

While some of the visual effects you see can be disabled in Windows Settings, you can’t stop the dwm.exe process from running. The DWM process is now firmly integrated into the Windows user experience, meaning the graphical user interface you use relies on it to work. While older versions of Windows allowed you to switch the Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) process off, this is no longer possible in Windows 10. How to Disable or Remove the Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) Process Other causes for dwm.exe causing high CPU usage could be outdated drivers or missing Windows system updates, as well as your internal graphics (rather than external graphics card) being used to generate visual effects. Some malware has been reported to try and replicate the DWM process, therefore hiding in plain sight. If you decide you want to revert back, just go back into services.msc and set the startup type to Automatic on Step 3 above.While malware isn’t a typical cause of high CPU usage with the dwm.exe process, it can’t be ruled out. The classic look is for some people, but for most, it’s a little dull. If you opted to remove it you’ll notice that disabling Desktop Window Manager also disables all Windows themes. Now you’ll no longer be bothered by dwm.exe.

Then under Startup type Select Disabled, and underneath that Click Stop. In the properties window, Click the General tab. In the services management window, Right-Click Desktop Window Manager, and then Click Properties. Click the services program that appears on the list.

How To Disable dwm.exe In Windows 7 Step 1Ĭlick the Start Menu and Type services.msc into the search box. If for some reason you decide that you still want to get rid of dwm.exe, I’ll show you how below, but it really isn’t necessary if you ask me. The Desktop Windows Manager uses a nominal amount of memory so I wouldn’t recommend any drastic action against the process just to save a few K of memory especially considering there are several other things you can do like disabling themes support and going back to the windows classic theme. You’ll find though that many people will recommend disabling it to increase performance, is this true? There isn’t anything wrong with this process, so don’t worry, it is supposed to be there.

Windows uses it to control themes, window effects, taskbar icons, and pretty much anything visually pleasing in the Windows user interface. The Windows process dwm.exe is the Desktop Windows Manager.
