# Using Profile Guided Optimization in Microsoft Visual Studio*

Profile Guided Optimization (PGO) improves application performance by reorganizing code layouts to reduce instruction-cache problems, shrinking code size, and reducing branch misprediction. PGO provides information to the compiler about areas of an application that are most frequently executed. By knowing these areas, the compiler is able to be more selective and specific in optimizing the application.

To start PGO:

1. Choose Tools > Intel Compiler > Profile Guided Optimization...
2. Specify settings for the various phases.
3. Click Run.

The Output windows show the results of the optimization with a link to the composite log.

Parent topic: Using Microsoft Visual Studio*

## See Also

Profile Guided Optimization dialog box
Options: Profile Guided Optimization dialog box
Profile Guided Optimization