You might get the following error message on your Windows 10, or 11 computers, when you try to boot PC, installs some applications, and open apps on your computer.
The Application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142). Click OK to close the application.
If you are getting this error in the form of a windows dialog box, then there is no need to worry more about it, but if you are getting a dwm.exe error on windows Startup in the grey screen then you are in trouble. You are likely to get a Black/Blue/Grey screen of death.
No matter, which forms of dwm.exe application error you are getting, in this article, I will guide you to the absolute path of solution. But before diving into the solution, you must know something about the dwm.exe error.
Desktop Windows Manager (dwm.exe) is the core process of the Windows operating system that is responsible for loading desktops with all those pretty effects like transparency, taskbar, thumbnail, essential processes, monitor supports etc. Simply when you boot Windows, it is dwm.exe that loads all the necessary graphics at Startup and gives you awesome desktop environments to work for. When you launch apps, it is dwm.exe that composites all the app files and process and draw a picture on the monitor.
Most probably, you’ve seen the dwm.exe to use high usage of the processor in the task manager, and you are confused about whether it is a virus or something else. As I mentioned above dwm.exe is the core windows process so it can’t be stopped. Dwm.exe is safe and a necessary process for your OS but sometimes it can show high CPU and RAM usage due to several unknown reasons.
In terms of the virus, yes, it is possible that viruses can replace this file with their own file and you will have the virus running in the form of dwm.exe.
If malware or viruses has replaced this file with its own files, then it will start using high CPU and RAM. On the other hand, there are also several reasons that trigger high CPU usage.
- If an outdated version of driver/windows is running.
- There are pending windows updates that are waiting for installation.
- Your PC is infected with Virus/Malware/Trojan.
- You have installed driver/software recently.
- You have installed games/games controller recently.
- Corrupted system files/registry files are also a reason behind the dwm.exe high CPU usage.
- Etc.
I think I have explained briefly what is dwm.exe file and why it uses a high amount of CPU and RAM resources. Now, it’s time to tell you how you can fix the dwm.exe application error – 0xc0000142 by yourself if you are not able to boot your PC or launch an application due to this error. Read this article thoroughly and apply methods carefully to overcome this problem.
Method 1: Fix using Advanced System Repair Tool
If you are unsure about fixing this error and need instant help, you can download Advanced System Repair Tool to fix this error. There might be a huge chance as this error is happening due to the missing or corrupted system files, missing DLL files, corrupted registry files, outdated drivers, software and windows updates, and due to viruses/malware. This tool efficiently scans your PC against these troubles and fixes them.
dll files, exe files, sys files, various types of services, databases, etc so, it is not possible to keep monitoring all the files always. A brilliant PC Optimizer tool repairs damages, fix errors, update windows and drivers, and eliminate various types of errors silently. Outbyte PC Repair Tool does all the above task easily and provides you an errorfree and smooth Windows environment to work so that you can focus on your business only.
Step 2. SCAN your Windows PC
Step 3. Click Fix button to Repair Error
Method 2: Repair your Windows Installation.
If you are getting a Black/Blue/Grey screen of death and are unable to boot your PC due to the “dwm.exe – Application Error (0xc0000142)”, you need to repair your Windows Installation.
Create Bootable Pen Drive using Media Creation Tool – Windows 10
Method 3: Update Everything on your PC
This is the first step you should apply to fix the above trouble. Update Everything on your computer including the Windows Updates, Installed Driver, Software, Firmware, and gaming console. By updating all these corners, you will make sure that nothing is running which is outdated.
If there are any pending Cumulative Updates, download and install them too.
Method 4: Remove Malware/Trojan and other malicious software
You must scan and remove malware, trojan, and all the other malicious program using the Advanced System Repair Tool. This tool effectively scans and removes all the virus/trojan/malware and all other malicious programs.
Method 5: Reset your computer
By using the System Restore Point, you must restore your PC to eliminate the dwm.exe application error – 0xc0000142 from your computer. The system restores point take back your PC to the last known good computer stage which you choose. It doesn’t remove your stored files on the hard disk and only reverts the changes in settings and configurations.
Reset Windows 10 & 11 using System Restore Point
Summary
There are also a lot of ways to fix dwm.exe application error – 0xc0000142, but the only most important and effective methods are explained in this article.
