Many Windows users are experiencing an odd issue nowadays, where an application TrustedInstaller.exe is running continuously in their devices. Initially, they were unable to detect this problem, but then, they noticed that when it started consuming high CPU memory. According to some of them, they began to experience this issue after installing a few specific third-party software. Also, they have observed newly downloaded files in their systems, which could be possibly triggering TrustedInstaller.exe high CPU error. So, if you are also noticing this installer program running in your Windows, keep reading this article. Here, you will get to learn why TrustedInstaller is utilizing so much memory and other resources. Also, you can check out the methods to troubleshoot the problems occurring due to running this particular executable application.
What is the Purpose of TrustedInstaller.exe and How does it Affect the CPU?
Before knowing the solutions to resolve TrustedInstaller.exe high CPU issue, you need to know what it does. Only then, it will be easier for you to apply the methods or decide whether to uninstall TrustedInstaller completely from your Windows.
Some Information about TrustedInstaller
For those who are not aware of it, TrustedInstaller.exe is a component of Windows Resource Protection. Users can find this program mostly in Windows versions 7, 8 and Windows 10. The main purpose of TrustedInstaller is to make sure that the Windows Modules Installer is running perfectly on Windows. Also, it plays a very significant role in carrying out the installation of various Windows applications including Windows Update.
One of the primary tasks of TrustedInstaller is to remove and modify files, which are associated with system files and Windows Updates. Hence, if your PC requires to install any new update, TrustedInstaller will search for it online and help with the installation. This can be one of the main reasons why CPU usage is quite high while running TrustedInstaller in the background.
The program of TrustedInstaller is also to make sure that you don’t accidentally erase any important program from your PC without the Admin rights.
Issues that can be Triggered by Running the TrustedInstaller.exe
The following points cover some of the problems, which can occur due to TrustedInstaller program on Windows.
- TrustedInstaller program has a tendency of getting corrupted quite easily. This is why many Windows users find it unreliable to keep TrustedInstaller active in their systems, as it can mess with other programs.
- According to a majority of Windows 7 users, they are unable to run some specific applications due to slowing down of computers. Now, when they investigated the issue to its depth, it turned out that running the TrustedInstaller is the main cause. It not only consumes a lot of CPU resources, but can also kill the ongoing applications in your Windows.
- In some cases, the TrustedInstaller.exe can disable a few services in your system and end up installing third-party programs. It may also cause a failure in Windows Update and can prevent from installing, uninstalling or updating software.
- Now, the users seriously need to have any specific program or application removed from their PCs, TrustedInstaller can cause a problem. It may block their access to settings for removing these files.
- In some cases, you may require to delete a Windows Update, which has caused some kind of issues. But, due to enabling TrustedInstaller, making these changes may not be possible for the user.
How can you Deal with the TrustedInstaller.exe High CPU Problem in your Windows?
As discussed in the issues, many users can find it extremely difficult to edit, delete or rename files in their Windows. Also, the error regarding TrustedInstaller.exe using high CPU needs serious attention and troubleshooting. So, if you want to fix this problem caused due to enabling TrustedInstaller in your PC, check out the following solutions.
Solution 1: Acquire Administrative Rights to Modify Files on Windows
Before applying this solution to seek admin permits for deleting or modifying and file, you need to research its consequences. This is why you should always consult a professional before deleting programs or files from Windows.
Now, select the folder or file you wish to modify or erase from your PC and right-click on it. Then choose the option of ‘Properties’ and click on the tab of ‘Security’.
At the bottom of the Properties window, locate the ‘Advanced’ button and click on it. This will display a new ‘Advanced Security Settings’ window along with a list of permission entries. Here, you can view the name and owner of the service or program you want to modify. Hence, it is quite possible that you will find TrustedInstaller as the ‘Owner’ of this file.
How to Change Ownership of Windows Programs?
In order to troubleshoot the problems caused due to TrustedInstaller.exe high CPU, you need to change the ownership. Let’s discuss the steps in detail in the following points.
Step 1
First, click on the option of ‘Change’ and it will open a box with heading ‘Select User or Group’. Next, you have to write Administrators below the section of ‘Enter the object name to select’. After that, hit the tab for ‘Check Names’ and it will automatically modify the name for the ownership on Windows. Now, save these changes by clicking on the ‘OK’ button.
Step 2
Once again, go back to the window of Advanced Security Settings and see the Owner info. Now, it will show it as ‘Administrators’ instead of TrustedInstaller. To confirm this ownership, you also need to select the checkbox below the Owner section.
Hence, make sure to put a tick on the ‘Replace owner on subcontainers and objects’ box.
Step 3
Then, click on the ‘OK’ button and go to the Properties window. After this, hit the tab of ‘Edit’ and check the list of items below ‘Group or user names’.
Find the option of ‘Administrators’ and move below to the section of ‘Permissions for Administrators’. Here, you will have to select the box for ‘Allow’ beside ‘Full Control’ feature.
Selecting this checkbox for full control permits the user to edit, delete and rename files as admin in Windows. It also prevents TrustedInstaller.exe to have control over these files and consume high CPU resources.
Solution 2: Remove the Windows Module Installer from the Startup Programs
Another great way to fix the problem of Trustedinstaller.exe high memory usage is by preventing Module Installer to run during Windows startup. Now, let’s take a look at the sequence of steps required to apply this solution.
Instructions to Block Module Installer from Running Automatically With Windows
First, open ‘Control Panel’ by typing ‘control’ in the Windows search box. Then select the ‘System and Security’ feature and locate the option of ‘Windows Update’.
Next, you will have to open the link for ‘Turn automatic updating on or off’ and it will provide you with four choices to select from.
The first choice will allow the automatic updates and second will let you decide whether to install the updates after downloading them. Now, the third option will only check for updates but, not download and install until you permit. The last option is to never check for updates, which is not recommended by most of the Windows professionals.
However, in order to make sure Trustedinstaller do not overutilize your PC’s memory, you can select the fourth choice. But, if this is not possible for you, apply the following steps to stop Windows Module Installer to load during start up PC.
Step 1
First, press the buttons of Windows logo and “R” at the same time to access the Run dialog box. Then, write ‘msconfig’ in it and click on the tab of ‘OK’. Now, go to the ‘Services’ section and make sure to remove the tick sign from ‘Windows Module Installer’.
Step 2
After opening the ‘System Configuration’ window on your PC, click the ‘General’ tab and view the options below Startup selection. Here, if you find the option of the normal startup is selected already, you need to make it manual. Hence, open the ‘System and Security’ tab from ‘Control Panel’ and select ‘Administrative Tools’. Next, click on ‘Services’ and locate the service of ‘Windows Module Installer’ from the list.
Step 3
Then right-click on this installer service and select ‘Properties’. After this, go to the ‘General’ tab and set its startup type as ‘Manual’.
Selecting this option will ensure that the program of Module Installer will not start alongside Windows anymore. Hence, hopefully, TrustedInstaller will also not start as soon as Windows startup takes place. This will prevent the issue of high CPU usage by this program and will resolve the slowing down error on Windows.
If you are unable to fix the problems due to TrustedInstaller.exe with the solutions discussed in this article, it’s time to get professional help. Hence, you can contact a Windows technician and ask him/her to resolve the high CPU issue caused by running TrustedInstaller.
