up vote 3 down vote favorite
1
share [g+] share [fb]

What computer file contains windows kernel?

is it seen in task manager process list?

if not, why?

link|improve this question
73% accept rate
4  
Are you doing homework? – Daniel Beck Jan 12 at 15:58
1  
1  
You need to leave out the space between the @ and the name, otherwise notifications don't work. Like this: @DanielBeck – slhck Jan 12 at 16:32
1  
I was just wondering. Your question could have been copied straight from a homework assignment of a computer class the way it's worded. // Regarding notifications, just check whether it autocompletes after typing e.g. @D // Thanks for the ping @slhck – Daniel Beck Jan 12 at 16:35
1  
The kernel is not in the process list because it is not a process. (By way of dodgy analogy, when hosting a party you don't usually put yourself on the guest list.) – Harry Johnston Jan 13 at 2:39
show 2 more comments
feedback

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

What you're looking for in modern versions of Windows is ntoskrnl.exe. I don't believe it shows up in Task Manager as a running process, though.

link|improve this answer
2  
Or ntkrnlpa.exe if PAE is enabled. :) – techie007 Jan 12 at 16:24
@techie007 - I learned something here today, thanks! – Shinrai Jan 12 at 17:16
1  
It indeed does not show up as a process, because it isn't. Processes, as shown in Task Manager, are running in "user space" as opposed to "kernel space". Naturally, the kernel itself runs in kernel space. – MSalters Jan 13 at 12:41
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

The Windows Kernel is not just a single file. It's the core of the operating system, and relies on several files in order to function. It is not seen as a task in the task manager... because it is what organizes those tasks.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.