Troubleshooting High CPU Caused by Windows Modules Installer Worker in Windows 10

Troubleshooting High CPU Caused by Windows Modules Installer Worker in Windows 10

If you’ve opened Task Manager and noticed that the Windows Modules Installer Worker (TiWorker.exe) is using a high amount of CPU or disk resources on your Windows 10 PC, you’re not alone. This process plays an essential role in keeping your system up to date, but when it consumes too many system resources, it can slow down your computer or make it almost unusable.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the Windows Modules Installer Worker does, why it causes high CPU usage, and most importantly — how to fix the issue with practical and effective solutions.

What Is Windows Modules Installer Worker?

Windows Modules Installer Worker is a system process responsible for checking for, downloading, and installing Windows updates. It runs in the background and usually activates when:

• Windows Update is checking for updates

• Updates are being installed or configured

• Windows is repairing system files

While it’s normal for this process to run occasionally, it should not cause prolonged high CPU usage. If it does, it may indicate a problem with the update system or corrupted files.

Why Does It Cause High CPU Usage?

The main reasons Windows Modules Installer Worker causes high CPU or disk usage include:

• Windows update stuck or failed

• Corrupted Windows update components

• Too many pending updates

• Software conflicts during updates

• System file corruption

Now, let’s walk through several proven methods to fix the issue.

Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, the simplest solution works best. A restart can help apply any pending updates or clear temporary glitches in the system.

Steps:

1. Save all your work.

2. Click on the Start menu.

3. Select Power > Restart.

4. After rebooting, check Task Manager again to see if the issue persists.

If the high CPU usage continues, move on to the next solutions.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to detect and fix problems related to Windows Update.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

3. Click on Additional troubleshooters (if available).

4. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Once complete, restart your computer and monitor CPU usage.

Disable Automatic Updates Temporarily

While not a permanent fix, disabling automatic updates can stop the Windows Modules Installer Worker from running repeatedly and consuming CPU.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

2. Scroll down to Windows Update in the list.

3. Right-click and choose Properties.

4. In the Startup type dropdown, select Manual or Disabled.

5. Click Apply and then OK.

Note: This will stop updates from installing automatically. Make sure to enable it later to keep your system secure.

Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder stores update files. If it becomes corrupted, it can cause problems with Windows Update and increase CPU usage.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Right-click on Windows Update and select Stop.

3. Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.

4. Delete all contents in the folder (you may need admin access).

5. Go back to services.msc and start Windows Update again.

Then restart your system and check for improvements.

Use SFC and DISM to Repair System Files

Corrupt system files can trigger unusual behavior in background processes. Use the following tools to scan and repair them.

Run SFC (System File Checker)

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.

3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions.

Run DISM (Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management)

If SFC doesn’t solve the issue, follow up with DISM:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type the following commands one by one:

Restart your PC afterward and observe CPU usage.

Schedule Updates During Inactive Hours

You can schedule Windows to install updates when you’re not using the computer, so the process doesn’t interrupt your work or hog resources.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

2. Click on Change active hours.

3. Set the hours when you’re most active.

4. Windows will schedule updates outside those hours.

Disable Windows Modules Installer Worker (Advanced)

This method is not recommended unless you’ve exhausted other options, as it can prevent your system from receiving essential updates.

Steps:

1. Open Services by pressing Windows + R, typing services.msc, and hitting Enter.

2. Find Windows Modules Installer, right-click it, and choose Properties.

3. Set Startup type to Disabled.

4. Click Stop, then Apply and OK.

Remember to re-enable it when necessary.

Use Group Policy Editor (Windows 10 Pro Users Only)

If you’re using Windows 10 Pro, you can use the Group Policy Editor to control automatic updates more precisely.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.

3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.

4. Choose Disabled or Notify for download and auto install.

5. Click Apply and OK.

This gives you more control over when updates are downloaded and installed.

Final Thoughts

High CPU usage by the Windows Modules Installer Worker isn’t unusual — but it shouldn’t last forever or slow down your system to a crawl. By following the steps above, you can regain control over your PC’s performance and ensure that updates are handled smoothly and efficiently.

If the problem continues even after trying all solutions, consider checking for malware or doing a clean installation of Windows 10 as a last resort.