Whether it uses Windows, Mac, or Linux kernel software, everything you see on your computer screen, from your network connection to your user interface, is created by system processes. Windows users might be familiar with some of these, including explorer.exe, to display the desktop. However, most users are not very familiar with this.
System processes like Dwm.exe are common and integral parts of the Windows operating system. Dwm.exe specifically helps create a graphical user interface for Windows. However, at times, it can cause high processor usage. If you are experiencing such a problem, I will mention what you need to do to solve it.
Dwm.exe (Desktop Window Manager) is a very critical system process responsible for the graphical user interface. It enables the creation of visual effects such as the transparent windows and taskbar thumbnails you see when using a computer with the Windows operating system.
The reason for this is the approach Windows uses to create such effects. When you open a new program, the user interface design is saved to Windows memory, ensuring the design is rendered. Windows then takes the designs of this window to apply its own visual effects and modifies them.
Why Does Dwm.exe Use High CPU?
Whether you use the standard Windows theme or apply new visual themes, Windows uses all the power available on your computer to create visual effects. However, if the Dwm.exe process is taking up a large portion of your processor usage, this indicates a problem with your hardware or system configuration.
Your processor will be used instead of your graphics card to create visual effects. If your computer is a bit old, this can have a negative impact on your system’s performance. High levels of processor usage ultimately lead to higher temperatures and an unstable system.
Although malware may not always be the cause of high CPU usage with dwm.exe, it should not be ignored. It is stated that some malicious software disguises itself by taking advantage of the DWM process. Additionally, other possible causes of dwm.exe causing high processor usage include outdated drivers or missing Windows system updates. Furthermore, using your internal graphics (instead of an external graphics card) to generate visual effects can also cause you to experience this issue.
Can Dwm.exe Be Removed?
While older versions of Windows allowed you to turn off Dwm.exe, this is no longer possible with Windows 10.
DWM is tightly integrated with the Windows user experience. In other words, the operation of the graphical user interface you use now depends entirely on this process. Although you can disable some visual effects in Windows Settings, you cannot completely prevent dwm.exe from running.
In conclusion, dwm.exe is an important system process, so if you do not want to damage your Windows 10 operating system, you should leave dwm.exe alone.
How to Fix Dwm.exe High CPU Usage?
As we just mentioned, you cannot turn off DWM, but you can prevent it from putting more load on the processor. Now we will talk about some things that can be done for this.
Check Windows System Updates
The first fix Windows users should do is to keep their system as up-to-date as possible. Microsoft regularly offers bug fixes and system upgrades to improve your general system stability. To check this:
- Right-click on the Start menu and click on Settings.
- Then check if there is an update in Windows Settings.
- Follow the path Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates to check and install the latest system updates released for your computer.
- After completing an update, restart your computer to check if the problem caused by Dwm.exe persists.
Check Graphics Driver Updates
If your Windows is up to date, your next step should be to check if your graphics drivers are up to date. Since drivers generally reach the Windows update system later, you can check the current website of whichever manufacturer you use for the latest driver versions.
For example, if you are an NVIDIA user, you can check your current driver updates by clicking on the relevant link on their site.
Check for Malware on Windows
If your operating system is up to date and working properly, malware might be causing the high processor usage. For this reason, you should scan your Windows operating system comprehensively against malicious software. To do this, follow the order below:
- Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Find the Desktop Window Manager process under the Processes tab in the Task Manager window.
- Click on Open file location to open the running file in Windows File Explorer.
- This action will take you to the location of DWM. If the file location is not in the
C:\Windows\System32folder, the running thing is not an official dwm.exe file.