Have you ever opened your Windows Task Manager and noticed a process called dwm.exe running in the background? If you’re not familiar with it, you might be wondering what it is and whether or not you should remove it. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at dwm.exe, its purpose, and whether or not it’s safe to remove.
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What is dwm.exe?
Dwm.exe, or Desktop Window Manager, is a Windows system process that manages the visual effects and 3D rendering of the Windows desktop. It was first introduced in Windows Vista and has been included in all subsequent versions of Windows.
The purpose of dwm.exe is to provide a more visually appealing and responsive desktop experience for users. It does this by using hardware acceleration to render desktop effects such as transparency, live thumbnails, and Aero Peek. It also manages the composition of windows and other graphical elements on the desktop, which helps to reduce flickering and improve overall performance.
Is dwm.exe safe?
Yes, dwm.exe is a legitimate Windows system process and is completely safe to run on your computer. In fact, it’s an essential component of the Windows operating system and should not be removed or disabled.
However, like any system process, dwm.exe can be targeted by malware and viruses. If you notice that dwm.exe is using an unusually high amount of CPU or memory, it could be a sign that your computer is infected with malware. In this case, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes Free to remove any threats.
Should I remove dwm.exe?
No, you should not remove dwm.exe from your computer. As we mentioned earlier, it’s an essential component of the Windows operating system and removing it could cause serious issues with your computer’s performance and stability.
However, if you’re experiencing issues with dwm.exe, such as high CPU or memory usage, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem:
Update your graphics card drivers: Outdated or corrupted graphics card drivers can cause issues with dwm.exe. Try updating your drivers to see if it resolves the problem.
Disable visual effects: If you’re experiencing performance issues with dwm.exe, you can try disabling some of the visual effects it manages. To do this, right-click on your desktop and select “Personalize”. Then, click on “Window Color and Appearance” and uncheck the box next to “Enable transparency”. You can also try disabling other visual effects such as Aero Peek and live thumbnails.
Run a virus scan: As we mentioned earlier, high CPU or memory usage by dwm.exe could be a sign of malware. Run a scan with Malwarebytes Free to remove any threats.
Conclusion
Dwm.exe is an essential component of the Windows operating system that manages the visual effects and 3D rendering of the Windows desktop. It’s completely safe to run on your computer and should not be removed or disabled. However, if you’re experiencing issues with dwm.exe, such as high CPU or memory usage, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem. Remember to always run a virus scan if you suspect that your computer is infected with malware.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
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Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
