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Desktop window manager (dwm.exe) way too much CPU usage!

Anonymous
2022-07-05T03:24:42+00:00

I don't really have the best CPU but I do have a pretty decent GPU and so I decided to get a second monitor just for productivity. After closer inspection, I realized that I cant actually use both of them at the same time as my second monitor only supports VGA and my GPU doesn't. So what I did was hook it up to my motherboard IO which does have VGA output. To make this work I had to enable iGPU Multi-Monitor in my BIOS which makes use of my onboard GPU to render the second monitor I believe (Intel HD graphics).

The problem is that when I try to run games, my CPU is crazily bottlenecked because of Desktop Window Manager, it takes up from 10%-15% of my CPU (the game takes the rest) and so I get constant fps flickers from 60-80, it's absolutely unplayable. Note that I used to be able to run the same game at 120+ fps on average before. I'm not sure if this is just because of the second monitor or another issue, but it has only started happening after I got the second monitor.

I have tried minimizing all tabs on the second monitor before playing the game but it seems to still take at least 10% of the CPU. Do you think this is because I'm using two GPUS to render this? If I do buy a VGA to DP cable so I can connect it to my GPU instead it will fix?

Any help is appreciated! If you have any questions, please let me know!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-07-05T04:02:20+00:00

    Hello UMAYEERIBN. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

    1. Try these fixes for high CPU usage by Desktop WIndows Manager:

    https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/why-dwm-exe-...

    https://appuals.com/fix-desktop-window-manager-...

    (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

    https://techcult.com/fix-desktop-window-manager...

    https://windows101tricks.com/dwm-exe-high-cpu-u...

    https://www.softwaretesttips.com/why-dwm-exe-ca...

    https://www.thewindowsclub.com/desktop-window-m...

    (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsLJVQnCAiQ

    1. The Display driver is so important here that merely updating it is sometimes not enough. So let's try everything possible to get it working correctly:

    First make sure you have updated the Display driver from the PC or Display adapter maker's Support Downloads web page for your exact model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag - from the sticker on the PC.

    If necessary first remove the old driver using DDU https://www.wagnardsoft.com/content/ddu-guide-t... (not necessary with Microsoft Basic driver which is a placeholder if nothing else is available) and/or installing in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

    While there check also for newer chipset, BIOS/UEFI firmware (very important), network, sound, USB3 and other drivers, comparing to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

    If this doesn't give you the latest or ideal driver for what you need, compare it to the driver offered by the Intel driver update Utility here: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

    or the Nvidia Update utility here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...

    or the AMD autodect utility here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/P...

    For Display issues one fix that is working is to Roll back or Uninstall the Driver on the Display Device > Driver tab, restart PC to reinstall driver.

    You can also try older drivers in Device Manager > Display device > Driver tab > Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick.

    Then you will know you've tried everything in addition to Windows Update drivers.

    Adjust the screen resolution until it fits and looks best at Settings > System > Display.

    Check for a monitor driver by expediting Windows Updates (including Optional Updates) in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates to install all Updates until no more are offered.

    Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

    ______________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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