The Desktop Window Manager (DWM) is a crucial component of the Windows operating system that oversees the visual effects and user interface rendering. Typically, it does not use excessive system resources. However, if you observe high memory usage by Desktop Window Manager, consider implementing the following solutions to address the issue.

Useful Insight: Are you aware that some Windows processes might resemble malware? Discover how to confirm they are legitimate.

Table of Contents

• 1. Restart Desktop Window Manager
• 2. Turn Off Fast Startup
• 3. Disable Visual Effects
• 4. Turn Off HDR
• 5. Configure Resolution and Display Settings
• 6. Disable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
• 7. Switch to a Basic Theme

What Is Desktop Window Manager, and How Much Should It Consume?

Desktop Window Manager is a vital Windows process that facilitates features such as transparent windows, animations, live window previews, taskbar thumbnails, and Windows themes. It operates on your PC as a system file named "dwm.exe," located in the System32 folder.

You can monitor the memory, CPU, and GPU usage of DWM through the Task Manager. It typically should not exceed 100MB of RAM and 1% of CPU, with GPU usage ranging between 0.1 – 3%. These values might vary slightly but remain within normal limits.

If these figures are significantly higher, your computer might be affected by malware, have outdated or corrupt graphics drivers, incorrect HDR settings, or issues with hardware acceleration. Review the solutions provided below to resolve the problem.

Preliminary Fixes

Before delving into more specific fixes, go through this preliminary checklist:

• Run an SFC scan – High memory usage by DWM might be due to corruption of the "dwm.exe" file. Use the built-in SFC tool to check and repair this system file.
• Update your graphics driver – Intel has identified a memory leak in Desktop Window Manager associated with drivers newer than 27.20.100.8587. Update to at least version 30.0.101.1191 or later. For other GPUs, update via the Device Manager.
• Scan for malware – Malware can corrupt or damage DWM. Conduct a virus scan using the Windows Security app or your preferred anti-malware software.

Hint: Has your Task Manager been disabled by an administrator? Learn how to restore access to it.

1. Restart Desktop Window Manager

A quick fix is to restart DWM via the Task Manager. Start by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Task Manager from the WinX menu.

Use the search bar at the top to type "dwm.exe." Select Desktop Window Manager in the Processes section.

Click the End task button at the top right of Task Manager. Your screen will go black, except for your mouse cursor, for a few moments.

DWM will automatically restart, and your screen will return to normal.

2. Turn Off Fast Startup

If Fast Startup is enabled on your PC, it won't perform a full shutdown when turned off but will enter a hibernation-like state, leading to faster booting. However, this can interfere with DWM's proper functioning.

Open the Start menu and type "control panel." Select the best match. Navigate to System and Security -> Power Options, then click the Choose what the power button does link on the left.

Click Change settings that are currently unavailable to modify your options. Under Shutdown settings, uncheck the box for Turn on fast startup (recommended).

Click the Save changes button at the bottom.

Note: Learn how to use the Windows 11 Performance monitor to ensure your PC is running efficiently.

3. Disable Visual Effects

Since DWM manages graphics-related processes, setting your PC to prioritize appearance over performance can lead to increased resource consumption.

Switch the focus to performance to turn off visual effects and ease the load on the GPU, enabling DWM to operate more smoothly.

Right-click the Start button and choose System from the WinX menu. Under Device specifications, click Advanced system settings to open the System Properties window.

Click the Settings button under Performance. Select the Adjust for best performance option in the new window. Click Apply -> OK to save your changes.

4. Turn Off HDR

DWM can consume significant GPU resources. Turning off the high dynamic range (HDR) feature might help.

Go to Settings -> System -> Display. If HDR is enabled, toggle it off.

For Windows 10 users, navigate to the same location and disable the Use HDR option under Windows HD Color.

If HDR isn't supported on your display, go to System -> Display -> HDR and disable HDR video streaming if applicable.

Hint: If HDR looks off on your display, find out how to fix it.

5. Configure Resolution and Display Settings

By default, Windows optimizes your resolution and scaling. Setting these to higher values can increase GPU usage. Adjust them as follows:

Open the Settings app and go to System -> Display. Under Scale & layout, choose the recommended values for Scale and Display resolution.

For Windows 10, go to the same location and select recommended options under Change the size of text, apps, and other items and Display resolution.

6. Disable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling

Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling aims to reduce CPU load by assigning high-priority tasks to the GPU. However, this can cause DWM to use more memory. Any GPU-intensive activity might contribute to increased DWM resource consumption.

In the Settings app, navigate to System -> Display -> Graphics. Under Default settings, click Change default graphics settings.

In the next menu, turn off Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.

For Windows 10, go to System -> Display and click Graphics settings under Multiple displays to find this option.

Hint: If you've installed a new GPU, refer to our guide on how to set up your graphics card in your PC.

7. Switch to a Basic Theme

Some desktop themes can demand significant GPU resources. Switching to a simpler theme might alleviate this.

Go to Settings -> Personalization -> Themes. Choose one of the preinstalled themes, like Windows (light).

Bringing Desktop Window Manager Back to Normal

Desktop Window Manager is essential for smooth PC operation. If it consumes excessive memory, it might impact other crucial processes. Besides DWM, Windows Superfetch and Wmpnetwk.exe can also cause memory and CPU issues. Check our specific guides for troubleshooting these problems.

Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Princess Angolluan.

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