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Learn how to protect your Windows PC from malware and other threats.Application Control
Control your PC apps and their behaviors.What’s that .exe?
Is that executable safe, or a threat?SpyShelter PC Protection
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Learn how to prevent unauthorized Screenshots.Executable Directory
Our ultimate directory of Windows PC executables.Remember all the way back when "Aero" was a new cool transparent UI Window style back in Windows Vista? Our cybersecurity team here in Austin does. I guess that's just how old we are?
Well... even today, all of our PCs in our Cybersecurity Lab still have this common Microsoft executable dwm.exe (Desktop Window Manager), and this safe .exe has been handling transparent windows all the way back to Windows Vista. So, what all does this Desktop Window Manager process do?
Dwm.exe handles tasks such as transparent windows, Aero effects, and high-resolution content. Dwm.exe also uses 3D hardware acceleration to render the desktop and manage graphical user interfaces aka the UI.
Dwm.exe should be completely safe on your PC, as long as it's signed by Microsoft. It's not malware, or a virus.
Below are 4 simple steps you can take to see if the dwm.exe process is safe or malware.
Researched by Jon @ SpyShelter Labs
A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.
Download SpyShelter to see detailed safety information about every .exe on your PC.
Check your PC for threatsWe’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of dwm.exe.
How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.
The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.
Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.
Have any questions? Please join our free public SpyShelter PC Security Forum and talk cybersecurity with our USA-based team. We love talking about PC Security and we’d like to get to know you.
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