5 Hidden Windows Services Hogging CPU and How to Disable Them

Windows runs dozens of background services to maintain performance, security, and usability. However, some of these processes can consume significant CPU resources, especially on older or lower-end machines. Here are five hidden services that may be slowing down performance—and how to safely disable them if they're not essential to your workflow.

1. Runtime Broker

Runtime Broker manages permissions for apps from the Microsoft Store. It ensures these apps are accessing system resources correctly. While usually idle, it can spike CPU usage when launching or switching between apps. On some systems, especially after updates, Runtime Broker can become overly active—even when no Store apps are running.

Runtime Broker cannot be fully disabled without affecting system stability, but its CPU usage can be minimized: 

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Find and right-click Runtime Broker and select End task.

2. Windows Search Indexer

This service indexes files and folders to deliver faster search results in File Explorer and the Start menu. On large drives or systems with frequent file changes, indexing can eat up CPU and disk resources.

How to disable it:

• Press Win + R, type services, and hit Enter.
• Scroll down to Windows Search, right-click, and select Properties.
• Set Startup type to Disabled and click Stop.

3. Antimalware Service Executable (Windows Defender)

This is the background process for Microsoft Defender Antivirus, scanning your system in real time for malware. Full scans or even quick scans can heavily impact CPU usage, particularly during updates or when running large files. To permanently disable it, you must disable real-time protection in the Windows Security.

4. CTF Loader (ctfmon.exe)

CTF Loader manages alternative input methods, such as touch keyboard, speech, and handwriting. Rarely needed unless you use touch keyboards or voice typing. Even if unused, CTF Loader may start up and consume resources unnecessarily, especially if input services are misconfigured.

How to disable it:

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Look for Text Input Management Service.
• Right-click, choose Properties, and set Startup type to Disabled.

5. Microsoft Store Background Apps

Apps installed via the Microsoft Store often run background tasks for updates, notifications, and syncing—even when not in use. Background activity for rarely-used apps can quietly eat up CPU and memory.

How to Disable Them:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• Select an app, click the three-dot menu, and choose Advanced options.

• Under Background apps permissions, set to Never.

Repeat this for apps not used regularly to cut down unnecessary background processes.

Conclusion

While these services support important Windows features, they can become performance bottlenecks. Disabling or tweaking them can help optimize CPU usage—but always balance performance gains with potential functionality loss. Consider creating a system restore point before making changes, and monitor your CPU usage via Task Manager to gauge improvements.