Windows 10: Desktop Window Manager absurdly high memory usage

Hi,


I've recently noticed Desktop Window Manager is using 60%+ of my Memory at any given time, even when I have literally nothing open except for the task manager. It hasn't caused any crashes as of yet but it's only a matter of time at that kind of memory use and I'm concerned it's going to lead to something I won't be able to fix.


I've done the usual - windows updates, virus scan, check graphics drivers, etc - and nothing has helped. Any advice which doesn't involve tampering with the inner workings of my laptop or doing resets would be greatly appreciated!

:)

 

System and compressed memory high disk usage

Hi Robert,

As you are facing issues with high system and compressed memory on your device we will help you with this issue.

Provide us additional information to assist you better with this issue:

• What is the make and model of your device?
• What is the complete error message with respect to the memory when you are trying to access games?

This issue might have occurred due to applications or services running at the startup on the computer. Bad sectors on the hard drive or outdated and incompatible drivers might also cause such issues.

I suggest you to refer to the below post check if your issue matches with the same.

If so, I recommend you to try the troubleshooting steps suggested by Amarjeet Paul
and check if it helps.

System and compressed memory high disk usage during file
copy

Hope it helps. Get back to us with an updated status of this issue for further assistance.

 

Desktop Windows Manager High Memory Usage

Hi Jay,

This high memory usage could have happened due to multiple application running. If Windows 10 has features that are not working properly, we suggest that you run the System File Checker tool and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool to scan
and correct any issues. System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool in the operating system. SFC checks for system file corruption. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a command-line tool that can be used to service a Windows image or to prepare
a Windows Preinstallation Environment image.

Kindly follow the steps in this article posted by
ZigZag3143 (MS -MVP) to perform SFC and DISM:
System file check (SFC) Scan and Repair System Files & DISM to fix things SFC cannot.

Update us with the result so we can further assist you.

 

Desktop Windows Manager high GPU usage persists

Several individuals have reported Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) using unrealistic amounts of GPU for video playback, gaming, or any high graphics intensive activity. Here is a list of just a few of the many requests for support on this issue:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

It has been a few years now that this problem has been reported, are there any accepted fixes. From what I gather, even those individuals with serious graphics cards are vulnerable to dwm.exe dominating their available GPU. I myself report this issue, even
on games and design software with the settings at a minimum. For example, Java will be using ~45% of the available GPU, whereas dwm.exe takes up the remaining ~55%. As stated previously, the result is the entire system halting, not just the game. The mouse
will take a few seconds to stutter across the screen, and task manager will take 5+ seconds to even appear.

There have been many suggestions and no results. Is that Microsoft's consensus then? Thank you ahead of time.