Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) High GPU usage on Windows 10/11

Question

I followed some of the instruction outlined in this post: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/high-gpu-usage-of-desktop-window-manager-dwmexe/f4453ddb-31f7-4765-8510-fc4d9cd9807d

My dwm.exe (Desktop Window Manager) was using a lot of GPU for seemingly no reason. I had an idea as to what the problem could be and I seemed to have remedied this strange problem. While the URL above didn't remedy my issue, the following information did seem to fix it.

PC Information

OS Name	Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
Version	10.0.22000 Build 22000
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core Processor, 3593 Mhz, 8 Core(s), 16 Logical Processor(s)
BaseBoard Product	PRIME B450M-A
Installed RAM	16.0 GB
Adapter Type	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, NVIDIA compatible

I am running all of the latest drivers. I fully cleaned out all drivers and reinstalled them yesterday. I altered some of Nvidia's Global 3D Settings after I freshly installed all of my drivers.

In the NVIDIA Control Panel → 3D Settings → Manage 3D settings → Global Settings → Click "Restore"

I had adjusted the global settings so that all of my software would use universal settings outlined in this section of the NVIDIA Control Panel. I did this so I wouldn't have to modify several individual programs under the "Program Settings" of this NVIDIA Control Panel.

I changed "Low Latency Mode", "Max Framerate", "Power Management Mode", "Preferred Refresh Rate", "Threaded Optimization", "Vertical Sync" (Specifically to "Fast").

I realized that these global settings are probably affecting the Windows Desktop Rendering, causing spikes of GPU usage as my video card tries to enforce the Global Settings that I arranged.

Simply by clicking the "Restore" button underneath the list of settings, to restore all of the default "Global Settings" parameters, I made the dwm.exe GPU spikes disappear.

Answer 1

Greetings everyone,

I have something similar, and I don't know whether it is my mistake or something in the settings. Unfortunately, I am not as skilled as you guys and I went to the professionals in where I live but they didn't help much.

Can you suggest whom should I go to guys? If someone is willing to help me with this topic I would highly appreciate it and pay for it whatever it takes 100 or more bucks.

I am sorry if this is not the right place to post what I just posted. I am just stuck and my work is literally at risk right now.

Thanks.

Shrief Allam

Answer 2

This is strange that you posted this now because the same thing is hapening to me right now, must be a coincidence right?

Answer 3

I also have just noticed that the Desktop Window Manager (DWM.exe) has high graphics processor unit usage while running a game.

Device name Gaming-Desktop

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9700F CPU @ 3.00GHz 3.00 GHz

Installed RAM 16.0 GB

System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super, Driver v546.65

Edition Windows 10 Home

Version 22H2

OS build 19045.3930

Answer 4

Can you tell me how you solved it i have the same problem????

Answer 5

I did a clean reinstall of Windows 10 this week and that fixed a lot of performance issues I had. Personally I recommend reinstalling Windows every few years, I do it every 2-3 years. I can confidently say that NVIDIA is installed with sub-optimal settings. I haven't changed anything apart from saturation and vibrancy.

My specs are:

• Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-9900K CPU @ 3.60 GHz
• 32,0 GB DDR4 RAM
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER
• Windows 10 install on Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 250GB

Right now I applied the advice of the original poster using NVIDIA Control Panel. The results in Desktop Window Manager:

• GPU usage has gone from 10 - 23% down to an average 0.1 - 5%.
• CPU is now on an average of 0.1 - 0.5%, spike is around 0.7%.
• Memory is on average 31.6 MB.

My next issue was fixing Steam Client WebHelper. It was on average 7.0% of my GPU with spikes up to 17%. That is too much in my opinion. I found a Steam Discussions thread with this advice:

Steam Settings → Interface → Enable GPU accelerated rendering in web views → Turn off

Now my Steam Client WebHelper use 4.5 - 500 MB Memory, 0% CPU and GPU.

If you are going to seek the help of professionals you should contact a business that does it for offices and similar. They might do it themselves. But at the very least they will know other businesses that specialize to fix those problems. But remember to ask what their prices are, it might be expensive. Also tell them what your problems are. That will speed up the process of troubleshooting and fixing it.

The next advice are at your own risk.

If you are on a desktop PC you can try to reseat your components. Be aware that you risk losing your warranty doing it! For me it doesn't matter since the warranty expiration date has passed. Also be aware that you might damage the components. Only do this if you are confident in doing it!

This Youtube video shows how to reseat your components: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLxNPBQBfT8&t=322s

You can also Google "PC Help" to find Discord channels, Subreddits and other internet forums. Of course, Microsoft Answers is the safest forum. If you try out Discord or other platforms be very careful if anyone want's remote access to your PC. Scammers and other bad people are also on these places. Usually these people will try to contact you via private messages. Stick to the big Discords etc. and never trust anyone that message you.

I am on very many game development Discords and 3-6 times every year scammers message me. As a rule of thumb, always report anyone that sends you messages to admins/moderators of the forum. It's better to report too much than too little.