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Dwm.exe Crash Error in Windows 10/11: 6 Ways to Fix
Eliminate possible hardware issues before trying these fixes
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 25, 2024
updated onOctober 25, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
Dwm.exe is a core Windows process called Desktop Windows Manager. However, many people report getting errors of it crashing. It often shows up during games.
The screen goes black, but the sound stays intact. The good news is that Windows is able to recover and no data is lost. Nevertheless, the error is disruptive and annoying.
If you experience it, keep reading to make it go away.
How do I fix the DWM crash?
Before trying these fixes, here’s what you should do:
1. Check your computer for malware
You can make sure that your PC it’s not corrupted with malware and cause Dwm.exe crash by just using your Windows Security antivirus.
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Type Windows securityin theSearchtab and click on the app from the results.
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SelectVirus & threat protection.
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Now, if you have a third-party antivirus installed, it will override the defaultMicrosoft Defenderprotection, and you can click on theOpen appoption. (that will take you to the main menu of the antivirus, and you will be able to perform the scan).
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Lastly, opt for theMicrosoft Defender FullorOffline scanoptions if you don’t have one, and verify that the ethernet not working issue is fixed.
Also, we recommendreliable third-party softwareso you can improve your computer’s security and overall protection.
2. Restart explorer.exe
You can also fix this problem by logging out and logging back into Windows 10.
3. Install older graphics card drivers
Users reported that thelatest Nvidia driverscould cause dwm.exe to crash, and to fix this problem, users suggest reverting to the older version of Nvidia drivers.
4. Update drivers
If installing an older driver didn’t get the job done, you might as well try the latest one. However, if you don’t want to do it yourself, we strongly suggest doing it automatically using a dedicated tool.
With just a few clicks, you allowdriver updater softwareto scan your device and find any problems with existing drivers or missing or out-of-date components.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
5. Run the SFC scan
6. Run DISM
Once done, the problem should be resolved for good.
What’s the meaning ofdwm crashing?
Getting the dwm.exe crashing errors could signal:
What happens if you end dwm.exe in Windows 10?
When you disable dwm.exe, the integrated features, for instance, transparency and animation, will stop working, affecting the overall Windows experience. Also, the theme may disappear, and the display will appear slightly dull.
The process is integral in Windows and if set up correctly, should work fine and usefew GPU resources.
Before you leave, don’t miss our guide onDesktop Window Manager high memory usagefor more solutions. Many reported thatDWM has crashed on Windows 11, and we have a guide that tackles this issue, so don’t miss it.
As always, if you have any other suggestions or questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Desktop Windows Manager
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
