x64dbg
x64dbg is an open-source user-mode debugger for Windows (x64 and x32) commonly used in malware analysis and crackme challenges.
Legal & ethical use. Use this tool only on systems, networks and data that you own or have explicit written permission to test. Unauthorised access or scanning can break computer-misuse laws (for example Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and equivalents elsewhere). Practise in your own lab or in authorised environments such as CTFs.
What it is used for
- Step through a practice executable in a VM
- Set breakpoints on API calls to see what a program does
Key features
- Graphical debugger
- Plugin support
- Scripting
Installation
Download the snapshot from x64dbg.com; run only inside an isolated virtual machine when analysing unknown files.
Beginner usage guide
Load a crackme, set a breakpoint on the function that checks input and step through comparisons.
Example commands
Run these only against your own lab or authorised targets. Placeholder addresses such as 192.0.2.x are documentation ranges.
Workflow (GUI)
File → Open → run to entry point → F2 to set a breakpointF7 steps into, F8 steps over, F9 runs.
References
Source verification
Last reviewed: 2026-10-27
Links checked over HTTP: 2026-10-27 07:51 UTC — official: 200, docs: 200, repo: 200
Commands were written from the official documentation and have not been executed on this site; test them in your lab.