What is kernel32.dll?

The kernel32.dll file is a 32-bit dynamic link library file used in the Windows operating system. It’s the central OS module that contains the core processes. Kernel32.dll is developed by Microsoft Corporation. It’s a system and hidden file. Kernel32.dll is usually located in the %SYSTEM% sub-folder and its usual size is 989,696 bytes.

The kernel32.dll file handles memory management, input/output operations and interrupts. When Windows is started, kernel32.dll is loaded into a protected memory space, so that other programs do not take that space over.

The kernel32.dll process doesn’t serve only the operating system – it can also accommodate third-party programs that have been written to utilize one or more of its processes. In addition to that, kernel32.dll regulates memory management, input and output streams, necessary task management and disk management.

Important: Sometimes malware uses the same file name. Scan your computer with Auslogics Antivirus to make sure it's not infected.

Users may sometimes experience kernel32.dll errors, especially the “invalid page fault error”. This usually happens when other programs attempt to access kernel32.dll reserved memory space. The “invalid page fault error” can be caused by both a single program or a combination of several open applications. Usually all you need to do to get rid of that error is shut down problematic programs and restart them. However sometimes you may need to reboot to clean the memory state.

If one particular program repeatedly triggers a page fault error, it might need a patch. Check with the software developer’s website and install any available updates to solve that problem.