typical scenarios.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Frequent permission prompts from multiple apps: Limit app permissions and notifications; update and review UWP apps that request sensitive access.
- Transient high CPU during prompts: Close the prompting app; ensure Windows is up-to-date; perform a malware scan if abnormal behavior occurs.
- Persistent background activity: Check for rogue background apps; disable unnecessary background tasks in Privacy settings.
- Multiple RuntimeBroker.exe instances: Scan for malware; run SFC/DISM; consider OS repair if multiple legitimate copies appear.
- Outdated Windows build: Run Windows Update to install the latest servicing stack and OS updates.
- Corrupted system files: Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair Windows components.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Review apps requesting permissions via Settings → Privacy & security → App permissions
3. Restart Windows to reset transient RuntimeBroker activity
4. Run Windows Update to ensure OS integrity
5. Scan for malware with Windows Defender or another security product
6. Ensure no rogue copies exist outside C:\Windows\System32
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RuntimeBroker.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate RuntimeBroker.exe from Microsoft is not a virus. Verify the path C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe and a valid Microsoft signature.
What does RuntimeBroker.exe do?
It mediates permission prompts and toasts for UWP and certain apps, isolating prompts from the main UI for security.
Why is RuntimeBroker.exe using CPU?
CPU usage spikes during permission prompts or when many apps request access. If persistent, scan for misbehaving apps or malware.
Can I disable RuntimeBroker.exe?
Disabling is not recommended as it handles necessary prompts. You can reduce activity by restricting app permissions and notifications.
Should RuntimeBroker.exe always be running?
No. It should run briefly when prompts occur and idle otherwise. Continuous activity may indicate a problem with an app or OS components.
How do I troubleshoot RuntimeBroker.exe problems?
Check for OS updates, review app permissions, run sfc/dism, scan for malware, and verify the executable path in C:\Windows\System32.