What is a CTF Loader? How Do You Fix Its High CPU Usage?

Your computer’s operating system is vast and intricate, and countless processes operate behind the scenes to maintain its smooth operation.

It’s possible that the CTF Loader caught your attention in Task Manager, especially if you looked at it closely.

It’s not uncommon for people to wonder what this cryptic-sounding process does or why it might be consuming so much CPU power.

So, if you want to fix the high CPU usage due to CTF Loader, check out the fixes mentioned below. 

What is a CTF Loader?

Microsoft Office features a language bar that is composed of the Collaborative Translation Framework (CTF).

The CTF Loader, which is also known as ctfmon.exe, is an important process that handles input methods, including speech recognition, handwriting recognition, and alternative input methods.

This is essentially a system that enables you to use other types of input methods besides keystrokes.

Why Does the CTF Loader Exist?

With touch devices becoming more popular in the modern computer world and the increasing need for multilingual capability, traditional keyboard input often cannot keep up.

In this case, the CTF Loader becomes useful. In this way, it facilitates:

• Speech and Handwriting Recognition: Ideal for tablets and 2-in-1 laptops.
• Language and Input Switches: These are useful for users who switch between languages frequently.
• Assistive Technologies: These include on-screen keyboards and dictation software.

Users who depend on these advanced input methods would not be able to use them without the CTF Loader.

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Why Does CTF Loader Cause High CPU Usage?

There are several factors that can contribute to high CPU usage by the CTF Loader:

1. Software Conflicts: Software conflicts arise when two or more programs use different input methods or languages.
2. Corrupted System Files: System files needed by the CTF Loader are corrupted.
3. Malware: Malware can masquerade as ctfmon.exe, causing high CPU usage.
4. Outdated Drivers: Drivers related to input devices can be corrupted or outdated.
5. Operating System Bugs: Sometimes, the CTF Loader can behave erratically due to bugs in the Windows operating system.

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Is CTF Loader a Virus or Malware?

CTF loader is not a virus. In fact, Windows also uses the CTF loader to activate the program ‘Microsoft Office Language’ bar. This helps the Windows system to switch between different languages.

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How Do You Fix CTF Loader High CPU Usage?

If you are getting frustrated with the high CPU usage due to CTF loader issue, these fixes will help you:

Fix 1: Verify the Authenticity of the CTF Loader

Make sure the CTF Loader process isn’t a virus hiding from you before getting into technical fixes.

Malware coded by cybercriminals usually mimics Windows’ original processes, making it more difficult for humans to detect.

Here are the steps you can follow to verify the integrity of the executable file.

1. Using the hotkeys Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open the Task Manager.
2. Locate CTF Loader and right-click it.
3. From the context menu, select Properties.

4. Locate the path and copy it.
5. Using the File Explorer, paste the copied text into the search bar, and then hit Enter.
6. Right-click on ctfmon and select properties.

7. Thereafter, on the Details tab of the Properties window, click on the Details button.
8. Ensure that “© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved” is written next to Copyright.

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Fix 2: Disable the Text Input Management Service

This service allows expression input, touch keyboard input, handwriting input, and speech input.

CTF Loader’s CPU consumption may be reduced if you disable the Text Input Management Service and are not using any of these features.

Follow these steps to disable the Text Input Management Service:

1. Using the Services app, locate and double-click Text Input Management Service.
2. In the Startup type drop-down menu, choose Disabled. Once this is done, the Service app will stop starting until it is manually enabled again.
3. Select Apply > OK.

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Fix 3: Disable the CTF Loader in the Task Scheduler

CTF Loader can be stopped from running in the background using the task scheduler.

In order to resolve the problem of resource usage, it may be necessary to control the service. Follow the instructions below carefully to use the Task Scheduler.

1. On your keyboard, press Windows + R. This will open the Run program. You must type “taskschd.msc” without quotation marks and press Enter.
2. On the left-hand side, select the Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > TextServicesFramework location.
3. Afterward, right-click the MsCtfMonitor in the middle panel and select Disable. You will now be able to turn off the service.

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Fix 4: Disable the Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service

Windows allows you to disable the touchscreen capability if you aren’t using it or your computer does not need it.

You won’t see CTF Loader running in the background each time your computer is used if you disable the touch keyboard and handwriting panel. In other words, it won’t deplete your resources anymore.

1. To open the Run utility, press the Windows + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard. Simply type “services.msc” without any quotation marks, and then click OK. In a separate window, the Services will be launched.
2. In the list of services, scroll down until you find Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service. From the context menu, right-click it and select Properties.

3. Set the Startup type to Disabled.

4. Then click OK. Test whether the CTF Loader still causes high CPU, disk, and memory usage after this change.

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Fix 5: Uninstall Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is responsible for the CTF Loader errors. In this case, uninstalling and reinstalling Microsoft Office is the most straightforward fix.

Here are the steps you need to follow to uninstall Microsoft Office.

1. Go to the Windows main menu and click the Settings button.
2. To open the Apps window, click the Apps option in the Settings window’s left side panel.
3. In the Apps window, click on the Installed Apps section.

4. You will be able to see all the apps installed on your computer.
5. In the search bar of the App list, type Office. On the left-hand side, it will show you the Office app; click on the three dots to uninstall it.

6. You should reinstall Office after uninstalling it and check whether the CTF Loder error has been resolved.

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Fix 6: Recover Your Windows System

Your Windows system can be quickly recovered if you are experiencing a problem loading CTFs. If you wish to recover your Windows system, follow the instructions below.

1. Search for Control Panel in the Windows search.
2. On the Control Panel, search for Recovery and click on it.

3. You will be prompted to open the Advanced Recovery Tools window. Further, in the Restore system files and Settings dialog box, select Open System Restore and click Next.

4. You can access additional restore points by choosing a different restore point or selecting the Choose a different restore point check box.
5. Then click Scan for affected programs. Select Close, Next, and Finish after the process is complete. Once your PC has been restarted, check whether your CTF Loader issue has been resolved.

So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix the CTF loader issue. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We hope that this is helpful to you. Let us know if you need more information in the comments section below.