FIX: Desktop Window Manager High Memory Usage problem.

If you feel like your system is a little slower than the usual, the first thing you might do is to check the task manager to see if any of the applications are consuming huge amounts of memory. Sometimes, you may find that the culprit is none other than a process called "dwm.exe" that belongs to Desktop Window Manager.

• Related article: How to find out why Windows 10 is running slowly.

Desktop Window Manager is a system process that is responsible for managing the visual effects and related settings of your Windows. If certain settings are configured incorrectly on your machine, the DWM.EXE process can take up huge amounts of memory and make your system too slow.

There are several reasons why Desktop Window Manager causes the high Memory usage problem, such as Windows performance issues, outdated graphics card drivers, or too many processes and applications that are open on your machine.

Because the reason can be any, below you 'll find several methods to solve the DWM.EXE high Memory usage problem.

How to FIX: DWM.EXE – Desktop Window Manager High Memory Usage issue on Windows 10.

• Method 1. Scan your computer for viruses.
• Method 2: FIX DWM High Mem Usage by Disabling Screensaver.
• Method 3. Disable Notifications from Apps.
• Method 4: Run Performance Troubleshooter.
• Method 5: Adjust Windows for Best Performance.
• Method 6: Update Display Drivers

Method 1. Scan your computer for viruses.

Viruses or malicious programs can cause high Memory or CPU usage issues. So, before proceeding to the methods below, use this Malware Scan and Removal Guide to check and remove viruses or/and malicious programs that may be running on your computer.

Method 2: FIX DWM.EXE High Mem Usage by Disabling Screensaver

Sometimes, the screensaver can consume RAM, so first of all disable the screensaver (if you having one), and see if that solves the problem of high memory usage. To turn-off the screensaver:

1. From Start menu, select Settings and then open Personalization.

2. Select Lock Screen on the left and at the right scroll down and open the Screen saver settings.

3. Choose None and click OK.

4. Now press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open Task Manager and see if the high memory usage error has been solved.

Method 3. FIX Desktop Window Manager High Memory usage by Disabling Notifications from Apps.

1. From Start menu, select Settings and then open System.

2. At Notifications & actions options:

1. 1. Turn Off Notifications from apps and other senders.
   2. Optionally, disable all other notifications.

Method 4: Run the Performance Troubleshooter

Sometimes running the Windows Performance Troubleshooter can fix various problems with the system performance. To run the performance troubleshooting utility:

1. Navigate to Windows Control Panel.
2. Set the View by to: Small icons and then click Troubleshooting.

3. Click on View all.

4. Double click at System Maintenance.

5. Press Next and then follow the onscreen prompts to run the System Maintenance troubleshooter.

Method 5: Adjust Windows for Best Performance.

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select System.

2. At the right pane, scroll down and open the Advanced system settings.

3. Open the Performance Settings.

4. Choose Adjust for best performance and click OK.

Method 6: Update Display Drivers

1. Navigate to Device Manager. To do that:

1. 1. Press Windows   + R keys to load the Run dialog box.
   2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open the device manager.

2. In the Device Manager double click at Display Adapters.
3. Right-click on your display adapter and choose Update driver.

4. At next window, click the Search automatically for drivers option.

5. Once Windows installs the updated driver, click on the Close button and check if the problem persists.

That's it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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