Windows Performance Recorder (wpr.exe) is a powerful command-line tool included in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK). It is used for recording performance-related data on Windows systems, which can be invaluable for diagnosing issues, optimizing performance, and understanding system behavior. This article will guide you through the basics of using wpr.exe, including practical examples to help you get started.

What is wpr.exe?

wpr.exe is a tool that enables users to capture detailed performance data on Windows systems. It collects Event Tracing for Windows (ETW) data, which can then be analyzed using Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA). This combination allows for in-depth analysis of system performance and is particularly useful for developers and IT professionals.

Installing Windows Performance Recorder

Before using wpr.exe, ensure that you have the Windows ADK installed on your system. You can download it from the Microsoft website. During installation, select the "Windows Performance Toolkit" to include wpr.exe.

Basic Usage of wpr.exe

To use wpr.exe, you need to open a Command Prompt with administrative privileges. Here are some basic commands to get you started:

Example 1: Start a Performance Recording

To start recording performance data, use the following command:

wpr -start generalprofile -filemode

This command starts a trace using the "generalprofile" which is a predefined profile suitable for general performance analysis. The -filemode option writes the trace data to a file.

Example 2: Stop a Performance Recording

Once you have captured enough data, you can stop the recording with:

wpr -stop C:\Traces\MyTrace.etl

This command stops the recording and saves the trace data to the specified file path (C:\Traces\MyTrace.etl).

Example 3: List Available Profiles

To see all available profiles that you can use for recording, run:

wpr -profiles

This command lists all the predefined profiles available in wpr.exe, which can be used to target specific performance metrics.

Analyzing the Data

After capturing the performance data, you can analyze it using Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA), which is part of the Windows Performance Toolkit. Open WPA and load your .etl file to start analyzing the data.

Best Practices

• Choose the Right Profile: Select a profile that best matches the performance issue you are investigating.
• Limit Recording Time: To avoid large trace files, limit the recording time to the minimum necessary to capture the issue.
• Run as Administrator: Always run wpr.exe with administrative privileges to ensure it has access to all necessary system data.

Conclusion

wpr.exe is a versatile tool for capturing performance data on Windows systems. By understanding how to use it effectively, you can diagnose and resolve performance issues more efficiently. Whether you are a developer or a system administrator, mastering wpr.exe can significantly enhance your ability to maintain and optimize Windows environments.