Choose a memory analysis tool in Visual Studio (C#, Visual Basic, C++, F#)

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To find memory leaks and inefficient memory usage, you can use tools such as the debugger-integrated Memory Usage diagnostic tool or tools in the Performance Profiler such as the .NET Object Allocation tool and the post-mortem Memory Usage tool.

The Memory Usage tool lets you take one or more snapshots of the managed and native memory heap. You can collect snapshots of .NET, ASP.NET, C++, or mixed mode (.NET and native) apps. The Memory Usage tool can run on an open Visual Studio project, on an installed Microsoft Store app, or attached to a running app or process. You can run the Memory Usage tool with or without debugging. For more information, see Run profiling tools with or without the debugger. In the debugger, you can turn memory profiling on and off, and see a per-object breakdown of memory usage. You can view memory usage results when execution is paused, for example at a breakpoint.

.NET developers may choose between either the .NET Object Allocation tool or the Memory usage tool.

  • The .NET Object Allocation tool helps you identify allocation patterns and anomalies in your .NET code, and helps identify common issues with garbage collection. This tool runs only as a post-mortem tool. You can run this tool on local or remote machines.
  • The Memory Usage tool is helpful in identifying memory leaks, which are not typically common in .NET apps. If you need to use debugger features while checking memory, such as stepping through code, the debugger-integrated Memory usage tool is recommended.

C++ developers can use either the debugger-integrated or non-debugger Memory Usage tool.

You can use the profiling tools without the debugger with Windows 7 and later. Windows 8 and later is required to run profiling tools with the debugger (Diagnostic Tools window).

Blogs and videos

Analyze CPU and memory while debugging

Visual C++ blog: Memory profiling in Visual C++ 2015

See also