How to Fix High Disk Usage by TiWorker.exe in Windows 11/10

TiWorker.exe, also known as the Windows Modules Installer Worker, is a system process responsible for handling Windows updates. While essential, it can sometimes consume an unusually high amount of disk or CPU resources, slowing down your computer significantly. This issue can arise due to various reasons, including pending updates, corrupted system files, or even malware. This guide provides effective methods to reduce the high disk usage caused by TiWorker.exe and improve your system's performance.

1. Check for and Install Windows Updates

Pending Windows updates can cause TiWorker.exe to consume high disk resources. Ensuring all updates are installed may resolve the issue.

1. Open Windows Update:

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Update & Security" > "Windows Update."

2. Check for Updates:

   • Click "Check for updates." If any updates are available, install them.

3. Restart Your Computer:

   • After installing updates, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

4. Monitor Disk Usage:

   • After the restart, check Task Manager to see if TiWorker.exe's disk usage has decreased.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix issues related to Windows updates, including high disk usage by TiWorker.exe.

1. Open Troubleshoot Settings:

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot."

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

   • Select "Windows Update" and click "Run the troubleshooter."

3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:

   • The troubleshooter will scan for issues and attempt to fix them automatically.

4. Restart Your Computer:

   • Once the troubleshooter completes its task, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

3. Use the DISM and SFC Tools

Corrupted system files can cause TiWorker.exe to use excessive disk resources. Running the DISM and SFC tools can repair these files.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)."

2. Run DISM Tool:

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
     

   • Wait for the process to complete. This may take some time.

3. Run SFC Scan:

   • After DISM completes, run the System File Checker with this command:

     sfc /scannow
     

   • The SFC tool will scan for and repair corrupted system files.

4. Restart Your Computer:

   • Once both scans are complete, restart your computer and monitor disk usage.

4. Limit Windows Update Activity

Configuring Windows Update to run at specific times can help reduce high disk usage during active hours.

1. Open Active Hours Settings:

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Update & Security" > "Windows Update."

2. Set Active Hours:

   • Click "Change active hours" and set a time range during which you typically use your computer. This will prevent Windows from performing updates during these hours.

3. Pause Updates Temporarily:

   • If TiWorker.exe is causing significant slowdown, you can also pause updates for a few days. Click "Pause updates for 7 days."

4. Resume Updates Later:

   • After a few days, resume updates and monitor the impact on disk usage.

5. Adjust Windows Update Settings

Disabling automatic updates for non-essential components can reduce the workload on TiWorker.exe.

1. Open Advanced Update Options:

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" > "Advanced options."

2. Disable Optional Updates:

   • Under "Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows," turn off the option to reduce the number of updates being processed.

3. Change Delivery Optimization Settings:

   • Go to "Delivery Optimization" in the same section and toggle off "Allow downloads from other PCs."

4. Monitor Disk Usage:

   • After making these adjustments, monitor your system to see if TiWorker.exe's disk usage decreases.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services, which can help identify if third-party software is causing TiWorker.exe to use high disk resources.

1. Open System Configuration:

   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

2. Disable Startup Programs:

   • In the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services" and then click "Disable all." Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager." Disable all startup items.

3. Restart Your Computer:

   • Click "OK" in System Configuration and restart your computer in a clean boot environment.

4. Check Disk Usage:

   • After the restart, monitor TiWorker.exe's disk usage. If it’s reduced, you may need to identify and disable the problematic third-party software.

7. Scan for Malware

Malware can disguise itself as system processes like TiWorker.exe and cause high disk usage. Running a malware scan can help identify and remove malicious software.

1. Open Windows Security:

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Update & Security" > "Windows Security."

2. Run a Full Scan:

   • Select "Virus & threat protection," then click "Scan options" and choose "Full scan." Start the scan to check your system for malware.

3. Remove Detected Threats:

   • If any threats are found, follow the prompts to remove them.

4. Restart and Monitor:

   • After removing malware, restart your computer and check if TiWorker.exe's disk usage has improved.

Conclusion

High disk usage by TiWorker.exe can be frustrating, slowing down your system and impacting productivity. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Whether it’s updating your system, repairing corrupted files, or adjusting update settings, these solutions are designed to help you regain control over your system’s performance. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your system updated and running periodic scans, can help prevent such issues from arising in the future.