tiworker.exe | The Windows Modules Installer Worker

tiworker.exe , also called the Windows Modules Installer Worker, installs new Microsoft Windows updates and modules. We investigate its safety…

If you opened your taskbar and came across this tiworker.exe and you are now freaking out because you donโ€™t know whether to trust it or delete it immediately, this article will help shed some light into the tiworker.exe, what it does, and what it shouldnโ€™t do.


What is tiworker.exe?

tiworker.exe also called the Windows Modules Installer Worker is one of the system processes present in Microsoft Windows systems. This executable file is responsible for the installation of new Microsoft Windows update and modules.

Unlike other .exe processes, the tiworker.exe process is essential for the functioning of your Windows operating system. It runs the Windows Update service, starting during Windows startup each time you power up/ switch on your computer.

Ordinarily, this tiworker.exe file will be running in the background as your system runs checks for new releases and updates within your systemโ€™s resources after every update. Now, while this file does a lot of good, it could also do the opposite by placing a high load on your computerโ€™s RAM, as well as the CPU.

Usually, tiworker.exeโ€™s CPU usage should be within 30 and 50%, but when thereโ€™s an issue with your computerโ€™s Windows system, this file could load up to 100% CPU usage, leaving you with a poor performance computer. By hogging on the CPU load and your RAM, tiworker.exe could render your system useless.


Is tiworker.exe Safe? Should You Remove It?

As mentioned above, tiworker.exe is an essential Windows Update process which means that if thereโ€™s an issue with the file, you should work in resolving the issue fast. Permanent removal of the file is not an option.

So, if youโ€™ve been thinking that this tiworker.exe file could be a virus masquerading as an important process file, you shouldnโ€™t worry much. Keep in mind that the only time that you should be worried about the tiworker.exe file being a virus is when you find it where it shouldnโ€™t be. What does this mean?

Ordinarily, the tiworker.exe file is located in C:\Windows\WinSxS\ folder. So, if you find it elsewhere, you are most definitely dealing with a virus. You could confirm the location of the tiworker.exe file and confirm that it is not a malicious process by going to the Task Manager and under the Details tab, right-click the processes then select the Open File Location option for a directory – C:\Windows\WinSxS\amd64_microsoft-windows-servicingstack_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.16299.245_none_16ec1d963212a637. 

Note, however, that finding the file where it should be is not a 100% proof that your system is clean and safe, which is why you might need to take up other important steps.

picture of tiworker in windows task manager

When is tiworker.exe Not Safe?

If the file is not in the file location expected, then you have malware in your system, and you should find ways of eliminating it. The other sign that tells you that the tiworker.exe file is not safe is the hogging of CPU load and RAM resources.


How Do You Resolve tiworker.exe Issues?

1. Run a Scan for Viruses and Malware

Since malicious programs and viruses could lead to the disk and CPU issues, you might want to scan for viruses and other forms of malware before you take on more serious approaches. Find a malware scan/ removal tool to check for the malware or viruses that could be running on your computer.

2. Wait for the completion of Tasks 

If youโ€™ve just noticed problems with tiworker.exe for the first time, you need first to allow the process to complete what itโ€™s doing. So, close the running apps and allow your PC to remain idle for some time. After an hour or so, check CPU usage. Most of the time, the incomplete tiworker.exe tasks increase CPU usage, and if you allow the processes to run to the end, the issue is resolved. 

3. Install All Available Windows Updates

If you are a Windows 10 user, first click on the Start button and then click on Settings. Go to Update and Security, and then click on the Check for Updates option. Install all the available updates.

And if you are using Windows 8 or 8.1, Press Windows+R.

This will open up the Run dialog box. In this dialog box, type in the wuapp.exe command and press enter. Next, click on the Check for Updates button and if you find any new updates, install them. 

4. Deleting your Software Distribution Folder

All of your downloaded Windows updates are stored in the folder called the Windows Update Store or the Software Distribution folder. If the folder gets corrupted, your next Windows update will be unsuccessful. The only way around it is deleting the currently downloaded updates then forcing Windows to recreate a new folder. 

5. Running a System Maintenance and the Updates Troubleshooter

Running the systems, troubleshooter should fix any system issues automatically. So, right-click the Start button for Windows and choose the Control Panel. Set your View By option to the Small Icons then open Troubleshooting. 

Next click on View All and then double-click on System Maintenance. Next, click on the Next button, then follow the prompts for the wizard to the end. When the systemโ€™s maintenance is complete, choose a Windows Update troubleshooter โ€“ it should be in the list then click on next and follow the prompts on the screen for troubleshooting and fixing issues in the Windows Update. 

6. Lowering Priority for tiworker.exe Processes

You should consider reducing the priority of the tiworker.exe process. You can do this in the Task Manager. Finally, you could resolve tiworker.exe issues by fixing all corrupted system services and files. You need the System File Checker for this process.

The solutions provided above should resolve all your issues around the tiworker.exe. So, whether you have an error, or if you are struggling with a high CPU load and overuse of resources, you could use any of these solutions to remedy the problem. 


Featured Posts