Windows Modules Installer Worker: Fix High CPU Usage Easily!

At times, while working on your Windows PC, you may notice that your CPU fan is spinning at full speed. The fan may loudly continue running at full speed even after shutting down the programs you were using. It might startle you as the fans sound like they will spin out of the PC. In most instances, this will be a sign that you are experiencing Windows Modules Installer Worker, resulting in high CPU usage.

With the process eating up most of your CPU resources, the processor works to its limits, thus generating a lot of heat, which in turn spins the fans at high RPMs as they try to bring down the PC’s temperature.

What Is Windows Modules Installer Worker?

The Windows Modules Installer Worker (TiWorker.exe) is a Windows Update Service executable program (exe) that looks for system and program updates and installs them on your computer.

In simpler terms, the Windows Modules Installer checks for windows updates and installs them.

This system process will only run when your computer is checking for new updates, and installing said updates to your Windows PC.  

In most cases, it should work very smoothly without disrupting your workflow or using up too many resources.

However, if the process gets corrupted or something goes wrong with any part of the updating software, it will lead to high CPU usage issues, or in other cases, it creates 100% disk usage. 

You might have tried to restart your computer several times with hopes that this annoying problem would get resolved, but it cannot be fixed by itself.

Is it a virus? No, this system tool is not a virus and is part of the Windows Operating System. It first appeared on Windows 8/8.1, and it is also available on Windows 10.

With these operating systems, Windows made a transition to Over The Air (OTA) updates as compared to offline updates done using a disc. Of course, what this meant was you needed a constant, reliable internet connection to make full use of the feature. 

Windows Modules Installer Worker (TiWorker.Exe) 100% CPU Usage
Windows Modules Installer Worker in process

How Do I Fix Windows Modules Installer Worker (TiWorker.Exe) High CPU Usage?

If you think something is really off—perhaps the Windows Modules Installer Worker process has been running non-stop for hours, or maybe you think it is running a little too frequently—there are some troubleshooting steps you can try. 

Note: These solutions won’t be of much help if the process is just running as scheduled under normal circumstances. But it can potentially fix issues with Windows Update and the overall Windows operating system itself that could be causing problems with the Windows Modules Installer Worker program.

Below are a few troubleshooting methods to try and get your PC running smoothly. Read carefully and thoroughly, to type the right address path when you do it yourself. You can also ask a friend to help you out as you delve deeper into the Windows operating system.

Method 1 – Refresh Windows Update by Deleting the SoftwareDistribution Folder

When new Windows updates are made available, your computer will download the updates and store them in a folder called SoftwareDistribution. 

Windows then uses the downloaded files to install into your computer when scheduled even if your PC has no internet connection.

The address to the folder is: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

However, if one of these downloaded files gets corrupted, Windows Update can’t install the updates correctly and will get stuck somewhere.

As a result, this will lead to a high CPU or Disk usage problem on your Windows computer.

One way to try and fix it is to delete the “SoftwareDistribution” folder from your computer and then check for updates again. This method will remove all corrupted files and force Windows Update to download all those files again.

Follow these steps to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder and fix the high CPU usage issue:

  1. Press Windows key + R 
  1. Type services.msc in the Run Dialog box that appears. 
Run Services.msc Dialogue Box
  1. Scroll down to “Windows Update”, double click and disable this service from running or you may not be able to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder. 
  1. After disabling Windows Update from running, go to C:\Windows\ and scroll down to the SoftwareDistribution folder and delete it. 
SoftwareDistribution Folder
  1. Reboot your Windows PC and check for updates again. 

Note: it is highly advisable to make any downloads over a Wi-Fi connection instead of mobile data.

Method 2 – Set Your Windows Update Service to Manual

It’s not recommended to disable the Windows Modules Installer Worker to prevent high CPU or disk usage because it’s a very important system file.

Disabling it means Windows will not be able to check for new updates. Remember, these system updates keep your computer running smooth and protected from external threats; plus, your computer is also likely to experience some stability issues if this service is disabled.

A less drastic workaround is to set the Windows Update service to manual. This option is better as it allows Windows to check for updates, but you choose which updates to install and when to install them.

Windows 10 now has an option to delay the checking and installing of updates for up to 35 days. Setting your Windows Update service to manual is almost similar to the first method, except you don’t have to delete any folders. 

Follow these steps to set your Windows Update Service to manual and fix TiWorker.exe:

  1. Press Windows key + R. 
  1. Type services.msc in the Run dialog box that appears. 
Run Services.msc Dialogue Box
  1. Scroll down to “Windows Update”, double click and set to Manual. 
Set Windows Modules Installer Worker Startup to Manual
  1. Click on Apply and then Ok. You’re all set. 

Now all you need to do is frequently check the Updates page for new updates and schedule when to have them installed. 

Method 3 – Restart the Windows Update Service

At times, a simple restart is what’s needed. This will recalibrate your Windows Update service and fix the annoying issue.

Follow these steps to restart the Windows Modules Installer Worker:

  1. Press the Windows key + R. 
  1. Type services.msc in the Run dialog box. 
Run Services.msc Dialogue Box
  1. Scroll down to “Windows Update”.  
  1. Right-click on it and select the “Restart” option on the context menu. Simple as that! 
Restart Windows Update to fix TiWorker.Exe using 100% CPU Usage

Method 4 – Clean Reboot Your Computer

By doing a clean reboot of your computer system, you will be resetting all system files. This restarts everything and prevents any further problems.

A clean reboot will clear all cookies and junk files on your PC. After clearing these files, you can fix the Windows Modules problem by following these steps:

  1. Type msconfig.exe in the Windows search box. 
open msconfig
  1. Click on the Normal startup button and click OK. 
Normal Startup to fix TiWorker.Exe
  1. Restart the computer for the changes to happen.  

After restarting, your computer should be running fine. 

FAQs

How Do I Stop the Windows Modules Installer Worker (Tiworker. Exe)?

You can’t stop the Windows Modules Installer Worker, but you can stop/disable the Windows Update Service, which runs the Windows Modules Installer Worker.

Remember, stopping or disabling the Windows Update Service is not recommended, unless if you’re doing it for a short period. However, if you want to stop it, follow the steps below. 

  1. Press Windows key + R and type services.msc in the Run dialog box that appears. 
  1. Scroll down to “Windows Update”. 
  1. Double click and set to disable. 
  1. Right under it, there are 4 options; click on stop. 
  1. After that, click on Apply and then Ok. You’re all set. 

This will disable Windows Update from checking for any updates, including security updates, leaving your computer at risk from malware and other external threats. Windows Modules Installer Worker won’t run unless enabled.

Why Does the Windows Modules Installer Have So Much CPU Usage?

Occasionally Windows Modules Installer Worker will have high CPU usage. It is not a permanent process.

If you let it run, it will finish all checks and updates. Windows 10 has a feature that allows you to schedule when updates are installed so that this process doesn’t interfere with your work.

In severe and rare cases, high CPU usage is caused by corrupted files within the updates. Read method 1 on how to delete the corrupted files.

How Do I Fix Windows Modules Installer Worker Error on Windows 8/8.1?

Other than the user interface, nearly all the Windows Operating Systems are the same. This means that commands run the same way.

If your machine has Windows 8/8.1, you can access the run dialog box (Windows key + R) and fix any errors using the above-mentioned methods.

The navigation to the various options is also the same. You can use the listed methods on Windows 10, 8.1, and 8. 

Conclusion

Don’t be startled next time you hear your computer fans spinning like crazy as it is most likely just the Windows Modules Installer Worker working to keep your computer running smooth and keeping it safe.

If you’re using a newer computer running Windows 10 and you’re not much of a tinkerer with the settings, then Windows Update Service is set to automatic checks, downloads, and installation. As such, occasional computer heating is pretty normal, except for a few instances where there are serious software or hardware problems.

If you experience persistent overheating, seek out the assistance of a licensed service center near you just to be safe.

If you have any additional questions, you can leave them in the comment section below, and we’ll try to help you to the best of our ability.

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