How to create a crash dump file manually on Windows 10
You can create crash dump files manually to troubleshoot problems with apps, and in this guide, we’ll show you two ways to complete this task.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
OnWindows 10, a crash dump file is usually created automatically with the information about the system memory when a critical error happens, which you can then use to analyze and determine the reason for the issue.
Although these files are generated automatically, it may also be necessary to make them manually. For example, when the app is not responding, you have to send details to technical support for analysis and troubleshooting purposes. Or if you are building an application and need to find out why it’s using a lot of system resources, such as processor and memory.
Regardless of the reason, Windows 10 gives you at least two ways to create an app crash dump file using Task Manager and Command Prompt with the ProcDump tool.
Thisguidewill walk you through two ways to create a crash dump file for an application on Windows 10.
How to create crash dump file with Task Manager
To create a crash dump file with Task Manager, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the dump error file will be created. You can usethese instructionsif you need to open the file to diagnose the problem.
How to create cash dump file with Command Prompt
Alternatively, you can also use ProcDump, a command-line tool available through the Microsoft Sysinternals website that allows you to monitor a program for processor spikes and generate a crash dump, which you can use to determine the cause of the problem. However, you can also use this tool to create crash dumps with Command Prompt manually.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
To create an app crash dump file with command lines, use these steps:
In the command, update the path with the folder location with ProcDump files.
In the command, replaceAPP-NAMEwith the executable name of the app. This example creates a dump error file for File Explorer:procdump explorer
In the command, replacePROCESS-IDwith the actual ID of the process or application. This example creates a dump error file for File Explorer with the process ID of 6112:procdump 6112
In the command, replaceAPP-OR-PIDfor the name or process ID of the app. This example creates a full dump file for File Explorer:procdump -ma explorer
After you complete the steps, the crash dump file will be created (usually) in the folder with the ProcDump files.
We are focusing this guide on the basics of creating a crash dump file, but you can useprocdump /?to learn about all the options available with the utility.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
