Summary: While installing Windows updates, the system sometimes shows the Windows Modules Installer 100% disk issue in the task manager. This bugging issue can cause the computer to stutter or hang. Resolve this issue by using methods like Windows Update troubleshooter or performing a clean boot.
While carrying out a resource-intensive task, a sudden spike in CPU or memory usage is common. This spike usually goes down after some time or when the task is finished. However, there are times when certain processes, like the Windows Modules Installer Worker, shows 100% disk usage in the task manager. This sudden issue leads to a stuttering and sluggish computer without any resources to handle additional tasks.
The Windows Modules Installer Worker’s CPU or memory usage skyrocketing to 100% leaves users wondering about its causes. Regardless of this spike affecting the performance, this issue is not worrisome and can be fixed easily using the methods explained below.
What is Windows Modules Installer Worker (WMIW)?
Windows Modules Installer Worker, WMIW, or TiWorker.exe, is a critical Windows core system process whose function is to check and install Windows updates automatically. This process has administrator-level permissions and works in the background to install all the necessary updates without needing any user interference.
Like any other Windows process or application, the Windows Modules Installer Worker requires some power to work efficiently. Apart from installing updates, the TiWorker.exe also ties up various important system resources like .NET to keep essential processes working smoothly.
While installing updates, it can run into problems, leading to Windows Modules Installer Worker 100% disk usage issue.
Why does the Windows Modules Installer Worker reflect High CPU Usage?
Upon checking the task manager and finding the Windows Modules Installer Worker high CPU usage issue, we assume that the process, in itself, is corrupt or causing problems.
However, there are many other reasons that can cause the Windows Modules Installer Worker high CPU usage. The reasons could be – a malware infection, broken update installer, insufficient power supply, faulty memory or disk, and more.
Windows Modules Installer Worker 100% disk usage can also be due to dust build-up and improper airflow inside the CPU cabinet, resulting in computer overheating and subsequent effects like stuttering, unexpected frame drops, and system crashing.
Methods to Fix the Windows Modules Installer Worker 100% Disk Usage
There is no single cause behind the Windows Modules Installer Worker high disk usage. Nevertheless, we have explained several fixes below that might help fix potential triggers causing this issue.
Method 1: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot boots the computer with a minimum set of essential processes and applications. Doing this will help you figure out if the Windows Modules Installer Worker high CPU usage is due to a background program interfering with the TiWorker.exe process. The steps to do this are simple –
- Press WINDOWS + R and type msconfig. Press Enter.
- You’ll see the System Configuration screen.
- Navigate to the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft services option.
- Then, click on Disable all to disable all third-party services.
- Then, go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
- In the startup tab, disable all the applications. Close the Task Manager.
- It will bring you back to the Startup tab in the System Configuration window. Click on OK.
- Restart your computer. Your computer will boot in a clean boot environment.
Method 2: Run Memory Diagnostics
Faulty RAM module/s might be causing the Windows Modules Installer Worker high CPU usage issue on your system. You can test the memory modules via Windows’ built-in memory diagnostics tool. Here’s what to do –
- Press WINDOWS + R and type mdsched.exe. Press Enter.
- Click on Restart now and check for the problems option.
- Wait for the tool to finish the scan and restart the computer.
Note – Make sure to save everything and close all applications before using it.
Method 3: Do a Comprehensive Malware Check
A malware inside your system might have already replaced the real Windows Modules Installer Worker process and mimicking it for suspicious activities. If you see something suspicious or you are facing the Windows Modules Installer Worker 100% CPU usage error after visiting a random webpage or connecting an unknown device to your system, perform a virus scan on your Windows PC. Use a reliable and well-renowned antivirus for this purpose.
Method 4: Set PC performance to the Best
Unwanted features like visual effects can hog up the system resources, leading to other processes like TiWorker.exe to stall or show 100% disk usage. You can fix this by opting for the best performance. To do this –
- Open My PC.
- Right-click on the blank space and click on Properties.
- Click on Advanced system settings to open the System Properties window.
- Under the Advanced tab, go to the Performance section and click on Settings.
- In the Performance Options window, under the Visual Effects tab, click on Adjust for best performance.
- Click OK.
Method 5: Set Windows Modules Installer Worker to Manual
Automatic update installation in Windows is a great way to prioritize other important tasks. However, in some scenarios, it has issues that lead to Windows Modules Installer Worker 100% CPU usage. You can fix this by toggling the service to ‘manual’ mode. To do this –
- Press WINDOWS + R and type services.msc. Press Enter.
- Locate the Windows Module Installer and right-click on it. Click on properties.
- Change the Startup type to manual.
- Click on Apply and OK.
Method 6: Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder
SoftwareDistribution is a folder that Windows uses to temporarily store files required for installing Windows updates. These files can sometimes conflict with the Windows Modules Installer Worker process, resulting in high CPU usage errors. You can fix the TiWorker high CPU usage by deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder. Here are the steps for doing this –
- Press WINDOWS + R and type services.msc. Press Enter.
- Locate the Windows Update service and stop it.
- Close the Services Window and again press WINDOWS + R.
- Type C:\Windows\ and press Enter.
- Navigate to the SoftwareDistribution folder and delete it.
You can also clean other temporary files from your computer to clear all unwanted files on your computer.
Method 7: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
If there is a problem with the Windows updater itself, it can cause the Windows Modules Installer Worker 100% usage on your Windows computer. You can resolve the underlying problem by running the Windows update troubleshooter. For this –
- Press WINDOWS + I to open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Troubleshoot in the left pane.
- Click on Additional troubleshooters.
- Locate the Windows Update troubleshooter and click on it.
- Click on Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions afterward.
Reduce Unnecessary CPU Usage
The Windows Modules Installer Worker (WMIW) 100% disk usage is an unusual behavior indicating high CPU/disk image that can slow down the computer.
Using the methods explained above, you can fix the Windows Modules Installer Worker high disk usage issue in no time. And, if your computer is constantly stuttering and crashing due to high CPU usage, try using System Restore to restore the PC to a previous error-free state.
If you accidentally deleted some files on your sluggish computer, worry not and use a powerful Windows data recovery software to recover them.
Related Reads
[FIXED] – Svchost.exe High CPU usage
How to fix modern setup host high CPU usage issue?
Methods to fix WUDFHost.exe high CPU usage on Windows PCs
[FIXED] – Antimalware service executable high CPU usage issue
FAQs
Q. Is the Windows Modules Installer Worker process essential?
A. Yes, WMIW or Windows Modules Installer Worker is a core system process that automatically installs various OS and security updates. It also ensures that essential processes are working smoothly.
Q. What causes 100% Disk usage?
A. Multiple instances of an application running simultaneously, too many applications running parallel, malware or cryptominer working in the background are some of the reasons behind high disk usage.
Q. Will upgrading RAM or SSD solve 100% usage issue?
A. In some cases, if the 100% usage is due to insufficient RAM or old HDD, upgrading RAM and switching to SSD can help you resolve high CPU/memory issue.
