Windows Modules Installer Worker - high CPU usage

Anonymous
2014-05-03T15:13:42+00:00

Windows Module installer worker is constantly running with very high CPU usage.

My PC has suddenly ground to a halt.

All the latest updates are installed as well.

I'm running Windows 8.1 Pro 64 + update.

Thanks.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2014-12-18T22:28:10+00:00

In Windows 8 or 8.1 laptop, sometimes CPU fan run very fast and make noise because Windows Module Installer Worker occupies CPU more than 50%.

In this case, you can solve the problem by changing windows update into manual mode.

How to do it:

  1. Open services.msc (In Windows 8, WindowsKey+R and enter services.msc)
  2. Search "Windows module installer".
  3. Double click the "Windows module installer", and make it manual. It is usually set Automatic.
  4. Search "Windows update".
  5. Double click the "Windows update", and make it manual.
  6. Open Control panel(click the right button of your mouse at the lower left of you display monitor or LCD, e.g., at the Windows logo. and then you can see control panel menu)
  7. Click "Windows update"
  8. In left you can see "Change settings"
  9. Change the setting into "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them". It is usually set automatic.
  10. Reboot

The Windows module installer workers cannot bother you anymore.

Important:

Because Windows update is set manual, you MUST check regularly (weekly or monthly) windows update by yourself.

Also, cleaning up your disk may help to reduce CPU usage by windows module installer worker

Was this answer helpful?

900+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2014-05-04T02:51:57+00:00

Hey Trek178 you should check if the PC is under schedule maintainance and try to troubleshoot the windows update to check if there was any problems. I've just got a same problem and troubleshoot it. Now it's over

Hope this may help you

Was this answer helpful?

500+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2015-01-11T07:32:43+00:00

Hi Louise,

Follow the steps given below.

  1. Press and hold the “Windows” button and the “W” button on the keyboard.
  2. In the search box situated in the upper right corner we need to write “Troubleshooting”
  3. Click(left click) on the “Troublesh o oting” icon.
  4. On the upper left corner of the Troubleshooting window we need to click(left click) on “View All”
  5. Click (left click) on “System Maintenance”
  6. Click (left click) on “Next” and follow the steps presented on the screen.

Check for the issue and move to next method if you still face this issue.

  1. Press and hold the “Window” button and the “X” button on the keyboard.
  2. After the “Control Panel” is opened click (left click) on “Windows Updates”
  3. Select from the “View” menu in the upper right of the window “Large icons”.
  4. In the left side of the window click (left click) on “Check for updates”
  5. After this is finished restart the Windows 8 PC and see if you still have this issue.

Let us know the status of the issue.

Was this answer helpful?

4 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

208 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-01-16T15:55:30+00:00

    When considering that the programmers at Microsoft have to be experienced enough to make decent updates since the OS in itself is stable on even entry-level systems (either Windows 7 and 8.1) I can't help but think it's done on purpose.

    In which case, one can wonder what that purpose is.

    My guess would be: Microsoft really wants to push Windows 10, with all it's built-in spyware glory, amongst every Windows user.

    Even those who are running a system which is incapable of running Windows 10 smoothly, thus forcing unknowing users a system-upgrade, even when their current system is sufficient at performing all neccessary tasks (for most users probably browsing/mail/social-networking)

    I can think of no other reason for the fact that many users as of the past months have experienced, and still are experiencing system-lag, both fast and slow systems because of merely system updates.

    It's not as if updates should be that system-hungry, comparing that to even the most CPU-demanding applications such a video-editing/CAD and whatnot.

    Even sadder may be the fact that there seems to be a complete lack of transparency from the engineers at Microsoft, providing a sufficient explanation as to why this ongoing annoyance has not been dealt with, even though Windows itself normally has no lag at all when idle.

    This makes a stronger believe for the idea of Microsoft, perhaps intentionally, making a slow/laggy experience, for the abovementioned reason, of pushing Windows 10 to users of older OS's.

    Comparing it to an Idle application like Bitcoin mining/SETI, only using system resources when the system is idle, this would prevent unneccessary lag.

    I can only urge Microsoft's engineers, to reverse this major (and seemingly intentional) crippling of an otherwise smooth and lagless system.

    If we decide to upgrade to Windows 10, it should be our own decision, and ours alone, thanks.

    PS: also, an option to choose priority of the update system in Update Setting would be nice (that uncludes a low-priority, of even percentage-setting for both CPU-time and RAM-amount under experienced users setting).

    In other words, makes the update process a user-friendly experience that we would appreciate.

    I'm fine with the idea of updates taking a longer time to install if I can use my system for the tasks I want/need, then it wouldn't be a bother.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-01-16T15:17:03+00:00

    "We do not recommend you to stop Windows Automatic Updates."

    Really? Windows Modules Installer Worker is sucking up 80% of the processor 70% of the memory and 100% of the disk access on my daughter's laptop. It made the computer completely unusable. Fresh install of Windows 8.1 and everything is fine... for 2 weeks. There is something wrong with the updates that is causing this. Find it and fix it.

    While you're at it any popup notifications (Such as the Windows 10 update or time to reboot for updates) need a "No" button besides the do it or Later options. I am sick and tired of working on something and having the computer continuously pop up and ask! And heaven forbid should I step away, miss a notification, and come back to find the computer installing 37 new updates in the middle of the work day when the scheduler was told to do it at 2 am!

    This kind of programming with no regard for your customers is WHY people turn off the automatic updates!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments