Microsoft has identified a new issue that causes Windows Desktop Manager (DWM) to crash when a user repeatedly opens and closes their laptop. The issue would affect laptops that are running any version of Windows 10 and are set to run at 4K resolution, either through an external monitor or the device display. According to a recent post from Microsoft technical support, the DWM crash is caused by a bug in the Microsoft DirectX video memory management component and has nothing to do with a hardware issue.
Windows 10 crash
First introduced with Windows Vista, Desktop Windows Manager dictates how a given application displays pixels on the screen. "When desktop composition is enabled, individual windows are no longer drawn directly on the screen or primary display device as they did in previous versions of Windows," the documentation on Microsoft's website explains. "Instead, your drawing is redirected to offscreen surfaces in video memory, which are then rendered in a desktop image and presented onscreen." In a nutshell, Windows functionality is responsible for enabling visual effects related to desktop activities and supporting high-resolution display, including 4K. According to members of various online forums, DWM crashes can have a variety of different effects, from minor to debilitating. Some users found their desktop icons rearranged and resized, others were unable to activate Windows Aero themes (which support 3D window switching, taskbar previews, and transparency), while the unfortunate received a black screen, which can only be fixed with a reboot. As demonstrated by two scenarios defined by Microsoft, the issue is only triggered if several specific criteria are met. Scenario 1:- Connect an HDMI monitor to a laptop running Windows 10
- The monitor is configured to operate at 4K resolution
- Repeatedly plays 4K H264 videos in Movies & TV on computer
- In Control Panel, open the Advanced Settings screen for the Power Options item, and then set the lid close action to Do nothing
- While playing 4K video, repeatedly close and open the computer cover
- Connect two 4K monitors to a Thunderbolt 3 docking station
- Connect a laptop with a 4K solution monitor to the docking station, then set up a 4K triple display setup in "clone" or "extend" mode.
- Unhook and re-lock the laptop repeatedly