You found this article because your Desktop Window Manager records high memory usage, and we have prepared everything you need to know.
Check out some easy steps to fix high DWM RAM usage now
The Desktop Window Manager high memory issue may be caused by a recent Intel driver bug.
You should restart a Windows process as indicated below in order to save memory usage.
Another good solution is to update your drivers with a reliable third-party software.
If you perform a full system scan, you can fix even more errors along the way.
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Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) is a window manager that is responsible for the Windows 10 and Windows 11 graphics effects like the Flip3D and the transparent windows or the live taskbar thumbnails.
It’s a regular process that you will find in the Windows Task Manager running smoothly most of the time.
However, this can sometimes go wrong and consume too many resources, causing black screen errors or software crashes.
Here is what a user has to say about this issue on Reddit:
The same issue occurs on Windows 11 occasionally. Having your PC lagging because of service can cause a lot of frustration, especially for people working from home and whose life depends on being able to run their PC optimally.
Windows Process, Desktop Window Manager uses incredible amounts of resources after a few hours of computer usage; causes black screens and software crashes.
It’s a serious matter and although it doesn’t have an official answer yet, another user points out a recent Intel driver bug causes that.
Why is Desktop Window Manager using so much memory?
This issue is present on all versions of Windows, and many reported Dwm.exe Windows 11 issues on their PC. This includes both memory and CPU problems.
- Why is Desktop Window Manager using so much memory?
- How do I fix the Desktop Window Manager high memory use on Windows 10?
- Restart File Explorer from Task Manager
- Update or roll back the Intel graphics driver
- Run a full system scan
Speaking of which, many users reported CPU at 100% when nothing is running, and if this happens, it’s possible that you have a process in the background that is utilizing your resources.
Unfortunately, this is a somewhat common issue and many experienced explorer.exe high CPU usage on their PCs. Luckily, there are ways to fix that issue.
What is the purpose of DWM?
The authentic dwm.exe file, which is a Microsoft core system file, is a crucial piece of software that makes up Microsoft Windows.
The (DWM) Desktop Window Manager handles desktop composition. DWM makes visual effects and capabilities like glass window frames, Windows Flip and Windows Flip3D, 3-D window transition animations, and high-resolution support, available on the desktop through desktop composition.
How do I fix the Desktop Window Manager high memory use on Windows 10?
1. Restart File Explorer from Task Manager
This is only a workaround described by one of the users who were confronted with the same problem, but if it worked for him, it’s worth giving it a try. Follow the steps below to make it happen.
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Right-click on a free space from your taskbar, and select Task Manager.
Locate the Windows Explorer process and click on the Restart button from the lower right part of your screen.
Now check for Desktop Window Manager’s high memory.
2. Update or roll back the Intel graphics driver
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapter, right-click on your graphics driver, and select Update from the menu.
- Select the top option, Search automatically for drivers.
- If you get a message The best drivers for your device are already installed, you can also go to the manufacturer’s website and check if they have a new one for your GPU.
- You can also click on the Search for updated drivers on the Windows Update option which will bring you to the Windows Updates section.
- Click on the Optional updates option and look for any driver updates.
We must mention that you have to be really careful when you decide to install drivers manually. If you mistakenly install a mismatched version, you may cause more problems such as glitches, resolution issues, and other errors such as frequent BSODs.
To avoid these issues, we recommend you use an automated driver updater utility such as DriverFix. This lightweight tool uses a frequently updated driver database to find the perfect version for your hardware.
DriverFix is easy to use, and you can set it up and let it run in the background. It can update, install and fix corrupt drivers both individually and in bulk.
3. Run a full system scan
- Click on Start and choose Settings.
- Go to Update & Security section.
- Open the Windows Security tab, and click on Virus and Threat protection.
- Scroll down and select Scan Options.
- Choose Microsoft Defender Offline Scan, and click the Scan Now button.
- Make sure you have saved your work and close all the open programs.
- Click the Scan button to restart your PC.
- Now check for Desktop Window Manager high memory.
If you want more scanning options and potentially more accurate results, we recommend you use a third-party Windows-compatible antivirus.
DriverFix
Keep your device drivers in check and let DriverFix easily update them from its large database.
While the built-in utility is very reliable, third-party solutions implement more features and detection technologies, making sure your machine is protected on all fronts.
Good third-party antiviruses generally use multi-layered protection paired with online security utilities such as VPNs and anti-tracking tools, as well as webcam protection, payment security, and more.
Hopefully, by applying these solutions, you will be able to fix the Desktop Window Manager high memory issue.
- Fix: Microsoft Windows Search Indexer high CPU usage
- Fix: Dwm.exe issues on Windows 10 [High CPU, Crash, Virus]
- Your Computer is low on memory on Windows 10/11
Remember that we have not written any of these in any particular order, so you should try the solutions that you find most appropriate.
Leave them in the comments section for any other viable solutions, so everybody can benefit from that knowledge.
If the advices above haven’t solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.
Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:
- Desktop Windows Manager
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