Fix Desktop Window Manager High GPU Usage: Desktop Windows Manager (DWM.exe) is the system manager that displays your computer’s user interface on your monitor by employing the graphics card. It enables all visual effects such as transparent windows, animations, thumbnails, themes, wallpapers, etc. DWM is in charge of everything. It’s an ancient process initially introduced in Windows Vista and has since become an essential component of Windows systems. However, some customers have reported difficulties, such as a notification stating that their GPU memory is full, which can cause great stress and confusion. It’s also the process used by every app and program on your Windows PC to display itself on a single desktop. DWM, on the other hand, has a propensity to utilize a lot of your GPU, but this happens seldom.
What Can And Cannot I Do To Fix Desktop Window Manager High GPU Usage?
To begin with, you cannot disable it. Desktop Windows Manager is such an essential feature of a Windows computer that Microsoft has made it impossible to turn off. DWM’s resource management has improved over the years and now utilizes one to three percent of your GPU, which is reasonable. However, it is still not recommended even if you could disable Desktop Windows Manager. Instead, you may update your drivers, disable visual effects, adjust customization, and disable Fast Startup. You can take these steps to prevent DWM from consuming too many resources.
This guide will teach you how to conduct Desktop Windows Manager fixes on PCs running Windows 10 and Windows 11. This DWM resource problem happens on both operating systems, and the process for resolving it in both is comparable.
How Can I Stop Desktop Windows Manager From High GPU Usage?
Update Drivers
1 – If you want to update your drivers manually, you can do so using the Device Manager.
2 – In Windows 10, type Device Manager into the search box and click the entry that displays.
3 – In the Device Manager, select Display Adapters.
4 – From the drop-down menu, right-click on the GPU and select Update driver.
5 – Choose Search automatically for drivers.
6 – The drivers will be installed automatically.
7 – Do the same thing in Windows 11 by searching for Device Manager in the search box.
8 – Select Display adapters and right-click on a graphics card.
9 – Choose Update drivers.
10 – Select Automatically search for driver updates.
If you wish to avoid the methods mentioned above while simultaneously keeping your PC’s drivers up to date, specialist software such as DriverFix can help.
Turn Off All Visual Effects
1 – In Windows 10, type the performance of Windows into the search field.
2 – Select the entry that says Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
3 – A menu titled Performance Options will open, allowing you to customize the appearance and performance of your Windows 10 computer.
4 – You may choose which functionalities operate and which do not. Let Windows decide what’s best for my computer is the default setting.
5 – Select Adjust for optimum performance if you want your computer to focus on minimizing Desktop Windows Manager’s resource usage.
6 – If you want greater control over what’s allowed, select Custom and use the menu below to enable or disable the features.
7 – Once you’ve completed your changes, select Apply and then OK.
8 – The process for Windows 11 is the same. Search for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
9 – You may reduce resource use by choosing Adjust for optimum performance.
10 – Alternatively, select Custom and make your decision there.
11 – To conclude, click Apply, then OK.
Change Personalization
1 – Right-click anywhere on your desktop and select Personalize. Well, the process is the same for Windows 10 and 11, although for the sake of simplicity, the guide will focus on Windows 11.
2 – For this, you’ll need to make easier and less resource-intensive GPU choices.
3 – Begin with Background in the Personalization section of the Settings menu.
4 – Next to Personalize your background, click on Picture to bring up a menu.
5 – Choose Solid color.
6 – Choose a color to serve as your background. It makes no difference, as the background lacks graphics that may raise GPU consumption.
7 – Also, you can create your custom color.
8 – Back to the Personalization menu and select Colors.
9 – Turn off the Transparency effects.
10 – Back to the menu and select Themes.
11 – Select between Windows (Light) or Windows (Dark). You should aim for something with solid colors.
Disable Fast Startup Feature
1 – To begin, search Control Panel in the search bar. For Windows 10, the process is the same.
2 – Check whether there are any Large Icons or Small Icons in the View by entry.
3 – If not, go to Category and switch to any Icon option.
4 – Choose Power Options.
5 – On the left, select Choose what power buttons do. It’s “Choose what the power button does” in Windows 10.
6 – To enable settings that are presently unavailable, click Change.
7 – Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) and Hibernate in the Shutdown options.
8 – Go back to the search bar and type System Configuration.
9 – Now, In this new window, click the Services tab.
10 – Choose Hide all Microsoft services.
11 – Next, click the Disable all button.
12 – Finally, restart your computer.
Are There Any Other Solutions To GPU Usage Issues?
Using antivirus software is one method that was not mentioned in the Desktop Windows Manager. Malware may be the reason DWM unexpectedly requires additional resources in some cases. Antiviral software is an excellent approach to removing malware and restoring normalcy. The majority of apps that works on Windows 10 also work on Windows 11.
High internal temperatures might cause other GPU issues. Temperatures typically range from 149 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit (65 to 85 degrees Celsius) but might rise somewhat during prolonged game sessions. Prolonged high temperatures might cause lasting harm to your GPU, so keep an eye on how hot it gets.
There are additional options for minimal GPU usage combined with high CPU usage. It’s a mismatched problem that can, but does not always, result from bottlenecking. Because of this weird disparity, you may experience frame drops or CPU overheating. This issue might be caused by out-of-date drivers or particular apps interfering.
If you have any queries about Desktop Window Manager High GPU Usage, please leave a comment below. Also, post comments regarding guides you’d want to see and information on other Windows 11 features or list manuals similar to this one.