[SOLVED] DWM using a lot of GPU in task manager and crashing frequently

zombcb

Honorable
Jan 30, 2016
10
0
10,510
I recently reinstalled Windows on my PC (using the keep files option), and ever since I've been running into an issue where DWM is using up to 35% of my GPU when moving/resizing app windows. DWM will also frequently crash, causing my screen to go black, and it has also caused a few BSODs. Is there anything I can do to fix this? I was previously OCing my GPU, but I reverted it back to default to see if that would help, but so far no luck. I have also tried reinstalling my Nvidia driver, but that hasn't worked either.

Link to my build specs here in case you need them: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/zmbcb/saved/b3Bt7P
 
Solution
DWM.exe = Windows Desktop Manager
Its meant to sit between applications and the GPU drivers

dwm isn't cause of crashes, parts of windows generally don't cause BSOD

I would run DDU in safe mode, remove GPU drivers and reinstall them and see if that helps

your PC part picker list is private so I can't look at it

Can you follow option one on the following link - here - and then do this step below: Small memory dumps - Have Windows Create a Small Memory Dump (Minidump) on BSOD - that creates a file in c windows/minidump after the next BSOD

  1. Open Windows File Explore
  2. Navigate to C:\Windows\Minidump...

Colif

Win 11 Master
Moderator
DWM.exe = Windows Desktop Manager
Its meant to sit between applications and the GPU drivers

dwm isn't cause of crashes, parts of windows generally don't cause BSOD

I would run DDU in safe mode, remove GPU drivers and reinstall them and see if that helps

your PC part picker list is private so I can't look at it

Can you follow option one on the following link - here - and then do this step below: Small memory dumps - Have Windows Create a Small Memory Dump (Minidump) on BSOD - that creates a file in c windows/minidump after the next BSOD

  1. Open Windows File Explore
  2. Navigate to C:\Windows\Minidump
  3. Copy the mini-dump files out onto your Desktop
  4. Do not use Winzip, use the built in facility in Windows
  5. Select those files on your Desktop, right click them and choose 'Send to' - Compressed (zipped) folder
  6. Upload the zip file to the Cloud (OneDrive, DropBox . . . etc.)
  7. Then post a link here to the zip file, so we can take a look for you . . .

which version of win 10

  1. right click start
  2. choose run...
  3. type winver and press enter
  4. current version is 21H1
 
Last edited:
Solution

zombcb

Honorable
Jan 30, 2016
10
0
10,510
what are specs of the PC?
DO you have latest bios on motherboard?

if its not gpu drivers, I am not sure what else it might be. I have sent dumps to a friend, he might reply soon or later, he isn't here right now.
Here's a non-private link to my specs: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/zmbcb/saved/b3Bt7P

And yeah, I had to flash my bios on my motherboard when setting it up so that it was compatible with my Ryzen 5 5600x.
 

Colif

Win 11 Master
Moderator
its crazy how much your GPU worth now. I thought about one 8 months ago, but it was expensive at its normal price, so got a 2070 Super instead.

shame task manager doesn't track gpu usage
Process explorer shows top 2 users on my PC is csrss (which is the client for the user) and dwm.exe which makes sense but I need to figure out whats using it.

run a malware scan?

define a lot of GPU?

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...f-gpu-in/a77e912b-d13a-4700-a9de-4640291f4695 - see help here
 

gardenman

Splendid
Moderator
Hi, I ran the dump file through the debugger and got the following information: https://jsfiddle.net/2uh1pq4c/show This link is for anyone wanting to help. You do not have to view it. It is safe to "run the fiddle" as the page asks.

File information:061021-7171-01.dmp (Jun 10 2021 - 11:16:32)
Bugcheck:DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION (133)
Driver warnings:*** WARNING: Unable to verify timestamp for nvlddmkm.sys
Probably caused by:memory_corruption (Process: audiodg.exe)
Uptime:0 Day(s), 13 Hour(s), 25 Min(s), and 44 Sec(s)

Possible Motherboard page: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/X570-A-PRO
There is a minor BIOS update available for your system. Wait for additional information before deciding to update or not. Important: Verify that I have linked to the correct motherboard. Updating your BIOS can be risky. Never try it when you might lose power (lightning storms, recent power outages, etc).

This information can be used by others to help you. Someone else will post with more information. Please wait for additional answers. Good luck.