Windows Modules Installer Worker
tiworker.exe is safe. It's the Windows Modules Installer Worker that installs, modifies, and removes Windows updates and optional components.
tiworker.exe (Trusted Installer Worker) is the Windows Modules Installer Worker process responsible for installing, modifying, and removing Windows updates, optional features, and system components. It runs when Windows Update is checking for, downloading, or installing updates.
This process works closely with TrustedInstaller.exe and the Windows Update service to safely modify protected system files. It only appears when Windows is actively working with updates or optional components like .NET Framework, language packs, or Windows features.
Quick Fact: tiworker.exe can use high CPU and disk for extended periods (15-60 minutes) during major Windows Updates. This is normal - let it finish rather than forcing it to stop.
Yes, tiworker.exe is completely safe when it's the legitimate Microsoft Windows component located in C:\Windows\System32\. It's an essential part of the Windows Update system.
The real tiworker.exe is NOT a virus. It's a legitimate Windows system process. However, malware can disguise itself using this common process name.
C:\Windows\System32\tiworker.exe or C:\Windows\WinSxS\. Anywhere else is suspicious.Red Flags: tiworker.exe running constantly when no updates are active, located outside System32/WinSxS, or using 100% CPU for many hours without any update progress.
tiworker.exe runs automatically when Windows needs to install or manage updates and system components.
Reasons it's running:
No, you cannot permanently disable tiworker.exe. It's required for Windows Update to function. Disabling it prevents security updates from installing, leaving your system vulnerable.
Warning: You can end tiworker.exe in Task Manager, but it will restart when Windows Update needs it. Repeatedly killing it can corrupt Windows Update and require system repair.
If tiworker.exe is consuming excessive resources:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth Quick Fixes:
1. Let it run for 30-60 minutes - most updates complete naturally
2. Restart PC if stuck for 2+ hours with no progress
3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Settings → Troubleshoot
4. Clear update cache: net stop wuauserv, delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, net start wuauserv
sfc /scannow then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthNo, the legitimate tiworker.exe is NOT a virus. It's the Windows Modules Installer Worker from Microsoft. Verify it's located in C:\Windows\System32\ with a Microsoft digital signature. High CPU/disk usage during Windows Update is normal.
This is normal during Windows Update installation, especially for large feature updates. It can use high resources for 30-60 minutes or longer. If stuck for 2+ hours with no progress, restart your PC. Common fixes: free disk space, run Windows Update Troubleshooter, or reset update components.
No, don't delete tiworker.exe. It's a critical Windows Update component. Windows file protection prevents deletion, but if somehow removed, Windows Update won't work and you'd need to repair Windows. If it's causing problems, let updates finish or use Windows Update Troubleshooter instead.
You cannot permanently disable tiworker.exe - it's required for Windows Update. You can temporarily end it in Task Manager or pause Windows Updates for up to 35 days, but disabling Windows Update entirely leaves your system vulnerable to security threats.
Normal update installations: 15-60 minutes. Large feature updates (like version upgrades): 1-3 hours. Monthly security updates: 10-30 minutes. If running constantly for many hours without progress, there's likely an issue - restart and run Windows Update Troubleshooter.
Both work together for Windows Update: TrustedInstaller.exe is the service that manages installation of Windows components, while tiworker.exe is the worker process that actually performs the installation tasks. tiworker.exe is started by TrustedInstaller service.