Desktop Window Manager is a window manager that controls all graphical effects in windows such as transparent window, live taskbar thumbnails, flip3D, etc.

This is a background running process in Windows.

Although, sometimes it can consume a lot of memory and cause software crashes, PC lagging, or even black screen. Many users have reported the same issue.

Go through this article and find out how to solve the Desktop Window Manager high memory issue.

Why Is Desktop Window Manager Using So Much of Memory?

Table of Contents

Desktop Window Manager is a process in Windows operating system which is responsible for any visual elements and sometimes it may use high memory.

So let’s find out the reason behind the desktop windows manager high memory usage-

Intel driver Bug – Recent Intel driver updates can initiate the issue.
Windows 10 graphical effects like a transparent window, live taskbar thumbnails, etc can also cause the exe high memory issue.
Too many applications running on your PC can also be the issue for this cause.

How To Fix Desktop Window Manager High Memory Error?

If you find that Window manager is consuming high CPU, stop worrying as we have shown here how to solve it.

Now follow the given methods to solve the issue:

1. Restart File Explorer

Restarting file explorer by using task manager is an easy step to tackle the Windows desktop manager high memory usage problem.

To do that follow the steps given below:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.

Navigate to the Windows Explorer. Select it and then click on the Restart option.

image

2. Update Drivers

The outdated display drivers can be the reason for Windows Desktop Manager high memory usage.

So, update the drivers following the steps given below:

Press Windows Key + X and select the Device Manager.

Expand the Display Adapters and right-click on it.
Click on the Update driver option.
Select the Search automatically for drivers option.
Restart your PC.

If you still face the same problem after updating the display drivers, then go to the next solution.

3. Run An Antivirus Scan

Sometimesdwm.exe high memory usage can take place due to malware or virus.

A thorough antivirus scan can repair the issue. Here is how you can run the Windows Defender scan if you don’t have any 3^rd party antiviruses:

Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
Select Update & Security option.

Click on Windows Security from the left panel.
Select Virus and threat protection.

Choose Scan Options and select Microsoft Defender Offline Scan. Finally, click on Scan Now option.

After completing the scan, restart your PC.

Conclusion

The above steps should help when there is Desktop Window Manager High Memory usage problem.

Send us feed back in the comments section below.

Fix: Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) High Memory Usage