How to Stop Runtime Broker From Using Excess RAM on Windows 11

Quick fix: Runtime Broker (RuntimeBroker.exe) manages permissions for UWP apps. High RAM means an app is requesting many permissions. Open Task Manager → identify which UWP apps are running → close unnecessary ones. For chronic: Settings → System → Notifications → toggle off “Get tips and suggestions.” If specific app keeps Runtime Broker high: reinstall that app.

Runtime Broker is a system process. Normally uses 10-30MB RAM. Spikes to several hundred MB or 1GB+ mean an app is misbehaving. Identify the offending UWP app and reset / reinstall.

What causes this

Runtime Broker mediates permissions between UWP apps and system resources. Each running UWP app maintains a permission session. High RAM happens when:

• Many UWP apps running simultaneously.
• A UWP app has a memory leak.
• Toast notifications, suggestions, telemetry overloading.
• Specific apps (Outlook UWP, Calendar, OneDrive) misbehaving.

Method 1: Identify and close offending apps

The standard route.

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
2. Sort by Memory descending.
3. Look for Runtime Broker entry. Click to expand if multiple instances.
4. Right-click Runtime Broker → Go to details. Or End task for specific process.
5. If you can’t identify which app is causing it: open Settings → Apps → Installed apps. Look at recently used / Microsoft Store apps.
6. Close unused UWP apps:
   • Settings, Calendar, Mail, Photos: close if not needed.
   • OneDrive (if heavy): pause sync.
   • Cortana: disabled in Win11 by default.
7. Restart PC. Recheck Task Manager.
8. If specific app keeps Runtime Broker high: reset / reinstall that app.

This is the standard fix.

Method 2: Disable tips and suggestions

For reducing telemetry-driven Runtime Broker activity.

1. Open Settings → System → Notifications.
2. Scroll. Untick:
   • Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and when signed in to show what’s new and suggested.
   • Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.
3. Open Settings → System → Notifications → Additional settings. Untick:
   • Same options.
4. Open Settings → Privacy & security → General. Untick all options including Show me suggested content in the Settings app.
5. Open Settings → Personalization → Lock screen. Untick Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen.
6. Reboot. Runtime Broker should be calmer.
7. For chronic high RAM: continue to Method 3.

This is the telemetry reduction.

Method 3: Reset specific UWP apps

For chronic offender.

1. Identify suspect app from Task Manager (Method 1).
2. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
3. Find suspect app. Click three-dot menu → Advanced options.
4. Click Reset. Clears app data and settings.
5. If Reset insufficient: click Uninstall → reinstall from Microsoft Store.
6. For Cortana: PowerShell removal:

   Get-AppxPackage *Cortana* | Remove-AppxPackage

7. For OneDrive: pause sync (icon in tray → Pause syncing).
8. For Outlook UWP: uninstall and use Outlook desktop.
9. For all suspects: bulk reset / reinstall.
10. For underlying Windows issue: sfc /scannow + dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.

This is the per-app reset.

How to verify the fix worked

• Runtime Broker in Task Manager: 10-50MB at idle.
• System feels less sluggish.
• Available RAM increased.
• No specific app spiking it.

If none of these work

If Runtime Broker still high: Driver issue: outdated driver triggering permission requests. Update GPU, Bluetooth, audio. Windows Update bug: known specific build issues. Install latest cumulative. For chronic background apps: Settings → Apps → per-app → Background apps permissions → Never. For Telemetry / Diagnostic Data: Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback → Required only. For Insider builds: known higher RAM use. Stay on Stable. For PCs with 8GB RAM: Win11 is tight on 8GB. Consider RAM upgrade. For specific apps that need permissions: live with the cost. Or replace with desktop equivalents.

Bottom line: Task Manager → identify which UWP app keeps Runtime Broker high. Close / reset / reinstall that app. Disable tips, suggestions, telemetry to reduce baseline. sfc /scannow for system-level fixes.