Resolved: High Memory Usage by Desktop Window Manager?

Updated by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 22, 2024

How to fix Desktop Windows Manager High Memory Usage in Windows 11/10:

"Hello, I've recently observed that the Desktop Window Manager is consuming high amounts of memory at times, even when I only have the Task Manager open... Therefore, any solution that doesn't require modifying my laptop's hardware or performing a reset would be highly appreciated!"

We've seen some users reporting a high memory issue with the Desktop Window Manager on platforms like Reddit and other forums. Intel has launched an official driver update to address this issue. Read this article thoroughly to learn how to update the driver.

What Is Desktop Window Manager?

Desktop Window Manager (Dwm.exe) is a synthetic window manager that renders all of these effects in Windows: transparent windows, real-time taskbar thumbnails, Flip3D, and even high-resolution display support.

Rather than drawing their displays directly to your screen, applications write bitmaps of their windows to specific locations in memory. Windows creates a composite before sending all the windows on the screen to your monitor. Because Windows is composing and displaying the contents of each window, it can add effects such as transparency and window animations when layering windows.

High Memory Usage Serials:

How to Fix High Memory Usage by Desktop Window Manager

Please ensure your disk file system is healthy to solve this issue. Sometimes, a file system error is to blame. Download a free disk checker - tools Partition Master. It can quickly fix disk errors without data loss.

Step 1. Right-click the problematic partition.

Step 2. Choose "Tools" > "Check File System".

Step 3. Confirm whether you want to hide the partition or not.

Step 4. In the Check File System window, select the "Try to fix errors if found" option.

Step 5. Click "Start" to begin checking for errors on the partition.

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Then, apply the methods below.

For Windows 11:

To address the memory leak issue on Windows 11, Intel released an updated graphics driver, version 30.0.101.1191, in February 2022.

Step 1. Go to Intel's official website and download the driver from this link.

You can see the version tab on the banner part. Click it to select 30.0.101.1191. Then, click on the "Download" button.

Step 2. Click on the executable file and start installing the Intel Graphics driver. Click "Begin installation."

Step 3. Accept the Intel Software License Agreement, and then click "Start" to install the new graphics driver. Wait for a while.

Step 4. Once the installation is complete, restart your Windows 11 PC to apply the changes.

Aside from downloading the Intel driver, you can also attempt another solution that might address the DWM issue.

Fix 1: Modify Windows Visual Effects

Step 1. Right-click "This PC" and select Properties.

< strong >Step 2. < /strong >Click on "Advanced System Settings".

In American English: "Advanced System Settings"

Step 3. Under the "Advanced" tab, go to the "Performance" section and then click "Settings".

Step 4. Under the "Visual Effects" tab, choose "Custom" or "Adjust for best performance."

Step 5. Apply the changes, then reboot your system.

Solution 2: Restart the Desktop Window Manager from Task Manager

Step 1. Right-click the Start button on the taskbar and select Task Manager from the menu.

Find Task Manager

Step 2. Go to the Details tab and locate the dwm.exe. Right-click it, then select "End Task."

Partition Manager in DWM

Next, you'll learn how to fix the Desktop Window Manager's high memory usage in Windows 11. If these solutions help you, kindly share this post on social media below:

For Windows 10:

Fix 1: Update Intel Graphics Driver

Step 1. Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager".

Update Intel Driver

Step 3. Click "Update driver" > Search automatically for drivers > If the message says "The best drivers for your device are already installed," you can visit the manufacturer's website to see if Intel has a new driver available.

Or select the "Search for updated drivers on Windows Update" option > Click the Optional updates option.

Fix 2. Perform a Full System Scan

Note: Save all work and close programs. This method requires you to restart your PC.

Step 1. Open Settings and locate the Update & Security section.

Step 2. Click on the Windows Security tab and then choose Virus & Threat Protection.

Step 3. Select Scan Options, and then choose Microsoft Defender Offline Scan. Click on the "Scan now" button.

Step 4. Click the Scan button to restart your PC.

If you find this passage helpful in addressing the high memory usage of the Desktop Window Manager in Windows 11/10, feel free to share it with someone who might need it!

Why Is Desktop Window Manager Using So Much Memory?

Usually, a desktop window manager uses 50-100 MB of memory and takes up 2-3% of CPU usage. When you open any windows or applications, high memory usage can occur because numerous processes are running. When memory usage gets high, your computer can slow down and even freeze without warning. In this case, the current high memory usage by the desktop window manager might be due to a bug in the Intel driver. Don't worry, Intel has released a new graphics driver update for your device.

In sum…

One effective way to resolve issues with the Desktop Window Manager is to download the latest graphics driver, version 30.0.101.1191, provided by Intel. We have tested and found it to work well. However, before installing this driver, it's advisable to use a free disk checking tool like Partition Master to rule out any disk errors.