w3wp process not found

w3wp.exe won't show in the running process' unless there is actually an instance of the web application running.

Try to access your web page first, when it is displayed for the first time, try to attach your debugger. The process should now show up.


You need to click Show Processes from All Users at the bottom of the Task Manager list. This is what i needed to do.


  1. Restart IIS
  2. Right click your site >> Manage Website >> Browse
  3. Back into Visual Studio refresh the processes list