Debugging x64 Unit Tests in Visual Studio

Question

I am having difficulty debugging C++ x64 unit tests in Visual Studio 2012/13.

My unit test project builds perfectly, for both Win32 and x64, but when debugging a test the symbols are loaded but the breakpoints set are skipped completely and the program never pauses, much like what happens if you just run the test.

If I build the unit test project for Win32, the breakpoints are hit and I can debug as usual.

Are there any special settings for debugging unit tests in x64? The properties were copied from the default Win32 settings for the project, and all win32-specific options were removed. Is this the correct idea for configuring a unit test project?

Answer 1

You have to set the Test runner's default processor architecture to x64. You can find this in Test | Test Settings | Default Processor Architecture | x64.

You can also create a test settings file with this setting in it.

• Add an XML file to your Visual Studio solution and rename it so that its file extension is .runsettings.
• Replace the file content with the example.
• Edit it to your own needs.
• On the Test menu, choose Test Settings, Select Test Settings File.

Taken from Configuring Unit Tests by using a .runsettings File

You want to change the TargetPlatform flag as noted below.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<RunSettings>
  <RunConfiguration>
    <ResultsDirectory>.\TestResults</ResultsDirectory>
    <TargetPlatform>x86</TargetPlatform>
    <TargetFrameworkVersion>Framework40</TargetFrameworkVersion>
  </RunConfiguration>
  <!-- more stuff -->
</RunSettings>