How to: Start Spy++
Note
This article applies to Visual Studio 2015. If you're looking for the latest Visual Studio documentation, see Visual Studio documentation. We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Visual Studio. Download it here
You can start Spy++ either from Visual Studio or at a command prompt.
When you start Spy++, if a message is displayed to ask permission to make changes to the computer, click Yes.
Note
You can run only one instance of Spy++. If you try to run another instance, it just causes the currently running instance to get the focus.
To start Spy++ from Visual Studio
On the Tools menu, click Spy++.
Because Spy++ runs independently, after you start it, you can close Visual Studio.
Note
When you log messages with Spy++, it may cause the operating system to perform more slowly.
To start Spy++ at a command prompt
In a Command Prompt window, change directories to the folder that contains spyxx.exe. Typically, the path of this folder is ..\Visual Studio installation folder\Common7\Tools\.
Type spyxx.exe and then press ENTER.