Suspend and Resume Threads - Windows API Reference

The SuspendThread and ResumeThread functions provide mechanisms for pausing and resuming the execution of a thread. These functions are typically used in cooperative multitasking scenarios, allowing you to control the flow of execution of a thread.

Function Prototypes

#include <windows.h>

        DWORD SuspendThread(HANDLE hThread);
        DWORD ResumeThread(HANDLE hThread);
        

Parameters

• hThread: A handle to the thread to be suspended or resumed. This handle was obtained using CreateThread.

Return Value

Both SuspendThread and ResumeThread return the thread ID if the function succeeds. They return 0 if the function fails.

Usage Notes

Suspended threads do not consume CPU time and do not execute any instructions. They are effectively paused until ResumeThread is called. Careful consideration is necessary when using SuspendThread and ResumeThread, as incorrect use can lead to deadlocks or unexpected behavior. These functions are commonly used in conjunction with synchronization primitives such as mutexes and semaphores to ensure proper thread coordination.

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