Using Spy++

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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

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.