Windows 10: Why does my task manager say I'm using a lot of memory, but when I look at what...

Discus and support Why does my task manager say I'm using a lot of memory, but when I look at what... in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; Recently I've been having issues with my computer operating smoothly on accounts of what I assume is high memory usage. There weren't any updates prior... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by MA_003, May 20, 2025 at 1:17 AM.

  1. MA_003 Win User

    Why does my task manager say I'm using a lot of memory, but when I look at what...


    Recently I've been having issues with my computer operating smoothly on accounts of what I assume is high memory usage. There weren't any updates prior to this issue it just happened spontaneously.Does anyone know how to fix this? My storage is relatively low and I've deleted everything I can including back of saves, thumb nails, old images, and unused apps.I'm especially confused because before this issue my computer was able to run about 3-5 different software's at once with minimal to no lag. Including games, browsers, media playing, etc.I'm positive its not an issue with my internet causin

    :)
     
  2. BobC71 Win User

    Task manager aggregate CPU using looks wrong

    Yes, it is possible to hide a process from Task Manager. For example, an application can insert itself into the Windows API call chain (a legitimate programming practice called "hooking"), such as hooking the system calls of NtQuerySystemInformation, and
    if there application name is returned, they essentially return a value that says "These are not the droids you're looking for" and the app will not appear in the Processes list.

    Legitimate hooking (that is, using the Windows API) can be detected, and hooks are automatically released when an app shuts down, but if an application bypasses the normal hooking methods and directly manipulates memory in a manner like a legitimate hook,
    then that surreptitious behavior may go unnoticed.

    But in my case, it looks like it may be just bad calculations on the part of Windows. Here is a screenshot showing Task Manager and Process Explorer (Process Explorer - Sysinternals) side by side:


    Why does my task manager say I'm using a lot of memory, but when I look at what... 7eaaf4d1-2a44-4058-8ba1-1fc530e7d40c?upload=true.png


    The columns are sorted in reverse order because I had a problem getting Process Explorer to reverse the sort order, so compare the Process Explorer values from the bottom of its list, and Task Manager from the top of its list.

    Notice that Task Manager says procexp64.exe is taking 1.0% of the CPU, and Process Explorer says it is taking 2.02% of the CPU. There are a lot of other differences between the two lists, which could easily add up to the visible difference in Task Manager
    (I didn't bother to add them).

    I trust Process Explorer more than Task Manager because Mark Russinovich has been writing about and programming Windows internals tools for many years, and the Task Manager does not look like his handiwork (I'd be disappointed if it was because that would
    mean some MS manager told him to do something he knew was not correct).
     
  3. Jim8080 Win User
    Task Manager says 287 MB of Memory is being used for Photos (2)

    Win10 is running, and I am viewing the desktop, doing nothing with photos. Task Manager says Photos (2) is using 287MB of memory. Nothing is listed in the bottom list (File Explorer, Word, IE, etc.) that appears to be associated with photos except possibly Windows Media Player. Is this usage too high?

    Why do I have Photos (2) instead of Photos?

    Thanks, Jim
     
  4. Bradmph Win User

    Why does my task manager say I'm using a lot of memory, but when I look at what...

    Task Manager - Memory Compression Process?

    Hello,

    In my main system I have a process going that I don't understand. I have 2 computers sitting side by side and when I located this anomaly in my main system, I checked my 2nd system and it showed a different set of information.
    I will post the screen snaps here below of each.

    This first one is from my main computer I use continuously.
    This image shows what seems to be nothing going on with the Memory Compression and I wonder why it is even in the task listings.

    Why does my task manager say I'm using a lot of memory, but when I look at what... 129167d1491757148t-task-manager-memory-compression-process-animation2.gif


    Why does my task manager say I'm using a lot of memory, but when I look at what... 129170d1491757717t-task-manager-memory-compression-process-animation4.gif


    This second one is my Security Surveillance system running 24/7
    It definitely shows a different set of memory numbers on this image of the Memory Compression. Much more then the above image.

    Why does my task manager say I'm using a lot of memory, but when I look at what... 129168d1491757167t-task-manager-memory-compression-process-animation1.gif


    Why does my task manager say I'm using a lot of memory, but when I look at what... 129171d1491757734t-task-manager-memory-compression-process-animation3.gif



    Do I need this listing in my system. In the main system task it looks like it is doing nothing, yet in my security system computer, it has much more information given. What does this task do for the computer?

    Thanks for your time
     
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