How to fix
Microsoft Office Background Task Handler (OfficeC2RClient.exe) high CPU usage
on Windows

Hello. My Windows PC has gotten very slow and the fans are running constantly. I noticed in Task Manager that OfficeC2RClient.exe is using high amounts of CPU. What is this program? Any way to fix this?

The issue of high CPU usage caused by the Microsoft Office Background Task Handler, also known as OfficeC2RClient.exe, has been a concern for some users. This executable file is an integral part of the Microsoft Office Click-to-Run application, typically activated during system updates of the Microsoft Office software. Ideally, this process should run smoothly and consume minimal system resources. However, users have reported instances where OfficeC2RClient.exe significantly strains CPU[ref en-1] usage, resulting in performance issues.

Users may experience a number of negative effects from high CPU usage. First of all, the performance of the entire system may noticeably slow down as a result. OfficeC2RClient.exe is one example of a CPU-intensive process that might cause other processes and applications to lag or stop responding. For users who depend on their PCs for multitasking or productivity, this can be especially annoying.

Additionally, continuous high CPU usage can cause overheating problems, particularly on laptops and other devices with insufficient cooling systems. The lifespan of the gadget may be shortened and hardware components may be damaged by overheating. Additionally, it could lead to unanticipated system crashes or shutdowns, losing data or interfering with present operations.

Users can choose from a number of options when it comes to potential solutions. It's important to remember that the effectiveness of these solutions can vary based on the particular system configuration and the underlying cause of the issue. Making changes to Microsoft Office's update settings, making sure that Office is current, and running system checks for malware or other program conflicts are some potential remedies.

In this guide, you will find 6 steps that should help you fix Microsoft Office Background Task Handler (OfficeC2RClient.exe) high CPU usage. You can also run a system repair tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2. Repair the Microsoft Office Client

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type appwiz.cpl in the dialog box and press Enter.
• The Programs and Features window will open, displaying a list of installed applications.
• Scroll through the list and locate the Microsoft Office suite or the specific Microsoft application you want to repair.
• Right-click on the Microsoft Office suite or application and select Change from the context menu.
• The Microsoft Office installation wizard will open.

• In the installation wizard, look for options such as Online Repair or Quick Repair.
• Select either Online Repair or Quick Repair, depending on your preference.
• Click on the Repair button to initiate the repair process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the repair wizard to complete the repair process.

Solution 3. Disable the Microsoft Office Click-To-Run Service

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run window.
• Type the command services.msc and hit Enter to open the Services window.

• Right-click on the Microsoft Office Click-To-Run Service and select Properties.
• Change the Startup Type to Disabled.
• Click on Apply, and then on OK to save the setting.

Solution 4. Install Windows Updates

• Click Start and select Settings.
• Go to the Windows Update section.
• Click Check for updates and wait.

• Go to the Advanced options and install optional updates.
• Reboot your system.

Solution 5. Scan for Malware

There is a possibility that a malware infection may be the cause of Microsoft Office Background Task Handler (OfficeC2RClient.exe) high CPU usage. It is important to run a comprehensive security scan to rule out this possibility and ensure that the computer is not infected. This can help to prevent further issues with the Windows operating system and ensure that it is functioning properly.

If you have access to a security scanner, or if your organization pays for one, you can use it to scan your entire system to check for a virus infection. Otherwise, you can use Windows Defender to scan your system:

• Click on the Windows Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Type Microsoft Defender in the search bar and click on Microsoft Defender Antivirus to open the application.
• Click on the Virus & threat protection option in the left-hand menu.
• Click on the Quick scan or Full scan option, depending on your preference.

• If you choose Quick scan, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will scan the most vulnerable and commonly infected areas of your computer.
• If you choose Full scan, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will scan your entire computer, including all files, folders, and programs.
• Click on the Scan now button to start the selected scan type and wait for the scan to complete.
• The time it takes will depend on the size of your hard drive and the number of files being scanned.
• Once the scan is complete, you will be informed of any detected threats, and you can choose to quarantine or remove them.
• If no threats are found, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will inform you that your device is secure.

Solution 6. Use System Restore

System Restore is a feature in Microsoft Windows that allows users to revert their computer's state to a previous point in time. This can be helpful if you have made changes to your system that are causing problems.

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
• Type SystemPropertiesProtection and press Enter.
• Go to the System Protection tab.

• You will see the System Restore… button. Click it to run System Restore.
• Follow the prompts until you can select a restore point.
• Select the one you want (ideally before the issue started occurring) and go ahead with the process.