DWM notification window

Question

On my Windows 8.1 system, an icon showed on the taskbar and it said "DWM notification window". When I closed it which was the only option, 1/3rd of my screen went black but the rest is working fine.  How can I fix it please? 

Answer 1

Hi Komal Aziz,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

As per the issue description 1/3 of your screen get black after closing DWM notification window.

The Desktop Window Manager (DWM). This is responsible for the graphical effects such as live window previews and a glass-like frame around windows (Aero Glass), without draining your CPU. A DWM-capable graphics card is required to enable the 3D effects, as well as Aero Glass.

I would suggest you to try the steps provided below and see if it helps you to fix the issue.

Method 1: I would suggest you to update the latest version of Graphics Card Drivers from the manufacturer’s website and check if it helps. You may refer to the article mentioned below to update drivers.

Download and install drivers 

Method 2: Scan your computer for computer viruses,

R un a full scan using MSS (Microsoft Safety Scanner) to make sure that the Computer is virus free. Provide disclaimer.

A fast way to check for viruses is to use an online scanner, such as the Microsoft Safety Scanner. The scanner is a free online service that helps you identify and remove viruses, clean up your hard disk, and generally improve your computer's performance.

To run the Microsoft Safety Scanner:

a)      Go to the Microsoft Safety Scanner webpage to download the scanner.

**http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx**

b)      Click Download Now, and then follow the instructions on the screen.

Note: The Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after being downloaded. To rerun a scan with the latest anti-malware definitions, download and run the Microsoft Safety Scanner again.

Important: While performing scan on the hard drive, if any bad sectors are found on the hard drive when scanning tries to repair that sector if any data available on that might be lost.

Method 3: I would suggest you to boot the computer in Clean Boot and leave the computer idle for a while and check,

Perform Clean Boot.

To help troubleshoot error messages and other issues, you can start Windows 8 by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.

**http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135**

Important: Reset the computer to start to normal startup.

**Note:**After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to boot to normal startup.

a)      Press the ‘Windows + R’ key on the keyboard.

b)      In the ‘Run’ window type ’MSCONFIG’ and click ‘Ok’.

c)       On the ‘General’ tab, click the ‘Normal Startup’ option, and then click ‘OK’.

d)      When you are prompted to restart the computer, click ‘Restart’.

Hope this would help. If issue still persists post back with current status of your computer and result of the proposed suggestion, we will be happy to assist you.

Regards,

Answer 2

I had the problem too, but when I closed the window, nothing happened. BUT I was on windows 10.

Answer 3

Hi Cameron,

Since you mentioned that you’re having the same issue with the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) which is responsible for the graphical effects of your computer. We just want to ask if you tried the above troubleshooting steps that were provided by Ramesh.Kumar? 

Regards.