Resolution for High CPU Usage Caused by Windows Modules Installer Worker on Windows 10 

Windows 10 users have run into an issue with an item called Windows Modules Installer Worker consuming a large amount of CPU power on their device. It often occupies more than 50% of your CPU resources, and in severe cases even jumps up to 100%. This leads to a slow computer and presents various risks such as overheating or damaged hardware.

Don’t worry — the Windows  Modules Installer Worker is not a virus or malware. It’s a completely safe process to have on your computer; however, it has issues. This guide aims to help you address the high CPU usage problem and return your computer to normal operation.

If you notice your computer’s fans revving up and detect an increase in temperature without any obvious cause, take a look at the Task Manager. You might find “Windows Modules Installer Worker” listed as the culprit behind the CPU usage spike on your PC. This procedure, also recognized as TiWorker.exe, it is an special element of the Windows 10 operating system.

Here’s the important information you need to know about Windows Modules Installer Worker.

What is Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker?

Windows 10 Module installer worker is an important PC tool that helps the PC to check the windows 10 updates automatically. It is an essential tool if you want Windows to check for the updates automatically on your PC or laptop because it automatically runs while checking for, and installing, any Windows 10 Updates.

Essentially, Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker (or TiWorker.exe) is a Windows 10 Update Service. It looks for newly available Windows10  system updates and installs them on your computer. Whenever your system automatically looks for updates or you manually start a search for updates, this process will be running.

Whenever users notice sudden slowdowns and open the Task Manager to see what’s going on, they may see the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker consuming up to 100% CPU usage. This is why some users relate the Windows 10 Update Installer worker with CPU usage issues while the tool is looking for available updates.

Is Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker a virus or malware?

For certain users, encountering high CPU or disk usage attributed to the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker might lead them to suspect a virus infection. However, it’s important to clarify that this is not indicative of malware. The Windows 10  Modules Installer Worker is simply an integral element of the Windows operating system tasked with managing Windows 10 Updates. Therefore, there’s no need for concern regarding its presence on your system.

If still, you are worried about the same, then you can run any of the virus scans using a quality antivirus solution or use the help of a windows defender.

Why does Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker Load my system CPU?

Frequent CPU spikes commonly stem from the Windows 10  Modules Installer Worker continuously seeking updates.

In Windows 10, the OS plays a preeminent role. Usually, updates and upgrades are set to be installed at night – when the PC is inactive. But in some of the cases, when the system is turned off at night, the only solution is for the updates to download and install the updates at day time or when your PC is active.

Occasionally, high CPU usage from the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker may arise due to either heavy RAM usage or outdated drivers on the PC. This can happen when you manually or automatically search for the updates of Windows 10 or install them. Most of the time, it also occurs then when servicing a laptop or PC.

Another common question is how long there is a high activity of the modules installer worker process? There’s is no correct answer for this. You may see it until the process is complete or until the next Windows 10 start. 

However, if you either see that the TiWorker.exe process causes a load of 80—100% for an hour, two, or more, then, first of all, try to reboot your PC or laptop. Let the system reboot easily, then wait for about 5 minutes and observe the activity of the installer process. Usually, after a restart, the action/activity of the Windows 10  modules installer worker process is significantly reduced.

Can I Disable the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker?

In the course of your quest for a solution for the Windows 10 Modules installer worker’s high CPU usage, you may encounter some advice recommending that you should disable it. Indeed, you can choose to disable the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker system service. But this will prevent Windows 10 from installing updates properly, and you shouldn’t do it.

It is important to always keep your Windows 10 OS up to date. 

So, it is best to just bite the bullet and allow the TiWorker.exe process to occasionally do its thing despite its high CPU or high disk usage. This is just how Windows 10 installs updates work, and it’s for your own good.

You have the option to deactivate the Windows Modules Installer Worker system service

Use the following methods to fix Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker – High CPU Usage

Method 1. Remove the SoftwareDistribution folder

The first thing you should try when attempting to troubleshoot this issue is deleting a specific folder called SoftwareDistribution. This folder is used by default to store new updates in. When a corrupt file is stored here it can lead to a number of errors with the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker.

Removing the folder poses no risks, as Windows 10, when a new update is detected, Windows 10 will generate a fresh folder with identical naming automatically.

detected. Keep in mind that you may need administrator privileges to execute this method.

1. Temporarily disable the Windows 10 Update service using these steps:

a. To open the Run utility, simply simultaneously press at the same time the Windows 10 key plus the R key on your keyboard simultaneously.

b. Write down “services.msc” without the quotation marks, and click the OK button. The Services window will open up.

c. Locate the Windows 10 Update service. Right-click on it, then select Pause/Stop.

2. Using the File Explorer, navigate to C:\Windows.

3. Select the SoftwareDistribution folder right-click on it. Hit the Delete option from the context menu.

4. Restart your device and test if your Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker issue is fixed.

Method 2. Restart the Windows 10 Update Service

(Lifewire)

There’s a possibility that your Windows Modules Installer Worker is consuming a lot of resources because the update service isn’t running properly. To check and fix this, simply follow the steps below.

1. Navigate the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to pull up the Run utility.
2. Write down “services.msc” and click the OK button to launch Services. This might take a while to fully load.
3. Scroll down until you find the Right-click on the “Windows 10 Update” and select the “Stop” option from the menu.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Right-click on the Windows 10 Update service again and select “Start.” This should fully restart the service.

Method 3. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides a dedicated tool to address issues related to Windows 10 updates, which is available for free download to all users, regardless of whether they have a Microsoft Account. By running this tool, users can identify and resolve any errors that may be affecting their system.

To use the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter:

1. Download the tool from Microsoft’s official website using the provided link. This ensures the download is secure and trustworthy.
2. Double-click on the downloaded Windows 10 Update.diagcab file to launch the troubleshooter.
3. Follow the instructions presented on the screen by the troubleshooter issues are identified, the tool will offer solutions or further information to help resolve them.
4. It’s important to note that while the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter can be effective in resolving issues, it may not always detect all problems. Therefore, it’s advisable to explore additional methods until the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker High CPU error is successfully resolved.

Method 4: Perform a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The System File Checker, commonly known as The SFC scan, an integral feature of Windows, is a built-in tool designed to automatically repair corrupted system files and resolve various issues.

Some users have reported that performing an SFC scan helped resolve the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker High CPU problem.

To initiate the SFC scan:

1. Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run utility.
2. Type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
3. If prompted, click Yes to grant permission for the Command Prompt to make changes.
4. In the Command Prompt window, type down in command with apostrophes “sfc /scannow” and press Enter to execute it.
5. Allow the scan to complete, which may take some time. Do not close the Command Prompt or shut down your computer during this process.
6. Once the scan is finished, restart your device.

Method 5: Use the DISM Command

Deployment Image Servicing and Management acronym for (DISM), is a utility available via the command line that enables various servicing and management tasks identify and repair corruption issues within the system.

To utilize the DISM command:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run utility.
2. Type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. If prompted, click Yes to authorize the Command Prompt to make changes.
4. Within the Command Prompt window, input the command “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth” and hit the Enter key.
5. After the scan completes, execute the command “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” and press Enter.
6. Wait for the process to finish, then close the Command Prompt and restart your device.

Method 6. Turn off Automatic Updates

(Lifewire)

Since the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker is associated with Windows Update, one potential solution to address the high CPU usage is to disable automatic updates. This can be done by following the steps below.

1. Press the Windows + I keys on your keyboard to open the Settings application. You can also open Settings from the Start menu by clicking on the gear icon.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Navigate Windows 10 Update from the menu in the left panel.
4. Click on Advanced Options.
5. Select how long you want to pause updates by using the drop-down menu.

You can disable updates for 35 days at a time — make sure to repeat these steps every month to ensure you don’t get automatic updates. If you aim to disable Windows 10 updates permanently to make sure you read our article on How to Disable Windows Updates.

Method 7. Change your Internet settings

Case 1. You have a Wi-Fi connection

1. Press the Windows + I keys on your keyboard to open the Settings application. You can also open Settings from the Start menu by clicking on the gear icon.
2. Click on Network and Internet.
3. Open the Wi-Fi tab using the menu in the left-side panel.
4. Select your current Wi-Fi network.
5. Scroll down to the Metered connection section and turn on the Set as metered connection option for the Wi-Fi network.

Case 2. You have an Ethernet connection

1. Navigate the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to pull up the Run utility.

2. Type down “regedit” without the quotation marks and press the OK button. It will launch the Registry Editor in a new window.

3. Type in the Command Prompt window, “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth” and press Enter.

4. Right-click on the DefaultMediaCost folder and select Permissions…

5. Click on the Add… button. Type your username into the Input the object names into the selection field and click on “Check Names.”

6. Navigate the OK button.

7. Select the user you just added and tick on the Allow square in the Full Control row. Navigate the OK button to close this window and return to the Registry Editor.

8. Double-click on the Ethernet value in the DefaultMediaCost folder, and make sure the Data value is set to 2.

9. Navigate the OK button and restart your computer.

Final Thoughts 

We hope that this article was able to help you answer “what is Windows modules installer worker” and fix the Windows 10 Modules Installer Worker high CPU usage on Windows 10. If you run into similar issues in the future, don’t be afraid to return to our website and help center. You will find a solution.