The kernel is the core component of the Windows operating system, residing in protected memory and managing interactions between the OS and hardware. It schedules processes, manages system resources like memory and storage, and orchestrates device access. A significant incident in July 2024 involved a bug introduced by CrowdStrike's cybersecurity device driver, which operated in kernel mode and caused failures in up to 8.5 million Windows PCs, rendering them unusable. The Windows kernel is structured using Intel's ring model, with the kernel in ring 0 having unrestricted access to system resources, while user applications reside in ring 3. The kernel performs three main roles: providing interfaces for user interaction, launching and managing applications, and overseeing hardware devices. It engages in various functions, including loading OS components, organizing processes, scheduling applications, managing memory, and overseeing I/O devices. The kernel meticulously organizes and schedules processes, executing them in brief time slices. To address kernel-related issues, Microsoft introduced the Quick Machine Recovery tool as part of its Windows Resiliency Initiative, aimed at helping IT administrators resolve OS problems more efficiently.