Windows 10 and applications along with system programs rely significantly on the GPU.
Windows 10 and applications along with system programs rely significantly on the GPU.
Hi everyone, I've been using this PC since 1997 but recently faced some bothersome issues. Even after numerous fresh installations and various fixes, the problems continue. - Programs like Calculator, Photos, and even the Windows Store occasionally utilize the GPU. Keep in mind I turned off background applications via settings and haven't used them. - DWM (dwm.exe) appears to be consistently demanding high GPU usage (percentage fluctuates rather than staying steady), and nothing I did stopped it. It seems normal after the latest install, but once I connect to the internet and download updates from the Store, it starts behaving this way again. - Adding a firewall didn't resolve the issue. I suspected malware, but I reformatted all drives (which was frustrating) and reinstalled Windows multiple times—still no improvement. I also tried different installation methods, such as using the USB Download Tool and burning an ISO to an external HDD. I'm convinced something like a miner infected DWM, Apps, or Store App is the culprit. Malwarebytes and Avast didn't detect anything. The high GPU usage is visible in the SSs within the attached files. As my patience wears thin, could you please offer some guidance? P.S.: I'm planning to reinstall Windows 10 version 1703 to check if it helps.
DWM.exe handles Windows' visual effects. Do you have integrated graphics available?
You're aware of the situation. The problem seems linked to the GPU settings and color depth options. It appears that using certain color depth compression (YcbCr420/422) with your GTX1060 causes high CPU usage and clock speeds. Your monitor only supports 4K at YcbCr422, which matches what you were using. At 1080p or lower resolutions, you can choose uncompressed RGB or YcbCr444. The GPU remains idle but clocks stay stuck at low values (around 139MHz). This suggests an issue with NVIDIA drivers or the DWM configuration for YcbCr42x compression.
I understand your iGPU is turned off, but I assumed it would get picked up by Windows like a dedicated PhysX card for DWM handling.
Microsoft is shifting everything to GPU-based rendering interfaces. The Task Bar, Start Menu, Action Center, touch screen keyboard, calculator, mail, calendar, Skype, store, Edge interface, weather app, news app, photo app, movie & tv app, Groove, Xbox and more are now GPU rendered. More will follow soon. This change began with Vista and surprised the market, which is why many struggled to render at first (now hardware catches up). Still, your issue isn’t typical. A GPU shouldn’t run at such high usage, even when apps are constantly redrawing. A driver problem is likely. Ensure you have the newest Nvidia drivers installed. When installing, select Advanced and install only: Graphics Drivers and the related audio chipset drivers, checking the box for a clean install. Avoid 3D Vision or GeForce Experience. After installation, restart your PC. Also verify your GPU isn’t overheating, throttling, and that power connectors are correctly connected (test when the system is off).
Thanks, I understand these fundamentals (I’m just getting started on this forum, one of the original members from 486 days here...) I’ve followed your advice and done a few more things too. The YCbCr42X compression and dwm.exe issues seem likely—maybe a driver problem. I’ve tested all three drivers from the 397 series and still got the same results. I’ll try a different driver tomorrow. Also, I’ve already shared my report with Nvidia, but I doubt they’ll reply. It’s still 5 AM and I’m really tired after installing Windows repeatedly, fixing bugs, and debugging.
Consider checking other firmware options for your device, such as BIOS updates or chipset drivers, in addition to the NVIDIA driver.