Windows 10: Desktop Window Manager is completely consuming my GPU. Any actual fixes?

I've only recently had this issue where the service is taking up all of my GPU's resources and seriously killing my laptop's performance.

The issue regardless of what I'm doing. Playing a game or working in word, I've already looked around and none of the common solutions have fixed the issue.

I'm running a mid to low spec system:

• I5 Processor 9th gen.
• 24GB DDR4 RAM
• 500GB SSD connected through M.2
• Nvidia GTX 1650 connected through PCI-e

Attempts to solve it:

• Lower DWM priority through Task Manager - The service turned itself back up without my knowledge and continued to consume GPU resources.
• Update apps and drivers - Already done weekly through routine and I've already checked all apps for updates.
• Reinstall windows - Did that too. shortly after updates came in issue came back.
• Tried running different games all ran smoothly up until now.

Anybody with advice would greatly be appreciated.

:)

 

Desktop Window Manager(DWM.exe) using high GPU

Hi Hasnat,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft community Forums.

In Windows, desktop composition is performed by Desktop Windows Manager. The way applications display pixels on the screen, it is managed by DWM. When desktop composition is enabled, individual windows no longer draw directly to the screen or primary
display device as they did in previous versions of Windows. Instead, their drawing is redirected to off-screen surfaces in video memory, which are then rendered into a desktop image and presented on the display.

The GPU (NVidia) usage of 35-40% by games is absolutely normal, however at the same time Desktop Windows Manager is using the high percentage of Intel GPU, which isn’t normal and it might be the cause of the low FPS.

I suggest to refer to the suggestions given by Reymichael Ros, dated March 2, 2018 on

Desktop Windows Manager (dwm.exe) load GPU too much.

If the above step doesn’t work, you may try setting the NVidia card to maximum performance and disable Intel graphics adapter to see if it works.

• Right click on desktop and select NVidia Control Panel from the context menu.
  
• Now on the left hand pane expand 3D settings.
  
• Click on Manage 3D settings.
  
• Under Preferred graphics processor, select
  High-performance NVidia processor.
  
• Click on Apply.
  

Before disabling the Intel graphics adapter, I would recommend to create a system restore point. Please refer to the article:
Create a system restore point.

• Press Windows key + R. This will open
  Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for
  Run.
  
• In Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc and hit enter.
  
• Expand Display adapters.
  
• Now right click on the Intel Graphics drivers and click on
  Disable.
  
• Click on OK.
  
• Reboot the computer and check the frame rate.
  

In case disabling Intel graphics adapter does not work, I would suggest to uninstall the Intel graphics drivers completely and install the latest drivers from the Intel support site.

• Press Windows key + R. This will open
  Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for
  Run.
  
• In Run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc and hit enter.
  
• Expand Display adapters.
  
• Now right click on the Intel Graphics drivers and click on
  Uninstall.
  
• Check the checkbox to delete the drivers from the computer and reboot the computer.
  
• Download and install latest drivers from
  
  Downloads for Intel HD Graphics 630.
  

If none of the above methods works, I would encourage you to provide your feedback and suggestions using the Windows 10 Feedback Hub app, so that the Windows developer team has direct access to it.

Send feedback to Microsoft with Feedback Hub

Hope it helps.

Regards,

Peer Samie

Microsoft Community-Moderator

 

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.

 

Desktop Windows Manager (dwm.exe) load GPU too much.

Hi Artur,

In order to help you with the issue about the Desktop Windows Manager (dwm.exe), kindly refer to the troubleshooting suggestions posted by Julie Ram dated January 16, 2018. Click the link below to access her posted troubleshooting steps which have been helpful
to several Community members. This may also be the solution that you are looking for to resolve the issue at hand.

Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) using high usage gpu?


Let us know the result for us to help you further.

Regards.