How to Resolve High CPU Usage by Windows Modules Installer Worker
Windows Modules Installer Worker (TiWorker.exe) is a normal process in Windows that handles updates and maintenance tasks. However, if it uses a lot of CPU for a long time, there might be an issue. Here’s what you can do to fix it.
Wait for It to Finish
Windows launches the Windows Modules Installer Worker when there’s an update or maintenance task to perform. It’s best to let the process finish, even if it’s using a lot of CPU.
Once the update or task is complete, the process will stop automatically.
If it continues running for too long or you need to use your computer for other tasks, try the troubleshooting steps below.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows Modules Installer Worker may run longer than expected if there’s a problem with an update. In this case, you can use the Windows Update Troubleshooter to detect and fix any issues.
On Windows 10, head to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters. Select “Windows Update” and click “Run the Troubleshooter.”
If you’re on Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters, then click the “Run” button next to Windows Update.
Temporarily Stop the Windows Modules Installer Process
If the Windows Modules Installer Worker is using so much CPU that your PC becomes unresponsive and you need to get things done, you can temporarily end the process. However, this should only be done if absolutely necessary.
To stop the process:
- Right-click the Start Menu icon and select Task Manager.
- In the Processes tab, right-click on Windows Modules Installer Worker and choose End Task.
Clear Windows Update Cache and Pause Updates
If you want to prevent Windows Modules Installer Worker from running, you can clear the Windows Update cache and pause updates. This stops the process from installing or checking for updates. Here’s how to do it:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
- Type services.msc in the box and press Enter.
- In the list of services, find Windows Update.
- Right-click it and select Stop.
Open the Run window again by pressing Windows + R, then type the following path and press Enter:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\
- Select all files in the folder by pressing Ctrl + A.
- Right-click on a selected file and choose Delete (on Windows 11, this will show a trash can icon).
- Don’t forget to empty the Recycle Bin as well.
Once your update cache is deleted, you can pause the updates. On Windows 11:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- On the right panel, next to Pause Updates, click the drop-down menu and select how long you want to pause the updates.
On Windows 10:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Advanced Options.
- In the Pause Updates section, click the Pause Until drop-down menu and choose a time duration.
Run Computer Maintenance at a Time You Choose
The Windows Modules Installer Worker runs during scheduled maintenance tasks. Fortunately, you can adjust when these tasks occur, ensuring they don’t interrupt your important work.
To change the maintenance schedule:
- Open the Start Menu and search for Security and Maintenance.
- Click to open it, then expand the Maintenance section.
- Select Change Maintenance Settings to set a new time for system maintenance tasks.
From the Run maintenance tasks daily at drop-down menu, choose the time you want your PC to run maintenance tasks. Be sure to pick a time when you’re not using your PC for important work. After selecting the time, click OK.
And that’s it! Those are the steps to reduce or eliminate Windows Modules Installer Worker’s high CPU usage on your computer. Keep in mind that this isn’t the only process related to Windows Updates that can cause issues. If Windows Update gets stuck, there are additional troubleshooting steps you can try.
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