Have you ever encountered a situation where your computer goes to a halt while you’re working on something important? The system is all heated up and the CPU fan is running very fast while making noise. Super annoying, right?
Well, all of this is happening because of Windows Modules Installer Worker, which is occupying 50% or more of your CPU and thus very high CPU usage.
Windows Modules Installer Worker, which is the popular name of TiWorker.exe for Windows 10 is a service provided by the OS that tracks new updates for your computer and installs them automatically without you having to take up any pains.
It is designed so as the system can update itself while running in the background, thus saving your time and efforts. This implies that even while you’re doing stuff on your computer, the Windows is checking and looking for new updates all by itself and installing them as needed without you having to interfere or even move a finger (let alone worrying).
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WAT IS WINDOWS MODULES INSTALLER WORKER?
Definition
Windows Modules Installer Worker, also known as TiWorker.exe, is a system process in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It plays a pivotal role in the maintenance and smooth running of the system.
Purpose
Its primary function is to look for new updates and install them on your computer. This process ensures that your system is up-to-date with the latest features, security updates, and bug fixes.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
The importance of Windows Modules Installer Worker lies in its role in system integrity and security. Regular updates are crucial for:
- Security: Patching security vulnerabilities.
- Performance: Improving system stability and performance.
- Features: Adding new functionalities.
WHY IS IT USING SO MUCH CPU?
If you might have checked your Windows Task Manager, you would have noticed that Windows Modules Installer Worker occupies most of your CPU. Normally, the application works very smoothly and it doesn’t hog on your computer’s resources.
But sometimes the process might corrupt or if something goes erroneous then there is a possibility that high disk usage will occur with 100% CPU usage in some cases. This causes the computer to slow down or freeze. You might have to reboot your computer several times, as it can’t be fixed by itself.
CAN I DISABLE IT?
Yes, you can very much disable the TiWorker.exe on your computer. Though it is not advisable to do the same because then you will have to check for the updates and install them manually which could be a time-killing work.
Also, you could miss out on important security updates. But if it is very necessary then below are some ways to disable and stop the Windows Modules Installer Worker –
STOP AND DISABLE THE WINDOWS AUTOMATIC UPDATE SERVICES
Windows Modules Installer Worker checks and installs updates only when the Windows Update service is running.
When you disable the service, you ensure that the automatic process stops thus saving a large percentage of disk usage. Here’s how you can do it –
- Press the Windows logo key and R simultaneously on your keyboard to invoke the Run box and search services.msc in it.
- When a service Windows pop-up then double-click on Windows Update to open a Properties dialogue box.
- Set it to Disabled in the Startup Type option and then Stop in Service Status. Then click OK and then select Apply.
RESTART THE WINDOWS UPDATE SERVICES
Restarting windows update services can also fix this issue. You can follow the steps given below to do it –
- Press the Windows logo key and R simultaneously on your keyboard to invoke the Run box and search services.msc in it.
- When a service Windows pop-up then right-click on Windows Update and select the Restart option from the context menu.
STOP (TEMPORARILY) THE WINDOWS UPDATE SERVICES
To temporarily stop the services for a while you can follow the procedure given below –
- Press the Windows logo key and R simultaneously on your keyboard to invoke the Run box and search services.msc in it.
- When a service Windows pop-up then right-click on Windows Update and select stop option from the context menu.
REMOVE OR DELETE THE SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION FOLDER
Removal of the software distribution system enables refreshing the windows update. Whenever new updates are available in the windows, the computer downloads and stores them automatically in a folder, called Software Distribution.
So by deleting this folder, you make sure that any files downloaded which were corrupt and were causing the computer to lag gets deleted and the system becomes clean. Given below are the multiple steps in which this process occurs.
- Stopping the windows update services
- Follow the steps as given in the above method. Close the windows services window.
- Deleting the Software Distribution folder
- Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\.
- Search for the Software Distribution folder amongst a given list of folders and delete it by right-clicking on it and selecting the Delete option.
- Check for updates
- Reboot your computer and check for updates again.
- For this, open settings and go to Update and Security. Select Windows Update and then check for updates.
CHANGING YOUR INTERNET SETTINGS
There are two different cases of changing your internet settings. With the help of these processes, you can convert your network to the metered connection. While being on a metered connection the operating system does not download the updates over the network. Both ways are discussed below in-depth.
- For a wi-fi network
- Go to start > Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Advanced
- Choose the option Set as Metered Connection.
- For an Ethernet network
- Windows logo key + R
- Type Regedit and select run (OK).
- When prompted by User Account Control (UAC) select Yes option.
- A new window opens. On it, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT > Current Version > Network List > Default Media Cost
- Right-click on this option and select Permissions.
- Now click Add. Type your username in the Enter the Object Names to select and then choose the option Check Names. Click OK.
- Select the user you just added and choose to Allow for Full Control. Click OK.
- Double-click on the option Ethernet and in the newly opened box set its value data to be 2. Select OK and close the Regedit Editor window.
- Reboot your computer to finish the process.
IS IT A VIRUS?
No. Windows Modules Installer Worker is not a virus. It is a system application provided by Windows itself. There has been no news regarding any malware which was disguised as Windows Modules Installer Worker or TiWorker.exe. But if you’re still concerned about your data then you can always run a security check with your antivirus software.
IF YOU THINK SOMETHING’S WRONG
It is said that it’s better to be safe than sorry and this is true. Windows Modules Installer Worker is a completely safe application to work with. However, if you still feel that something’s not right you can try troubleshooting for problems.
Please note that troubleshooting will not interfere with your normal processes but it will fix any problem related to your Windows update and OS so that it does not affect your Windows Modules Installer Worker program. Here is a list of various methods you can apply to check if there’s a problem and fix it –
TROUBLESHOOTING USING WINDOWS TROUBLESHOOTER
Windows troubleshooter is said to be the most effective tool for tracking out the problems in a system and fixing them. Below are the steps you can follow, to effectively get rid of any problem you’re facing with Windows Modules Installer Worker.
- Click on Start > Settings> Update and Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update > Run the Troubleshooter
- The Windows Update system will start the process of scanning the system for issues and initialize the diagnostic.
- Apply the recommended fix by following the instructions and clicking Next as the Windows instructs you.
- Reboot your system to check whether the issue is fixed or not.
USING SYSTEM FILE CHECKER TOOL
It is used to scan and fix the corrupted file systems as they cause high disk usage problems.
- Press the Windows logo key and X simultaneously to open the context menu. Select CommandPrompt(admin).
- Execute the command sfc/scannow and press Enter.
- The process will start executing and then terminate.
USING DISM TOOL
It is also known as the System Update Readiness Tool. It is used to scan the OS for corrupt files and then resolve the issues automatically.
It is especially useful when SFC tools are unable to repair a file.
- Press the Windows logo key and X simultaneously to open the context menu. Select command prompt(admin).
- Execute any one of the following commands to run the DISM tool –
Dism.exe/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth
Dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth
- After the process has terminated, restart the computer.
HIGH CPU USAGE: A COMMON CONCERN
Users often notice that the Windows Modules Installer Worker is using a significant portion of their system’s CPU resources. This is typically observed in the Task Manager and can lead to concerns about the process being malicious or harmful.
Why Does It Happen?
- Downloading and Installing Updates: These activities are resource-intensive, especially when large updates are being processed.
- Scanning for Updates: Regularly checking for new updates can also consume system resources.
MANAGING HIGH CPU USAGE
While it’s normal for the Windows Modules Installer Worker to use more CPU during updates, constant high usage can be problematic. Here’s how to manage it:
Method 1: Allow the Process to Complete
Patience is key. Often, the best solution is to allow the process to finish its job. This might take time, especially if there are many updates to be installed.
Method 2: Troubleshoot Windows Update Issues
If the high CPU usage persists, troubleshooting Windows Update can help:
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Access this via the Update & Security settings.
- Reset Windows Update Components: If the troubleshooter doesn’t help, manually resetting update components can resolve lingering issues.
Method 3: Schedule Updates for Off-Peak Hours
Configuring Windows Update to run at times when you’re less likely to use your computer can minimize disruptions:
- Change Active Hours: Set active hours in Windows Update settings to avoid updates during your busiest times.
- Schedule Restarts: Opt to schedule restarts for updates at a convenient time.
Method 4: Check for Malware
Although it’s rare, malware can sometimes disguise itself as a legitimate process. Running a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program is a wise precaution.
WHEN TO BE CONCERNED
While Windows Modules Installer Worker is a legitimate process, certain signs warrant attention:
- Constant High CPU Usage: If the high CPU usage doesn’t decrease after a significant amount of time, further investigation is needed.
- System Slowdowns: If your computer becomes consistently sluggish, it could indicate an issue beyond normal update processes.
FAQs
- Is it safe to disable Windows Modules Installer Worker?
- Disabling it is not recommended as it plays a crucial role in system updates and security.
- Can I manually initiate updates to control the CPU usage?
- Yes, manually checking for and installing updates can give you more control over when the process runs.
- How can I differentiate between the genuine Windows Modules Installer Worker and malware?
- Check the file location by right-clicking on the process in Task Manager. The genuine process should be located in the Windows\System32 folder.
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CONCLUSION
The solutions given above will solve your problem definitely. You can also use SFC and DISM tools together to combat the problem. But if the problem persists try to reset your computer to default factory state or reinstall the OS again. I hope that your issue will be resolved now and the excessive resource usage will not bother you again.
