Tips for using Windows Performance Analyzer

Get Started

Step 1: Open a Trace file

To open a trace file, choose File>Open.

When you open a trace file, events are categorized in Graph Explorer on the left, and the

Analysis Assistant opens in the pane on the right. The Analysis tab is in the center.

Step 2: Configure symbols

After a trace file is loaded, choose File>Configure Symbols to control the processes and images that have symbols.

Symbols must be loaded correctly for all the data to appear in the Analysis tab. Choose File>Load Symbols after the settings are configured.

Step 3: Apply a profile

Profiles optimize the information displayed in the Analysis tab.

Choose File>Apply Profile>Catalog, and then select a profile applicable to your analysis.

Step 4: Add graphs to the Analysis tab

Graph Explorer lists the available graphs.

Drag a graph to the Analysis tab to start your performance analysis.

You can also double-click a graph to add it to the Analysis tab.

Basic Actions

Use the Analysis Assistant

Analysis Assistant provides useful information about the profile, tab, graph and preset. When

you select a specific graphs or data table, information about that specific graph and table is

shown in the Analysis Assistant. Use this as a guide during your analysis.

Highlight a time interval

Click and drag the mouse pointer over a time interval on the graph where system activity indicates

a potential performance issue, for example high CPU usage. Information in the table will sync to

your selection.

Zoom, Search and Filter

In the Data table, select and right-click on a row to filter the data that is displayed in the table.

Select an area in the graph and then right-click and select Zoom.

Press Ctrl+F to search for data.

View Data

Graphs

Graphs are the primary way to visualize the recorded data. The style of the graph is dependent

on the type of data.

Data Tables

The data from your trace log file is also available in tabular form, in the data table. It is divided into three areas: keys, data and graphing.

Customization

You can customize any data table by right clicking on the columns and adding more columns. Once required columns are added, save the changes to allow faster repeat analysis.

Demos

Click a link to watch a video demonstration.

WPA Basics– learning to navigate in WPA

Beyond the basics– customization using presets, profiles and sessions

Store App analysis:

· DWM Frames

· UI Framework and end-to-end frames

· Big Picture tab of the Windows Store App Analysis profile

· how your app is spending CPU time

Other Topics

For more information about WPA visit the MSDN Dev Center .

Popular performance topics

CPU Analysis

Windows Performance Toolkit Technical Reference

Windows Performance Recorder Technical Reference

Windows Performance Analyzer Technical Reference

Windows Software Development Kit (SDK)