Problem with Desktop Windows Manager (dwm.exe) absolutely hogging GPU

Question

Hello everyone, I would like to address this issue that has been happening when playing games. The problem at hand is that dwm.exe has been taking over my GPU when gaming, happening periodically within my session. This has been happening with my friend as well, with MANY other people over the internet, and is ESPECIALLY annoying. I would also like to highlight the fact that this has been a thing for MONTHS now. MONTHS, and no clear workaround, fix or patch. This issue renders my GPU uselesswhen displaying 3D content, and makes playing, competitively or not, a chore. Seriously, it's torture. Like having drops of superglue between your eyeballs and your eye sockets. Horrific. With any short, temporary alleviation feeling like a breath of the most magical air. I kindly ask for any suggestions on how to fix this, and would also like to express my gratitude over any input on the matter at hand.

Answer 1

Hey Duke. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Guardian Moderator here to help you.

1. Let's go over the basics first to make sure everything has been tried, and if so we will move on then:

https://windows10skill.com/desktop-window-manag...

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

https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/desktop...

https://troubleshooter.xyz/wiki/fix-desktop-win...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

2. Update 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.

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.

3. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account to rule out account corruption which is a frequent problem we see. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

If these fail then run the Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m... choosing Download Tool Now, install the tool, open it and choose Upgrade this PC Now. This reinstalls WIndows while saving your files and apps in place; takes about an hour, resolves most problems. It also brings it to the latest version by the most stable method.

Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

4. If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version 1903 which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m....
5. If this was caused by Windows Update(s) then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Update History, then uninstall them from the link there, and immediately check for these again and hide with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

You can also go into Repair Mode by whichever method works here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc... to use the new Uninstall Updates button in Advanced Troubleshoot Options: https://pureinfotech.com/uninstall-updates-adva...

You can also use System Restore from within Windows or the above Repair Mode to get back before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

6. If this was caused by a Version Update then for 10 days you can roll it back in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool which is explained more here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta....

If that doesn't work you can also Go Back in Repair Mode as shown here:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you will wait to rate my post, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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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.

Answer 2

Hello Greg! Thank you for answering. While playing yesterday, I have noticed that the FPS drops were actually not related to Desktop Windows Manager, but the GPU itself just dropping the usage from 90-100% to 50-60% for no apparent reason. What made me think it was dwm.exe was because every time I checked task manager when the FPS drop occurred my GPU use was 60%, and dwm.exe 30%, when, in fact, dwm.exe was using 30% of my integrated graphics and not the NVIDIA one. Do you have any advice on how to resolve this? Thanks very much.

Answer 3

Actually, I noticed that my GPU usage drops were due to my CPU spiking to 100% periodically. How do I keep it from doing that?