Setting Up Kernel-Mode Debugging over a USB 3.0 Cable Manually

Debugging Tools for Windows supports kernel debugging over a USB cable that is connected to USB 3.0 host controllers. The easiest way to set up USB 3.0 debugging is to use Visual Studio. For more information, see Setting Up a USB 3.0 Connection in Visual Studio. If you choose not to use Visual Studio, you can set up USB 3.0 debugging manually, as described in this topic.

The computer that runs the debugger is called the host computer, and the computer being debugged is called the target computer.

Debugging over a USB 3.0 connection requires the following hardware:

• A USB 3.0 debug cable. This is an A-A crossover cable that has only the USB 3.0 lines and no Vbus.

• USB 3.0 host controllers on the host and target computers.

Setting Up the Target Computer

To set up the target computer, follow these steps:

1. On the target computer, in an elevated Command Prompt window, enter the following commands:

   bcdedit /dbgsettings usb targetname:someName

   where someName is any string; it does not have to be the official name of the target computer. You will need the target name later when you start a kernel debugging session from the host computer.

   bcdedit /debug on

2. Reboot the target computer.

Starting the Debugging Session

On the host computer, open WinDbg. On the File menu, choose Kernel Debug. In the Kernel Debugging dialog box, open the USB tab. Enter the target name that you created when you set up the target computer. Click OK.

As an alternative to using the dialog box, you can launch WinDbg with this command.

Windbg -k usb:targetname=someName

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Build date: 6/19/2013