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Differences between Windows kernel and Linux kernel

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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A system as complex asWindowscannot exist without the presence of certain elemental building blocks. In the case of Windows OS, these building blocks are calledkernels.

The kernel is the link between all the hardware and software components of your computer andcontrols all the processes running on the system.

Of course,Windowsisn’t the only OS on the market. There are manyoperating systemsout there, and they all have their fair share of differences and similarities.

One good example of anotherOSisLinux, and it too is also based on coding known as kernels.

There are certain underlying differences betweenWindowsandLinuxkernels, and this article plans on detailing what those differences are.

What sets apart Windows kernels from Linux kernels?

1. Their purpose

TheWindowskernel is a commercial kernel developed by Microsoft, whileLinux‘s kernel is open-sourced based on Unix.

2. Accessibility to the source code

Being a commercial software, there is no access to theWindowssource code, while everyone has access toLinux‘s source code. This means anyone can work on developing it, and it is free to use however you see fit.

3. Different architecture

There are differences even in the way the coding is built. Windows kernel has hybrid architecture whileLinuxkernel has monolithic architecture.

4. Different file access control protocols

Windows kernel uses an Access Control List for file access control protocols. On the other hand,Linuxkernel uses traditional Unix Permissions and POSIX ACL for file access control.

5. Location of the GUI stack

TheWindowskernel includes a GUI stack in the kernel. However, theLinuxkernel keeps the GUI stack in the user-space.

6. Multi-user support capabilities

Windows kernel can offer multi-user and multi-session support, but it depends on the version and edition of your Windows OS.Linux, on the other hand, offers 100% multi-user environments.

7. Configuration storage location

TheWindowskernel keeps a registry to store its configurations.Linuxchooses to keep its configurations into files.

8. The way it handles the devices it runs on

Depending on what device you are running theWindowskernel, it will behave differently due to a variable mechanism.Linuxwill behave the same on all devices.

A summary

As you can see, there are plenty of differences that set Windows andLinuxkernels apart. Of course, most of them involve accessibility and the way they behave in certain situations.

While at first glanceWindowskernel seems less permissive, it is also much easier to understand for the common user. This makes theOSit comprises far better for wide-scale commercial use, while theLinuxcode is better for development.

Did you find this article useful? Let us know if we skipped any major differences between the two kernels in the comment section below.

Differences between Windows kernel and Linux kernel#

What sets apart Windows kernels from Linux kernels?#

1. Their purpose#

2. Accessibility to the source code#

3. Different architecture#

4. Different file access control protocols#

5. Location of the GUI stack#

6. Multi-user support capabilities#

7. Configuration storage location#

8. The way it handles the devices it runs on#

A summary#