Using Spy++

Applies to: yesVisual Studio noVisual Studio for Mac

Note

This article applies to Visual Studio 2017. 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

Spy++ (SPYXX.EXE) is a Win32-based utility that gives you a graphical view of the system's processes, threads, windows, and window messages. This section of the Spy++ Help includes the following help topics:

In This Section

Introducing Spy++ Explains the types of information you can display with the Spy++ tool.

How to: Start Spy++ Explains how to launch Spy++ from the Tools menu.

Spy++ Toolbar Describes the commands available on the Spy++ toolbar.

How to: Display Spy++ Views How to display Windows view, Messages view, Processes view, and Threads view.

How to: Refresh the View Explains the Refresh command.

How to: Change Fonts Explains how to change the way a view is displayed.

How to: Expand and Collapse Spy++ Trees Explains how to manipulate a view.

Spy++ Views Explains the Spy++ tree views of windows, messages, processes, and threads.

Spy++ Reference Includes sections describing each Spy++ menu and dialog box.