# [Analyze performance data with the Visual Studio extension for WindowsPerf](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/windowsperf-vs-extension/)

## In this learning path

- [Introduction](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/windowsperf-vs-extension/)
- [Configure your development tools](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/windowsperf-vs-extension/get-started/)
- [Use the counting feature](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/windowsperf-vs-extension/counting-feature/)
- [Use the sampling feature](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/windowsperf-vs-extension/sampling-feature/)
- [Next Steps](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/laptops-and-desktops/windowsperf-vs-extension/_next-steps/)

## About this Learning Path

| Skill level:       | Introductory       |
|--------------------|--------------------|
| Reading time:      | 30 min             |
| Last updated:      | 12 Aug 2026        |

| Author:                 | Nader Zouaoui, Day Devs [GitHub](https://github.com/nader-zouaoui) [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/nader-zouaoui) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/@zouaoui_nader) [Day Devs](https://daydevs.com/) |
|-------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Arm IP:                 | [Cortex-A](https://support.arm.com/?tab=compute-ip&Product%20Type=Application%20Processors)                                                           |
| Tags:                   | [Performance and Architecture](https://learn.arm.com/tag/performance-and-architecture), [Windows](https://learn.arm.com/tag/windows), [WindowsPerf](https://learn.arm.com/tag/windowsperf), [perf](https://learn.arm.com/tag/perf), [Visual Studio](https://learn.arm.com/tag/visual-studio)  |

### Who is this for?
This is an introductory topic for software developers using Visual Studio on Windows on Arm who want to integrate WindowsPerf into their development flow.

### What will you learn?
Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:
- Install and use the WindowsPerf Visual Studio extension.
- Generate a counting report and explore the data.
- Review the report in Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA).
- Generate a sample report and explore the data.

### Prerequisites
Before starting, you will need the following:
- A desktop or laptop running Windows on Arm.
- Visual Studio 2022 Community Edition, WindowsPerf, WindowsPerf Visual Studio extension, and WPA installed.

### Summary
You’ll integrate WindowsPerf into Visual Studio 2022 on Windows on Arm to collect and review performance data. First, you’ll configure the required tools, run counting sessions from **View** > **Counting Settings**, and inspect the results. Then, you’ll use **View** > **Sampling Explorer** to analyze samples and use the Arm Statistical Profiling Extension (SPE) when supported.

### Frequently asked questions
<details>
<summary>How do I know the WindowsPerf Visual Studio extension is installed correctly?</summary>
In Visual Studio 2022, the **View** menu should include **Counting Settings** and **Sampling Explorer**. If these entries are missing, check that the extension is installed and that you’re running Visual Studio 2022 on Windows on Arm.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Where do I configure which events are counted before collecting data?</summary>
Open **View** > **Counting Settings** to display the **Counting Settings** dialog. Use this dialog to review and adjust the available parameters for your run.
</details>

<details>
<summary>What result should I expect after a counting run?</summary>
The extension produces a counting report you can explore in Visual Studio. You can then open the report in WPA using the WindowsPerf WPA plugin.
</details>

<details>
<summary>How do I start a sampling session and set its preferences?</summary>
Open **View** > **Sampling Explorer**, then select the **Configure the sampling command** icon to set preferences. Start the sampling run from **Sampling Explorer** and review the results when it completes.
</details>

<details>
<summary>What does it mean if I don't see any SPE options in the sampling workflow?</summary>
Your system doesn’t support SPE. The SPE feature is available only on hardware that supports it. If your system doesn’t support SPE, use the standard sampling feature instead.
</details>