If you’ve encountered the “Desktop Window Manager Stopped Working” error in Windows 10 or 11, it can be frustrating and disrupt your workflow. This error typically occurs when the Desktop Window Manager service stops functioning properly, leading to visual glitches, black screens, or even system crashes. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to resolve this issue and get your system back up and running smoothly.
Enable the Desktop Window Manager Service
One of the first things you should check is whether the Desktop Window Manager service is running. Here’s how to enable it:
Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
Locate the Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service in the list.
If the service is not running, right-click it and select Start.
Right-click the service again and select Properties.
Change the Startup type to Automatic and click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Corrupted system files can also contribute to the “Desktop Window Manager Stopped Working” error. You can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair any damaged files:
Press the Windows key and type cmd in the search box.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them.
Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.
Update or Roll Back Graphics Card Drivers
Outdated or incompatible graphics card drivers can also trigger the “Desktop Window Manager Stopped Working” error. You can try updating or rolling back your graphics card drivers:
Press the Windows key X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters category and right-click on your graphics card.
Select Properties and navigate to the Driver tab.
Click on Update Driver to install the latest drivers or Roll Back Driver to revert to a previous version.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and restart your computer.
Perform a Clean Boot
Conflicting software or services can sometimes interfere with the Desktop Window Manager, causing it to stop working. You can perform a clean boot to isolate the issue:
Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
Go to the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft services box.
Click Disable all to disable all third-party services.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
In the Task Manager window, select each startup item and click Disable.
Close the Task Manager and System Configuration windows.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and driver updates. Installing the latest updates may resolve the “Desktop Window Manager Stopped Working” error:
Press the Windows key and type settings in the search box.
Click on Settings and select Update & Security.
Click on Windows Update and then Check for updates.
If any updates are available, install them and restart your computer.
If none of the above methods work, you can try creating a new user account or performing a system restore to a previous point where the issue did not occur. Remember to back up your important data before attempting any major changes.
In conclusion, the “Desktop Window Manager Stopped Working” error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue and get your system back to normal. By enabling the Desktop Window Manager service, running an SFC scan, updating drivers, performing a clean boot, and checking for Windows updates, you can eliminate potential causes and get your computer running smoothly again.