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.

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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

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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

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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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-02-25T10:44:29+00:00

    hi,dear i am using vista old window and having a problem with windows modules installer how change this from atomatic to manuel please help tahanks, is it the same system that we use in any other windows? please help thank you.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-01-17T16:02:47+00:00

    Speaking of it being our decision and ours alone, I work in the automotive trade and frequently do flash updating of control modules on cars. We have to make sure that our computers have the correct hardware and operating system as specified by the auto manufacturer. Why? Because we are connecting to a car with a network that Windows Defender freaks out over and moving files that anit-virus programs cannot identify. One pop up box from Windows with the resulting lag can take a $500-$2000 control module in a car and turn it into a brick.

    Because of this we are still using Windows 7 and in some cases Windows 8.1 because of stability. Windows 10 is forbidden because it has issues. (I still have some legacy stuff from 2003 that I keep a couple of Windows XP machines around for!)

    The automotive trade is not alone in this. There are CNC machines, HVAC control systems, medical equipment and more that are running Windows XP, 7, or 8.1 because Windows 10 will either not run the equipment or is not stable enough. Companies are not going to spend millions on new equipment because Microsoft did an update when the old equipment works great. Microsoft's arrogance in that everyone wants/needs their latest and greatest needs to stop.

    Microsoft needs to sell operating systems to stay in business you say? I get that. My daughter's laptop is less than 2 months old and I typically replace my personal laptop every other year. You're still making me mad. So mad that if I didn't require Windows for work I would be running Linux.

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