The desktop window manager is not running. What is the Windows Window Manager and why does it load the processor? Standard methods for enabling the window manager

Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) is a window layout manager that allows you to create all those beautiful effects in Windows: transparent windows, live taskbar thumbnails, Flip3D, and even high-resolution monitors.

Thanks to the dwm.exe process, applications are first rendered to a specific location in memory. Windows then creates one "composite" view from all the windows on the screen before sending it to your monitor.

Thanks to compositing, Windows can show the contents of each window, as well as add effects such as transparency and window animation.

Is it possible to disable the desktop window manager

No you can not! Ever since Vista controlled by a service that could be turned off - and, in turn, turn off all visual effects.

Starting with Windows 7, the Desktop Window Manager became an integral part of Windows as it became "vital" for creating a graphical user interface. Integration goes even deeper in Windows 8 and 10.

The good news is that the window manager has gotten much better at managing resources more efficiently, so there's no point in disabling it.

What to do to reduce memory and processor load

Desktop Window Manager uses quite a few system resources. On my system, which has a dozen active applications running, including Chrome with a dozen open tabs, Desktop Window Manager uses 0.1% of processor resources and about 36 MB of RAM. This is a fairly typical load.

If you see that the Desktop Window Manager is consuming a lot of RAM or CPU resources, you should do the following:

  • Make sure your drivers are up to date, especially the drivers for your video card or integrated graphics adapter. The desktop window manager offloads most of the processes to the GPU to reduce the load on the CPU.
  • Check your computer for malware. Some types of malware cause problems with the desktop window manager.

Could the dwm.exe process be a virus?

The Desktop Window Manager process itself is an official Windows component. While it is possible that a virus has replaced the real process, it is very unlikely.

If you want to be sure, you can check the source of the process. In Task Manager, right-click on the Desktop Window Manager process and select Open file location.

If the file is stored in the WINDOWS\system32 folder, then you can be sure that you are not dealing with a virus.

However, if you are still concerned about security, you can always check your computer for viruses using antivirus scanner.

Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) or Desktop Window Manager is a process that shows up in the task manager and gives an amazing look to your windows. This process supports Flip 3D, high resolution support, real-time thumbnails, transparency effects. It is a built-in feature of Microsoft Windows 10 OS that helps you control various desktop screen features. When you turn on your computer, you see animations, 3D effects, visual expressions, etc. All these functions are controlled by this process, component, file. This is a genuine system file from Microsoft, and not a virus, as many people think. dwm.exe itself is an official Windows component, so it cannot cause any problems.

Sometimes you may find that the dwm.exe file is using up the CPU. If you find this file in your path c:\windowssystem32, then it's not a virus. However, if you find any other file with the same name and extension in any other folder, it might be malware. To find out the folder where any file is located, just right-click and click " Open file location".

How does dwm.exe work?

It is a Windows layout manager and allows programs to write data according to their needs. It then combines them into the final image and sends all the graphics through the media integration layer before it is sent to the graphics card. Thus, the graphics card gives you the desired look on the screen.

Should you disable dwm.exe?

Since you know that dwm.exe controls all of your screen's visual effects, there is no logic to disable it. You will find an option in the task manager to "End task" process (dwm.exe), but since Windows uses high-resolution technology, so you will not be able to terminate the process, and I do not recommend it.

dwm.exe high memory and CPU usage in Windows 10

dwm.exe in Windows 10 takes up a very small portion of your system resources, approximately 0.4% of the CPU and about 40 MB of RAM. This may be less or more depending on the screen resolution. Even while working with browsers and applications, you will notice minimal resource usage.

dwm.exe file properties

  • File Description - Desktop Window Manager
  • Product name - Microsoft OS
  • Copyright - Microsoft Corporation
  • Size - 61.0 Kb
  • The original file name is dwm.exe

If you are sure that the corresponding file is not a virus, you need to follow the instructions:

  1. Make sure your hardware drivers are up to date, especially your integrated graphics adapter and VGA card. The desktop window manager offloads work to the graphics card's GPU, so the processor continues to run without load.
  2. Scan the system with one of .

is a sophisticated window manager that handles effects in Windows: taskbar thumbnails and even Flip3D. Dwm.exe is an innovative process introduced in Windows Vista and is now part of the Windows 10, 7 operating system.

Dwm.exe is a system file. The original dwm.exe file is located in C:\Windows\System32. But if you have multiple dwm.exe running at once OR this process is not in "System32", delete it immediately.

If you open the task manager, you will see the dwm.exe process listed, typically it takes up about 20-45 MB of memory. The amount of memory used by the dwm.exe process depends on the number of open windows, since each window requires a certain amount of space and memory to store the window's contents. Accordingly, if you open many windows, then dwm.exe will use more memory. The advantage of using a composite window manager is that in most cases it requires a relatively small amount of memory.


The only way to disable the process dwm.exe- stop him. Open "Services" in the "Administration toolbar" and then find the location, click "Windows Desktop Manager Session Manager" in the list and click "Stop".

To completely disable it, double-click the Window Manager Desktop Session Manager icon and select the startup type Disabled from the drop-down list.

On a Winx64 system it may be known as

Errors that may occur:
  • The desktop window manager encountered a fatal error (%1)
  • The Desktop Window Manager could not start because the Desktop Composition Blocking policy is enabled
  • Desktop Window Manager cannot start
  • The desktop window manager was unable to register the session port with an error (%1).
  • The desktop window manager has registered the session port.
  • The desktop window manager has resumed locking system memory because its working set threshold has not been reached.

In versions of Windows starting with Vista, a process called dwm.exe appeared, called the Desktop Window Manager. It is used in Windows Aero graphics, creating transparency effects, previews, 3D elements, thumbnails, etc. The window manager works provided your video card supports this interface.

When dwm.exe is running, the operating system monitors and writes to memory the contents of all windows for later recreation and application of graphic effects. It is clear that the process takes up a lot of computer memory and video card resources. A smooth, three-dimensional and realistic picture on the screen always requires the performance of the GPU.

You can see how much memory a process is using in the Task Manager, and to disable it, just click “stop” in the context menu. This is done if the computer is slow and freezes.

The opposite situation happens, when you need to enable the Desktop Window Manager after some kind of system failure.

What to do if Desktop Window Manager is not working

You can determine that the Desktop Window Manager is disabled either by a change in the design on the screen, or a corresponding system message will appear. There are cases when this is accompanied by a partial loss of operating capacity of the OS. Reasons why this may happen:

  • process hangs due to lack of memory;
  • video card driver problems;
  • viruses;
  • unsuccessful system update or new application;
  • Sometimes the process crashes when launching resource-intensive games.

You can enable Desktop Window Manager as follows:


It is possible that you will not find the service you are looking for in the list of services. If your system performance index is less than 3, the WindowsAero interface is automatically disabled. To force enable it, you will have to use the registry editor:


These steps will start the dwm.exe service and the Desktop Window Manager will work again.

IMPORTANT. Before performing any actions with the registry, save a backup copy of it. Changes to it may cause the operating system to become unusable.

First of all, try to fix the reason why the Manager may be disabled:


Viruses are often disguised as the dmw.exe process, which leads to errors and freezing. Be careful when working with the Registry Editor and Command Prompt unless you are an advanced PC professional. The easiest way to enable Desktop Window Manager is through the Administration panel. Failure will indicate more serious computer problems; it may be worth contacting a professional. If you have options for solving this problem, leave your tips in the comments.

Hello dear readers, today I would like to talk about:

1. ABOUT Windows services, what it is, what it is needed for and which ones are responsible for what.

2.And how can you increase the speed of your computer?

So what are these Windows services?

Services- applications that are automatically or manually launched by the system when Windows starts and perform various tasks regardless of the user’s status.

Open list of services can be done in several ways:

1. Hold down the windows button and press R, a window will open, enter services.msc there

2. Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services

3. Start > right-click on my computer > Manage > Services and Applications > Services

As you can see, there are quite a lot of them in Windows and by downloading, you can familiarize yourself what services exist and what each of them is responsible for.

Since services are applications, they operate and use some of the computer's resources. you can improve its performance. Let's see what can be disabled.

What services can be disabled in Windows 7, 8

I did not make a list of those services that can be disabled, because... many services are individual. I just tried to describe each service and in what situations they can be disabled. If you need to turn something off mindlessly, then just use .

* BranchCache The service caches network content. If you don't use your home network, you can turn it off altogether.

* DHCP client - If you use the Internet, do not touch it under any circumstances. It is this service that assigns you an IP address.

* DNS client It is also a necessary service for using the Internet. Works with your DNS (serves in the right directions).

* KtmRm for distributed transaction coordinator - system transaction function. We leave it the same way.

* Microsoft .NET Framework - We leave all such services as is. They serve for the normal operation of most applications.

* Parental Controls - Parental control service. If you don't use it, you can turn it off.

* Plug-and-Play serves for automatic recognition of changes in the system. For example, when you connect a flash drive, this service wakes up... So we leave it as it is.

* Quality Windows Audio Video Experience - transmission of audio and video over the network in real time. It is not needed only if there is no network (or Internet), in other cases we leave it.

* Remote Desktop Configuration - For remote desktop. If you do not use remote connections, disable it.

* Superfetch Useful feature, works with cache. Speeds up Windows, so leave it.

* Windows Audio - Controls sound. If you don't need the sound, turn off the sound. In other cases we leave it.

* Windows CardSpace - unnecessary and unsafe service. That's why we turn it off.

* Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework - For normal operation of the drivers, do not touch. Let it remain as it is.

* Windows Search - Indexing files for search. If you don’t use it and have time to wait until the file is found, then disable it. Be sure to disable it on the ssd!

* WMI Performance Adapter - needed for services that require wmi, install manually. If any applications need them, they will launch them themselves)

* WWAN auto-configuration - service for using mobile Internet. If you use a usb modem or SIM card in your laptop, do not disconnect it.

* Offline files - helps you work autonomously with inaccessible files that were downloaded before. We set it manually.

* Network Access Protection Agent - We set it manually, because... if necessary, the service will start if some program requests the necessary information.

* AIPsec policy gent - Needed if you have a network and the Internet.

* Adaptive Brightness Control - Leave it if there is a light sensor.

* Windows Backup - If you don't use it, turn it off. But it’s better to read about archiving in Windows, you never know, you’ll use it.

* Windows Biometric Service - needed only when using biometric devices. In other cases we disable it.

* Windows Firewall - To be honest, I always turn it off, because... I have nothing to steal) And if they encrypt the data, I will restore it) But I advise you to get, for example, Kaspersky Internet Security, which has both an antivirus and a firewall. And turn this one off, because... it sometimes blocks things that are not needed) In general, it monitors the security of your computer and closes ports so that thieves cannot get into your computer)

* Computer browser There is no need for a home network. Manually.

* Web client - It's boring if you don't have internet. Used to work with files on the Internet. We leave it.

* Virtual disk - Service for working with storage devices. We set it manually.

* IP Ancillary Service - Works with protocol version 6. I always disable it itself, so the service can be disabled altogether.

* Secondary login - Set it manually, because... some games or programs will turn it on if necessary.

* Grouping of network participants - Needed for home group. Install manually, you never know...

* Disk Defragmenter - In principle, it does not interfere. You can leave it or turn it off. If you turn it off, I recommend doing it once a month. And for ssd drives, we disable it altogether!

* Automatic Remote Access Connection Manager - We set it manually. Needed for remote connections.

* Print Manager - Needed if you have something to print from. In other cases we disable it.

* Remote Access Connection Manager - manually. Once I disconnected it completely and could not create a connection. So it's better to do it manually.

* Desktop Window Manager Session Manager − If you don’t use transparency from Aero, you can turn it off, it will give a big boost.

* Network Member Identity Manager − It's better to set it manually.

* Credential Manager - Better by hand. Stores your data, such as logins and passwords.

* Security Account Manager - It's better to leave it as is. If you disable this service, all changes to the local security policy will be lost.

* Access to HID devices - Access to shortcut keys. Disable it, if some combinations stop working, then put it back.

* Windows Event Log - records all events. A useful tool for the experienced user. It is impossible to disable.

* Performance Logs and Alerts - system service, leave it as is.

* Software Protection - Also a system service, leave it as is.

* Windows Defender - Protection against spyware and malware. Install a normal antivirus and disable this service.

* CNG Key Isolation - Manually.

* Windows Management Instrumentation - System service, without it, some applications may not work correctly, so it’s better to leave it.

* Application Compatibility Information - A useful thing, it helps launch applications that refuse to run on your OS. We set it manually.

* Group Policy Client - We leave it. Responsible for security policy settings.

* Changed Link Tracking Client - Tracking ntfs files is not necessary. Turn it off.

* Distributed Transaction Coordinator - We set it manually.

* Windows Presentation Foundation font cache - We set it manually. Applications will launch it if necessary.

* SNMP Trap - Some programs will collect information about you. So turn it off.

* Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator - Manually, if necessary, applications will launch it.

* Routing and remote access - Need not. Turn it off.

* IPsec Key Modules for Internet Key Exchange and Authenticated IP - Not necessary, but better to do it manually.

* DCOM server process launcher - System service, leave it as is.

* NetBIOS support module over TCP/IP - If there are no other computers on the network, then manually.

* Windows Instant Connections - Setup Logger - Manually.

* SSDP Discovery - Leave it as is. Required for new devices.

* Interactive Service Discovery − Manually.

* Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) - Not needed if you do not share your Internet over network connections.

* Shell Hardware Definition − necessary for the autorun dialog box of a disk or flash drive. Whatever suits you, most people need it. I left.

* Basic TPM services − Only needed to use TMP and/or BitLocker chips.

* Remote Desktop Services User Mode Port Redirector - If you don't use remote connections, then you don't need it. It's better to install it manually.

*PIP bus enumerator PnP-X — It's better to install it manually.

* Nutrition - Doesn't turn off. We leave it.

* Task Scheduler - It is advisable to leave it as is, because... Now many programs use it.

* Media Class Scheduler − We leave it to those for whom sound is important.

* Support for the "Problem and Resolution Reports" control panel item - Manually.

* Smart Card Removal Policy - For smart card users, it is better to do it manually.

* HomeGroup Provider - To use home groups. Better by hand.

* Wired Auto-Tuning - Manually.

* Software Shadow Copy Provider (Microsoft) - Manually.

* Homegroup Listener - Manually.

* PNRP protocol - We also leave it manually. Some applications may use the service.

* Publishing Feature Discovery Resources − Needed if you want to show your files to other computers over the network. If you don't want to, then manually or disable it.

* Work station - It's better to leave it, because... Some applications use this service.

* Certificate Distribution − Better by hand.

* Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) - Manually.

* Windows Event Collector - Manually.

* Application Details - Manually.

* Server - If the computer is not used as a server or does not share access to files and printers, then turn it off.

* Thread Ordering Server - Disable if there is no home group.

* Network Login - Manually.

* Network connections - Leave it as is. If there is no network or Internet, you can turn it off.

* COM+ Event System - set manually. Applications that depend on this service will launch it themselves if necessary.

* COM+ System Application - Also manually.

* SSTP Service - We leave it as is, the service is needed if there is Internet on the computer.

* WinHTTP Web Proxy Automatic Discovery Service - If you need internet, then leave it as is.

* WLAN AutoConfig Service - service for wireless networks. Accordingly, if they are not there, it is not needed.

* Basic Filtering Service - on the one hand, it is not needed (if security is not needed), but on the other hand, some programs may produce errors. So we leave it.

* Tablet PC Input Service - If the screen is not touch-sensitive, then it is not needed.

* Windows Time Service - needed to synchronize time with the Internet.

* Windows Image Upload Service (WIA) - The service is only needed if there is a scanner. She is responsible for receiving images from scanners and cameras.

* Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service - We install it manually, if programs need it, they will launch it themselves.

* Network Saving Interface Service - Needed for normal network operation.

* Windows Font Cache Service - serves to improve performance, caches fonts and does not waste time loading.

* WITHMedia Center set-top box service - If you don't use any attachments, you don't need it.

* Block Level Archiving Engine Service - We set it manually. If archiving or restoration is needed, the service will start on its own.

* Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service - Off by default. Only needed if you need the Net.Tcp protocol.

* Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service - Manually. If you need it, it will turn on.

* Portable Device Enumerator Service - Used to synchronize music, videos, etc. with removable media. I would install it manually. This is not always necessary.

* Windows Media Center Scheduler Service - Needed if you only watch programs in Windows Media Player.

* Bluetooth Support - Needed if you have Bluetooth.

* Diagnostic Policy Service - Needed to diagnose problems... To be honest, it rarely helps. Therefore, you can experiment by turning it off. If necessary, turn it on.

* Program Compatibility Assistant Service - The service is needed to run programs that are incompatible with your OS. If there are none, install them manually.

* User Profile Service - Better to leave it. It works with computer user profiles.

* PNRP Computer Name Publishing Service - Needed for home groups.

* Windows Error Logging Service - Logs errors. It's better to install it manually.

* Windows Media Center Receiver Service - to watch TV and radio programs in the player.

* Connected Network Information Service - It is better to leave it as is for normal network operation.

* Network List Service - It's better to leave it that way.

* SPP Notification Service - For licensing. Leave by hand.

* System Event Notification Service - If you are not going to watch Windows messages, then you do not need it.

* Windows Remote Management Service (WS-Management) - Place it manually.

* BitLocker Drive Encryption Service - Encrypts disks. If you don't use it, it's better to turn it off.

* Application Layer Gateway Service − The service is needed only to work with the firewall. Manually.

* Cryptography Services - To install new programs, it is better to leave it as is.

* Remote Desktop Services - If you do not use remote desktops, then disable it.

* Smart card - If you don't use them, then you don't need it.

* RPC Endpoint Mapper - The service is needed for incoming traffic. Nothing can be done about it. That's why we leave it.

* Windows Audio Endpoint Builder - If you need sound, leave it.

* Telephony - Leave by hand. It will start if needed.

* Themes - They eat up a lot of memory resources. If you don't need it, turn it off.

* Volume Shadow Copy - Creates recovery points, backing up in the background. Place it manually. It will start if necessary.

* Link layer topologist - Also by hand. It will start if needed.

* Remote Procedure Call (RPC) - System service. Leave it as is.

* Remote registry - Allows remote users to manipulate your registry. Turn it off.

* Application Identity - Manually.

* Diagnostic system unit - Diagnosis of problems. Place it manually.

* Diagnostic Service Node - Also manually.

* Generic PNP Device Node - Place it manually. Not all devices are PnP.

* Application Management - Place it manually. The service allows you to configure policies for applications.

* Manage certificates and health key - Install it manually, if you need it, it will start on its own.

* ActiveX Installer - Also manually. You will need to install such an object, it will start on its own.

* Windows Installer - Installation of programs.msi. Manually.

* Windows Modules Installer - Installs and removes components and updates. Manually.

* Fax - Needed if you only have a fax.

* Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) - Leave it by hand. The service is useful.

* Discovery Provider Host - Leave it by hand. It will need to start.

* Windows Color System (WCS) - Manually. The devices will need it and they will launch it.

* Security Center - Monitors Windows security. She annoys me with her notifications. So whether to turn it off or not is up to you.

* Windows Update - On the one hand, a useful function. It closes holes in the system, updates drivers, but on the other hand, it actively uses the Internet, memory resources, and if you turn off the computer during the update, the OS may crash. So you also have to choose what is more important, security or performance.

* Encrypting File System (EFS) - For file security. It's better to leave it as is manually.

I tried to present the entire list of services. By disabling some, you will improve the performance of your computer. You can also decide at your own discretion which ones are needed and which ones are not. For example, if there is no Internet, then you can safely cut half of it; if there is no printer, then you can also turn off a lot. Thus, depending on your needs, you can significantly invigorate your old computer.