WDDM'svideo memory manager (VidMm) reports an accurate account of each graphics memory contributor to clients. These reports of available memory can be found through theDisplay application.

The following clients use this report:

• TheWindows System Assessment Tool (WinSAT) checks for the available graphics memory and takes the action to turn off or turn on the Premium Aero Glass experience based on the amount of available memory.

• The Desktop Window Manager (DWM;Dwm.exe) depends on the exact state of the available graphics memory on computers withWDDM display drivers.

• DirectX games and other graphics applications must be able to get accurate values that describe the state of the graphics memory. An inaccurate graphics memory number could drastically change the game experience for the user.

Operating systems prior to Windows Vista report graphics memory as a single number through the Control PanelDisplay application. The OS receives this number directly from the display driver.

Related articles include:

• Calculating Graphics Memory

• Examples of Graphics Memory Reporting

• Retrieving Graphics Memory Numbers