Tutorial

How to set up symbols in WinDbg

Learn to set up symbols in WinDbg, configure paths, and debug efficiently with our guide. Perfect for developers and IT pros looking to master WinDbg!

How to set up symbols in WinDbg
Photo by Adi Goldstein / Unsplash

Setting up the correct symbol path in WinDbg is essential for effective debugging. Here's how to configure it:

Using the WinDbg Interface

  1. Open WinDbg.
  2. Set the Symbol Path:
    • Navigate to File > Symbol File Path... or press Ctrl + S.
    • Click OK to apply.

Enter the symbol path in the following format:

c:\mysymbols;cache*c:\symbolcache;\\server\symbols;SRV*c:\symbols*https://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols

Using WinDbg Commands

  • Set the Symbol Path:
.sympath c:\mysymbols 
.sympath+ cache*c:\symbolcache 
.sympath+ \server\symbols 
.symfix+ c:\symbols

// To reload symbols:
Reload Symbols

Command-Line Configuration

When launching WinDbg, use the `-y` parameter to specify the symbol path:

windbg -y "c:\mysymbols;cachec:\symbolcache;\server\symbols;SRVc:\symbols*https://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols"

Environment Variables

Set the _NT_SYMBOL_PATH environment variable to define the symbol path:

c:\mysymbols;cachec:\symbolcache;\server\symbols;SRVc:\symbols*https://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols

Note: This setting affects all debugging tools and may impact performance.

Saving the Workspace

After configuring the symbol path:

  1. Save the Workspace:
  • Go to File > Save Workspace.
  1. Suppress Save Prompts:
  • Launch WinDbg with the -Q parameter to avoid save prompts: windbg -Q

Troubleshooting Symbol Issues

  • Enable Detailed Symbol Loading Information
!sym noisy
  • Disable Detailed Information
!sym quiet

Ensure the symbol path is correctly configured to facilitate efficient debugging sessions.

Referenceļ¼š

  1. Some public symbol servers:
WinDbg Public Symbol Servers Resource
Explore our comprehensive guide on public symbol servers, featuring detailed information on servers for Firefox, Chrome, Citrix, Unity, and more.
WinDbg.IOfrendguo
  1. Microsoft's official documentation
Setting Symbol and Executable Image Paths in WinDbg - Windows drivers
Setting Symbol and Executable Image Paths in WinDbg
Microsoft LearnDOMARS
  1. Additionally, you can watch the following video to learn how to load symbols in WinDbg

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