How to Remove RuntimeBroker.exe Malware Impersonator

Have you ever opened your Task Manager and noticed RuntimeBroker.exe using a surprising amount of CPU or memory? While the name might sound familiar, you could be facing a malicious impersonator if it’s misbehaving. In this article, we’ll break down what RuntimeBroker.exe is, how it works under normal conditions, and when its behavior could indicate something more dangerous—like a malware infection.

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RuntimeBroker.exe Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	RuntimeBroker.exe (Malicious Variant)
Type	Malware Impersonator / Trojan
Legitimate File Path	C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe
Suspicious File Path	Any other location (e.g., Temp, AppData, Downloads)
Detection Names	Trojan.Generic, Suspicious.RuntimeBroker, HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic
Common Symptoms	High CPU usage, high RAM usage, slow system performance, multiple processes
Associated Emails	Not applicable (not typically spread via phishing)
Damage Caused	Slows system, allows unauthorized access, potential data theft
Distribution Methods	Bundled software installers, fake Windows updates, malicious downloads
Danger Level	★★★★☆ (High if left unchecked)

What Is RuntimeBroker.exe?

RuntimeBroker.exe is a legitimate Windows system process introduced in Windows 8 and continued in Windows 10 and 11. Its primary function is to manage permissions for UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store. When an app asks to access sensitive resources like your microphone, webcam, or files, Runtime Broker ensures it has proper authorization.

Normally, this process is lightweight, running silently in the background and using minimal system resources—typically under 20 MB of RAM and nearly 0% CPU. But just like other critical Windows processes, RuntimeBroker.exe can be exploited by threat actors who use similarly named files to mask malicious activities.

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When to Suspect Malicious Activity

While occasional CPU or RAM spikes are expected—especially when launching Microsoft Store apps or granting new permissions—prolonged or excessive resource usage is not. Here are signs that something may be wrong:

• RuntimeBroker.exe using 10–40% CPU continuously
• Memory usage consistently above 100 MB
• Multiple instances of the process running
• File location is not C:\Windows\System32\RuntimeBroker.exe

Any of these symptoms may indicate that the process is not genuine and could be part of a malware infection.

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Manual Trojan Malware Removal Guide

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

1. Restart your computer.
2. Before Windows starts, press the F8 key (or Shift + F8 on some systems).
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
4. Press Enter to boot.

This prevents the Trojan from running and makes it easier to remove.

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Step 2: Identify and Stop Malicious Processes

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab (or Details in Windows 10/11).
3. Look for suspicious processes using high CPU or memory, or with unfamiliar names.
4. Right-click on the suspicious process and select Open File Location.
5. If the file is in a temporary or system folder and looks unfamiliar, it is likely malicious.
6. Right-click the process and choose End Task.
7. Delete the associated file in File Explorer.

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Step 3: Remove Trojan-Related Files and Folders

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Also check these directories for unfamiliar or recently created files:
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Temp
   • C:\Windows\Temp
   • C:\Program Files (x86)
   • C:\ProgramData
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
4. Delete suspicious files or folders.

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Step 4: Clean Trojan Malware from Registry

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the following paths:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
3. Look for entries launching files from suspicious locations.
4. Right-click and delete any entries you don’t recognize.

Warning: Editing the registry can harm your system if done improperly. Proceed with caution.

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Step 5: Reset Browser Settings

Google Chrome

1. Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Go to Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.

Microsoft Edge

1. Go to Settings > Reset settings.
2. Click Restore settings to their default values.

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Step 6: Run a Full Windows Defender Scan

1. Open Windows Security via Settings > Update & Security.
2. Click Virus & threat protection.
3. Choose Scan options, select Full scan, and click Scan now.

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Step 7: Update Windows and Installed Software

1. Press Win + I, go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install all available updates.

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Automatic Trojan Removal Using SpyHunter

If manually removing the Trojan seems difficult or time-consuming, using SpyHunter is the recommended method. SpyHunter is an advanced anti-malware tool that detects and eliminates Trojan infections effectively.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Use the following official link to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter

For full instructions on how to install, follow this page: Official SpyHunter Download Instructions

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Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
2. Double-click the installer to begin setup.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

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Step 3: Scan Your System

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click Start Scan Now.
3. Let the program detect all threats, including Trojan components.

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Step 4: Remove Detected Malware

1. After the scan, click Fix Threats.
2. SpyHunter will automatically quarantine and remove all identified malicious components.

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Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Restart your system to ensure all changes take effect and the threat is completely removed.

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Tips to Prevent Future Trojan Infections

• Avoid downloading pirated software or opening unknown email attachments.
• Only visit trusted websites and avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups.
• Use a real-time antivirus solution like SpyHunter for ongoing protection.
• Keep your operating system, browsers, and software up to date.

Why This Matters

Cybercriminals are increasingly disguising their tools as trusted system files. Since most users recognize RuntimeBroker.exe as a legitimate Windows process, a fake version running in a different folder can go unnoticed for extended periods. During that time, it might be stealing personal data, installing other malware, or using your system as part of a botnet.

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Final Thoughts

While RuntimeBroker.exe is a necessary and safe part of Windows, it’s important to be vigilant. Always double-check the file location if it begins consuming excessive resources or if multiple instances appear. Malware authors count on users to trust familiar-sounding files, which makes impersonators like these especially deceptive.

If you confirm that the file is running outside the System32 folder or showing unusual behavior, it’s time to investigate further. Even though RuntimeBroker.exe is often harmless, never assume—verify.