dwwin.exe

What is dwwin.exe?

dwwin.exe is the Windows Crash Dump/Windows Error Reporting handler. It runs to log application crashes and generate crash dumps, which may be uploaded to Microsoft if error reporting is enabled. It is a lightweight system component.

dwwin.exe orchestrates crash reporting by collecting memory dumps and event data. It coordinates with WerSvc to create crash reports and, if configured, uploads them to Microsoft services for analysis.

Types of dwwin Processes

• Crash Dump Processor: Handles memory dump collection when an app crashes
• Error Report Orchestrator: Coordinates uploading crash data using WerSvc
• Background Reporter: Runs in background to prepare reports
• Subsystem Listener: Listens for error events from various Windows components

Is dwwin.exe Safe?

Yes, dwwin.exe is safe when it’s the legitimate Windows file located in C:\\Windows\\System32\\ and signed by Microsoft.

Is dwwin.exe a Virus or Malware?

The legitimate dwwin.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names, so verify location and signature.

How to Tell if dwwin.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\\Windows\\System32\\dwwin.exe or C:\\Windows\\SysWOW64\\dwwin.exe. Other paths are suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click dwwin.exe in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation".
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal between 1-4% CPU; memory usage under 30 MB. Consistent high usage when idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior: Active only when Windows error reporting occurs; persistent activity when no crashes is suspicious.

Why Is dwwin.exe Running on My PC?

dwwin.exe runs as part of Windows Error Reporting to capture crash data when applications fail or when error reporting is triggered by the system.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Application Crash: An application has crashed, triggering a dump and report generation
• Background Error Reporting: WER operates in the background and collects data for multiple events
• Automated Reports: System or app-triggered reports may be created automatically
• Telemetry and Diagnostics: Error reports help Microsoft diagnose issues and improve Windows
• Optional Upload: If enabled, reports may be uploaded to Microsoft for analysis

Can I Disable or Remove dwwin.exe?

Yes, you can disable dwwin.exe. It’s safe to disable Windows Error Reporting if you don’t want crash data to be sent.

How to Stop dwwin.exe

• Stop WerSvc Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate Windows Error Reporting (WerSvc), stop the service
• Disable Service: Set Startup type to Disabled to prevent future launches
• Registry: Set HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting\Disabled to 1
• Group Policy: Optional: configure Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Error Reporting to disable
• Restart: Reboot to apply changes

Can I Uninstall dwwin.exe?

• ✔ dwwin.exe is a component of Windows; it cannot be uninstalled separately. Disabling WerSvc is the recommended approach.

Common Problems: Windows Error Reporting in Action

If dwwin.exe causes issues or behaves unexpectedly:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Frequent crash reports: Investigate the app causing crashes; update or reinstall the affected software
• Persistent background activity: Disable error reporting or limit telemetry through Group Policy
• High disk I/O during reports: Ensure disk health; run chkdsk if needed and limit logging
• Stale dumps taking space: Clear temporary crash dumps via Disk Cleanup or settings
• Signature mismatch: Verify the file signature; replace with genuine Microsoft file if corrupted
• WER services disabled but processes linger: Restart WerSvc or fully disable via services and registry

Related Processes