Microsoft Spy++

Microsoft Spy++: Windows UI and Message Debugger

A system diagnostics tool for troubleshooting Windows UI and messages in applications, included with Microsoft Visual Studio.

What is Microsoft Spy++?

Microsoft Spy++ is a Windows debugging utility that ships as part of Microsoft's Visual Studio software development tools. It provides developers and power users with an inside look at the messages, handles, windows, processes and threads associated with the Windows user interface.

Using Spy++, developers can visually traverse, study and troubleshoot the UI elements and underlying Windows messaging architecture of any running application. Some of the key things it allows you to view and understand include:

• Active Windows handles, styles and associated messages
• System processes, threads, windows hooks
• Real-time message queues and details for any HWND
• Class hierarchies
• GDI object allocations

Spy++ presents all this information visually and hierarchically via multiple specialized views. Developers use these views during testing and debugging to uncover issues around window focus, drawing anomalies, stunted UI threads, resource leaks, or slippery handle providers. Spy++ replaces a development technique informally known as "window spying".

While aimed primarily at experienced Windows developers, Spy++ can also be helpful for advanced troubleshooting by IT pros and power users. Anyone who needs low-level insight into how the Windows UI subsystems work can benefit from Spy++.

Microsoft Spy++ Features

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