# [Visual Studio Extension for WindowsPerf](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/windows-perf-vs-extension/)

## About this Install Guide

| Reading time: | 10 min |
|---------------|--------|
| Last updated: | 22 Jun 2026 |

This guide shows you how to install and use the tool with the most common configuration. For advanced options and complete reference information, see the official documentation. Some install guides also include optional next steps to help you explore related workflows or integrations.

WindowsPerf is a lightweight performance profiling tool inspired by Linux Perf, and designed specifically for Windows on Arm.

The WindowsPerf GUI is a Visual Studio 2022 extension that provides an intuitive, integrated experience within the Visual Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The extension allows developers to interact with WindowsPerf, adjust settings, and visualize performance data seamlessly in Visual Studio.

## Before you begin

Before installing the Visual Studio Extension for WindowsPerf, complete the following steps:

1. Install [Visual Studio 2022](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/vs-woa/) on your Windows on Arm device.
2. Install WindowsPerf using the [WindowsPerf install guide](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/wperf/).
3. Install the LLVM toolchain using the [LLVM toolchain for Windows on Arm install guide](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/llvm-woa/).

### Install the extension using the Visual Studio Extension Manager

To install the Visual Studio extension for WindowsPerf from Visual Studio, use the Extension Manager:

1. Open Visual Studio 2022.
2. Navigate to the `Extensions` menu, and select `Manage Extensions`.
3. Select the `Search (Ctrl+L)` bar, and type `WindowsPerf`.
4. Select the `Install` button.
5. Restart Visual Studio to complete installation.

![Screenshot of the Visual Studio Extension Manager search results showing the WindowsPerf extension with the Install button highlighted, ready to begin installation.](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/_images/wperf-vs-extension-install-page.png)

### Install the extension from GitLab

You can also install the WindowsPerf Visual Studio Extension from GitLab.

Using a browser, visit the [Releases](https://gitlab.com/Linaro/WindowsPerf/vs-extension/-/releases) page and download the latest file. For example, `windowsperf-gui-5.4.0.zip`.

Unzip the downloaded file and double-click on the `WindowsPerfGUI.vsix` file.

Follow the prompts to install the Visual Studio extension.

![Screenshot of the VSIX installer dialog confirming the WindowsPerfGUI extension is being installed into Visual Studio 2022.](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/_images/vs-ext-install.png)

### Build and install the extension from source code

You don’t need to build the source, but it is an alternative installation method if you want to customize the extension.

To build the source code, clone [the repository](https://gitlab.com/Linaro/WindowsPerf/vs-extension.git) using Git:

```
git clone https://gitlab.com/Linaro/WindowsPerf/vs-extension.git
```

Double-click the `WindowsPerfGUI.sln` solution file to open the project in Visual Studio.

Visual Studio might prompt you to install additional components required to build the project. Install these components.

Open the `Build` menu and select `Build Solution` to create `WindowsPerfGUI.dll` and `WindowsPerfGUI.vsix`. You can replace the currently installed files with these files to try any changes you’ve made.

### Set up WindowsPerf in Visual Studio

After installing the extension, you need to link the extension with the `wperf.exe` file by navigating to `Tools > Options > WindowsPerf > WindowsPerf Path` in Visual Studio.

Use the `Select` button to navigate to your `wperf.exe` and the `Validate` button to confirm the executable is found.

![Screenshot of the Visual Studio Options page for WindowsPerf showing the wperf.exe path field and the Validate button, which must succeed before the extension can run.](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/_images/wperf-validate.png)

This step is crucial for utilizing the extension. The extension will not work without this configuration.

## Key features of the WindowsPerf extension

The WindowsPerf extension is composed of several key features, each designed to streamline the user experience:

- WindowsPerf Configuration: Connect directly to `wperf.exe` for a seamless integration.
- Host Data: Understand your environment by selecting `Tools` then `WindowsPerf Host Data`.
- Output Logging: All commands executed through the GUI are logged, ensuring transparency and aiding with performance analysis.
- Sampling UI: Customize your sampling experience by selecting events, setting frequency and duration, choosing programs for sampling, and comprehensively analyzing results.

The sampling interface is shown as follows:

![Screenshot of the WindowsPerf Visual Studio extension sampling UI showing event selection, frequency and duration controls, and the program to sample, giving an overview of available sampling options.](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/_images/wperf-vs-extension-sampling-preview.webp)

- Counting Settings UI: Build a `wperf stat` command from scratch using the configuration interface, then view the output in VS Code or open it with Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA). The interface to configure counting is shown as follows:

![Screenshot of the WindowsPerf Visual Studio extension counting configuration UI for building a wperf stat command, showing event and core selection fields before starting a counting session.](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/_images/wperf-vs-extension-counting-preview.png)

You’re now ready to use the WindowsPerf extension on VSCode.

## Uninstall the WindowsPerf extension

To uninstall the extension in Visual Studio:

Go to `Extensions > Manage Extensions > Installed > All > WindowsPerfGUI` and select `Uninstall`.

Visual Studio will schedule the uninstallation. To complete the process, close Visual Studio and follow the uninstall dialog prompts.