The DWM.exe process is the Desktop Windows Manager that serves as the manager for the visual windows seen on the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Operating Systems (OSs). The application handles the display of live task-bar thumbnails that can be re-sized, transparent windows, and a Flip3D switcher that can be enabled or disabled. The process is considered to be an OS file and should not be removed.
How Does DWM.exe Work?
In the Windows Vista OS, programs save or write a picture of their visible window to a pre-defined location in the computer’s memory. The OS then creates a composite view of all program windows on the screen before it is sent to the computer monitor. The Vista OS was the first to add effects to these displays to include transparency and live preview thumbnails that have been carried on to the Windows 7 OS. As a result, Windows Vista and Windows 7 can leverage hardware acceleration to create fast transitions and animation effects to make the user’s experience with the OS more beneficial.
How Much Memory Does DWM.exe Use?
It just depends on the number of Windows open on your computer. A normal range can be between 30 and 50 MB of memory with this number increasing equivalent to the amount of multitasking being accomplished. If you switch the Vista OS to the Basic Theme, DWM will not be turned off, but will use a smaller amount of memory. You can switch to the Vista Basic theme by right clicking the computer’s desktop and then choose the “Personalize” and “Windows Color and Appearance” menu buttons. Choose the “Classic” appearance properties option followed by clicking the “Windows Vista Basic” option and the “Apply” menu button.
How to Turn Off DWM.exe
If you determine that dwm.exe needs to be turned off due to playing games or other memory intensive applications, you will need to stop the service from running on your computer. To do so:
Step 1 – Open the Windows Control Panel by selecting the menu icon from the computer’s start menu.
Step 2 – Select the “Desktop Window Manager Session Manager” from the service listing and then choose the “Stop” menu button.
Step 3 – Depending on the specific setup of your computer, you may be asked to “Accept” or “Allow” the process to be stopped. Once it is stopped, the computer will automatically shift to the Classic or Basic theme.
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