dwm.exe high memory usage normal?

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  1. Posts : 31
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    dwm.exe high memory usage normal?


    Whenever I check my task manager periodically I notice the dwm.exe process (Desktop Window Manager) always uses lots of memory. I searched around and found that 30-50 MB RAM usage is normal but mine typically shows 200+ MB RAM being used. And it never goes down, even when I close all open windows and programs in the taskbar. I thought the amount of RAM used for dwm.exe was determined by how many open windows I had. In fact, closing windows can barely increase dwm.exe RAM use.

    I read it can be affected by graphics drivers but I'm always up to date on the Nvidia drivers for my video card. I have all the latest Win 7 64 updates. If I change the Aero theme to Basic then it releases the memory.

    Is it normal to use this much memory? Why doesn't it ever release the memory after I close the windows? Everything else seems to be working fine on my pc.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,216
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #2

    You could have programs running in the background after installing something. How long is this going on would you know?
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  3. Posts : 1,216
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #3

    Here is mine
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails dwm.exe high memory usage normal?-capture.png  
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 31
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I think it's been this way for awhile. I don't believe any programs are running in the background. This happens even when I haven't installed anything. I don't know how to interpret the info but I'll post it. Right now it's only using 66 MB RAM but eventually it will keep climbing into the hundreds.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails dwm.exe high memory usage normal?-11.jpg  
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,216
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #5

    Well some programs use big amount of memory. They would be running in the background such as services and processes. But maybe you have things that are running on startup that you don't need. If you go to - start - (in the search bar type) msconfig - startup and disable any programs that you do not need on start up that could help also.

    But be carefull not to stop stuff that runs your programs or system that you do need.
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  6. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #6

    I fail to see the concern. You have so much RAM you do not need to protect it. Let the machine use your RAM it helps performance.
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  7. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #7

    I agree with logicearth. I don't see a problem.
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  8. Posts : 1,216
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #8

    Exactly but if he wants to save some he can do that but he wouldnt need to
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  9. Posts : 31
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    I know I have enough memory but I guess I'm more interested in why dwm.exe is using so much more RAM than it's supposed to on my pc.

    Is dwm.exe supposed to release memory after you close windows?

    How much memory does it typically use on your computers?

    Do you want me to post all my processes and startup services?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,216
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #10

    Like said there is no problem with your memory. But if you wanted you could stop startup programs and services to reduce some but really no need
      My Computer


 
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