How to Fix CTF Loader Issues on Windows 10: What is CTF Loader?
Windows 10 runs lots of different services under the hood. These services are responsible for the working features on the OS. In addition to services, Windows 10 will also run processes that provide support to apps running on your system. These processes often provide a function that other apps can add integration for and use.
What is CTF loader?
If you go to the Processes tab in Task Manager, you will see the CTF Loader process running. It’s often confused with Office, but if you open the process at its source you’ll find it’s a core Windows process (ctfmon.exe) and part of the Text Services Framework.
The CTF process provides support for handwriting and speech recognition services, input method editors (IMEs), the language bar, and touch/virtual keyboard input. It’s used by Windows features (e.g., Cortana legacy components, handwriting panel) and by apps like Microsoft 365.
Even if you don’t have Microsoft 365 installed, this process may still run because Windows text input and the touch keyboard depend on it. The legitimate executable lives in C:\Windows\System32\ctfmon.exe (and C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ on 64-bit systems). If you see it elsewhere, treat that as suspicious.
Fix the CTF Loader Windows 10 issues
CTF Loader is not a resource-hungry process, but problems with it (or with apps/services that use it) can cause memory/CPU spikes. It can also crash or—if it fails to start—prevent typing in certain apps or search boxes.
1. Update Windows 10
The CTF Loader process may use a lot of memory or CPU because of issues in other Windows services. These are hard to pinpoint; checking for and installing Windows updates often resolves it.
- Open the Settings app with Win+I.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Install updates and restart the system.
Note: Mainstream support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Security updates may be limited going forward. If CTF issues persist and your hardware supports it, consider moving to Windows 11 for ongoing fixes.
2. Roll back Windows 10 update
Windows updates can sometimes cause problems. If you noticed CTF Loader spikes after a recent update, roll back or remove it.
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Programs > Uninstall a program.
- In the left column, select View installed updates.
- Select the most recent update and click Uninstall.
Note: You will eventually need to update again. Recheck after the next Patch Tuesday and install available fixes.
2a. Restart the text input services
If search boxes or some apps stop accepting typing, restart the services that CTF Loader relies on.
- Press Win+R, type
services.msc, press Enter. - Find Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service (TabletInputService), right-click > Restart.
- Set Startup type to Automatic if it’s disabled.
This service is required for certain input scenarios; disabling it can break typing in apps and some terminals.
3. Reduce process priority for CTF Loader
If CTF Loader is using too much memory/CPU, you can reduce its priority when it runs alongside more important processes.
- Right-click the taskbar and open Task Manager.
- On the Processes tab, select CTF Loader.
- Right-click > Go to details.
- On the Details tab (ctfmon.exe highlighted), Right-click > Set priority > Low.
4. Scan system for malware
It’s possible a malicious app is causing CTF Loader to spike. Run full scans.
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus & threat protection.
- Click Scan options.
- Select Full scan and click Scan now.
- Remove any threats found.
- Optionally scan with the free Malwarebytes tool.
Tip: The legit ctfmon.exe resides in System32/SysWOW64. If a copy runs from another folder (e.g., Temp), that’s a red flag.
5. Uninstall and reinstall apps
Apps that hook into text input (dictation, IMEs, Microsoft 365, some UWP apps) can trigger issues. Try uninstalling and reinstalling those apps (e.g., Microsoft 365, dictation utilities), or remove any third-party IMEs you don’t need and add them back cleanly.
6. Disable CTF Loader
CTF Loader can be disabled; however, this will break some input features (search boxes, touch keyboard, certain apps). Use only if nothing else works. Do not delete the EXE.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run the following commands to disable the service:
sc config "TabletInputService" start= disabled sc stop "TabletInputService"
Safer alternative: keep the service enabled but turn off the touch keyboard icon from taskbar settings to reduce pop-ups without breaking input.
7. Repair language & handwriting features
Corrupted language components can cause CTF errors.
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language.
- Select your language > Options > re-download Handwriting and Speech packs if missing.
- Remove extra keyboard layouts you don’t use.
8. Repair system files (SFC/DISM)
If the executable or text input components are damaged, repair Windows files.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run:
sfc /scannowand let it complete. - Then run (if needed):
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand restart.
Conclusion
CTF Loader doesn’t make its purpose obvious, so it’s often mistaken for a virus. It’s safe—and necessary—for text input across Windows. You might not use handwriting or speech, but CTF also underpins the touch keyboard, IMEs, and language features used by many apps.
If you’re tempted to remove it, don’t. Disabling the service can break typing in search boxes and certain apps. If problems persist, create a new user profile (to rule out profile corruption), keep Windows updated, and consider upgrading to a supported Windows version for ongoing fixes.
What’s New in This Update
- Clarified that CTF Loader is ctfmon.exe (Text Services Framework) and where the legitimate file lives.
- Added “Restart services”, language/handwriting pack repair, and SFC/DISM steps.
- Explained why disabling TabletInputService breaks typing and offered a safer alternative (hide touch keyboard icon).
- Noted Windows 10’s October 14, 2025 end of support and suggested Windows 11 for ongoing fixes.
Last updated: October 15, 2025
