The **Windows kernel** is a key program that is crucial for #key# Windows: a popular operating system #key# to function. The kernel is the first program to load after the bootloader. After loading, it controls and coordinates every other program and process. The kernel is the bridge between the user and the hardware, it translates user instructions for the hardware and connects them. 

> The kernel performs key services such as *scheduling*, *launching, and ending processes*; and, *initializing*, *running drivers* (programs that communicate with hardware), and *ensuring that memory is allocated correctly*.  

The Windows kernel is a **hybrid** kernel, which means it attempts to combine features and benefits of #key# microkernel: In microkernels, the user services and kernel services are implemented in different address space #key# and #key# monolithic: A monolithic kernel is an operating system architecture where the entire operating system is working in kernel space #key# kernel architectures. The idea is to simultaneously benefit from the performance monolithic kernels provide and the stability that microkernels provide. 

What is Windows kernel? 

 The kernel performs key services such as scheduling, launching, and ending processes; and, initializing, running drivers (programs that communicate with hardware), and ensuring that memory is allocated correctly.  The Windows kernel is a hybrid kernel, which means it attempts to combine features and benefits of microkernelIn microkernels, the user services and kernel services are implemented in different address space and monolithicA monolithic kernel is an operating system architecture where the entire operating system is working in kernel space kernel architectures. The idea is to simultaneously benefit from the performance monolithic kernels provide and the stability that microkernels provide. 