Microsoft Corporation•Usually safe
RuntimeBroker.exeWhat is RuntimeBroker.exe?
RuntimeBroker.exe is a legitimate Windows system process from Microsoft. It helps Windows check and manage app permissions, especially for Microsoft S...
explorer.exeSafeWhat is explorer.exe?
Publisher: Microsoft CorporationTypical location:
C:\Windows\explorer.exeexplorer.exe is a legitimate Windows system process from Microsoft. It powers the Windows desktop, taskbar, Start menu, File Explorer, and desktop icons. If you found it in Task Manager, that is normal.
What it does
explorer.exe provides the graphical shell for Windows. It draws your desktop, opens folders and files, shows the taskbar and system tray, and handles many parts of the Windows interface you use every day.
Is it safe?
Usually yes. The real explorer.exe is a core Windows file and should be left alone. However, malware can sometimes use the same name to look trustworthy. The safest way to confirm it is the real one is to check its file location and publisher. The legitimate file is usually in C:\Windows\explorer.exe and should show Microsoft Corporation as the publisher. If it is running from a different folder, or the publisher/signature looks missing or unfamiliar, treat it as suspicious.
Why it causes high CPU or disk usage
- 1A stuck File Explorer window or shell extension
- 2Too many desktop icons, folders, or preview panes refreshing
- 3A Windows update or background file indexing task
- 4Corrupt system files or a temporary Explorer restart loop
- 5Malware disguising itself as explorer.exe
How to check if it's legitimate
- Open Task Manager and find explorer.exe.
- Right-click it and choose Open file location.
- Check that the file is in
C:\Windows\explorer.exe. - Right-click the file, open Properties, and check the Digital Signatures or Details tab for Microsoft Corporation.
- If the file is elsewhere, unsigned, or the publisher looks wrong, run a malware scan.
How to remove it
You generally should not remove the real explorer.exe, because it is a core part of Windows. If CPU or disk usage is high, try restarting Windows first, then check for updates and scan for malware. If the file is in an unexpected location or appears to be impersonating Windows, quarantine or remove the suspicious file with a trusted antivirus tool.
Recommended fixes
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Install Windows updates
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install everything available.
- Restart if prompted.
Close resource-heavy apps
- On Windows open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc); on macOS open Activity Monitor.
- Sort by CPU or memory usage.
- Quit apps you don't need that are using excessive resources.
Run System File Checker and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
sfc /scannowand let it complete. - Then run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Restart your PC.
Scan for malware (Windows)
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Run a Full scan.
- Quarantine or remove anything detected, then restart.
Need more help?
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