Arduino IDE 1.x for Windows includes an alternative executable that provides log output to use for troubleshooting problems with the IDE.

Running arduino_debug.exe

1. Start File Explorer (AKA Windows Explorer).

2. Open the Arduino IDE installation folder (in C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino by default).

3. Inside the installation folder, hold the Shift key while right-clicking an empty area in the window (not on a file.

   • If “Open PowerShell window here” is available, click it to open PowerShell.
   • If “Open command window here" is available, click it to open cmd.exe.

   

4. The command shell window will open.

   • If you’re using cmd.exe, enter arduino_debug.exe and press Enter.

     

   • If you’re using PowerShell, enter ./arduino_debug.exe and press Enter.

     

5. Debug output should now be printed as Arduino IDE starts (or fails to start).

Interpreting the output

java.lang.OutOfMemoryError after launching Arduino IDE

Picked up _JAVA_OPTIONS

This message indicates that the _JAVA_OPTIONS environmental variable is configured on your system. While not an error in itself, the set options may cause problems when running the IDE. Be on the lookout for the -Xmx and -Xms flags, which control maximum and initial heap size (memory).

Exception in thread java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Java heap space

The maximum Java heap size was exceeded. Can be caused by a low setting for -Xmx (the default value is -Xmx512M).

Error occurred during initialization of VM

A generic error indicating that the Java Virtual Machine could not be started.

Checking and changing Java VM options

See the steps outlined in Error: Could not create the Java Virtual Machine (Windows).

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