Observability

Collect CPU profile using PerfView in SolarWinds Platform

The article discusses the process of using PerfView, a Microsoft-developed performance analysis tool, to capture CPU usage data specifically within a SolarWinds Platform environment.

First published date

9/5/2022 12:43 PM

Last published date

8/11/2025 9:53 PM

Overview

When a SolarWinds server experiences high CPU usage, Microsoft's PerfView tool is used as an advanced troubleshooting step to collect a detailed CPU profile. An administrator runs a command-line utility to record performance data for a short period, typically 30 seconds, during the performance issue.

The tool saves a compressed file of granular CPU activity, which is then provided to SolarWinds support for deep analysis. This process helps diagnose the root cause of performance issues by pinpointing specific application bottlenecks.

Product section

Hybrid Cloud Observability

Resolution

Follow the steps below to collect a CPU Profile:

Download and un-ZIP PerfView.
Open a command prompt and navigate to the folder where you have extracted PerfView. Use the following command (various options are available - check the above page for additional details) to collect 120 seconds sample and have the output file compressed:

PerfView.exe collect /zip:true /nogui /AcceptEULA /MaxCollectSec:120 PerfViewData.etl

Disclaimer: Please note, any content posted herein is provided as a suggestion or recommendation to you for your internal use. This is not part of the SolarWinds software or documentation that you purchased from SolarWinds, and the information set forth herein may come from third parties. Your organization should internally review and assess to what extent, if any, such custom scripts or recommendations will be incorporated into your environment. You elect to use third-party content at your own risk, and you will be solely responsible for the incorporation of the same if any.