Reference number: CH001182
What is dwm.exe and why is it using so much memory?
Question:What is dwm.exe and why is it using so much memory?
Answer:
The dvm.exe file is the Microsoft Windows Desktop Windows Manager and is a valid Windows file that should be running on your computer. This processes helps manage the visual effects found in Windows Vista and Windows 7 such as the transparent or glass look, the Flip3D alt tab windows switcher, and handle the rendering of each of the Windows being displayed on your computer.
As more program windows are opened the memory of this process will increase sometimes using several megabytes. This is normal behavior.
If you're trying to maximize the performance of your computer, or concerned about how much memory this process is using,
we first suggest disabling Windows Aero to see if this has any effect. Additional information about disabling Aero can be found on document CH0001181. If after doing this you still wish to disable dwm.exe it can be done by following the below steps.
- Click Start
- In the Start Search box type services and click the Services link.
- In the Services Window locate and double-click Desktop Windows Manager.
- In the Desktop Windows Manager window click Stop to disable the service. If you wish for this process to never startup change the Startup type from Automatic to Disabled.
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