What is kernel32.dll?
The genuine kernel32.dll file is a software component of Microsoft Windows by Microsoft.
Microsoft Windows is an operating system. Kernel32.dll is a dynamic link library file that is an essential part of the Windows operating system. This is a critical component of the operating system and should not be removed.
Kernel32.dll is a 32 Bit dynamic link library that is designed for Windows XP (32 Bit and 64 Bit), Vista, and Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 operating systems. Its primary task is to manage system memory, input/output operations and interrupts. This file is loaded into a protective memory space when Windows starts up in an effort to prevent other applications from taking over this space.
Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, the Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology giant that gets its name from the words "microcomputer" and "software". The company develops, sells and supports consumer electronics, computer software, personal computers and services, and showcases a large portfolio of hit products including the Microsoft Surface series of tablets, Windows operating systems, Internet Explorer and Edge browsers, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
Kernel32 stands for Kernel 32-bit
Kernel32.dll is a Windows DLL file. DLL is the abbreviation for Dynamic Link Library. DLL files are needed by programs or web browser extensions, because they contain program code, data, and resources.
The following information can help you determine if kernel32.dll is a Windows system file or if it belongs to an application that you can trust.
Click to Run a Free Scan for kernel32.dll related errors
Kernel32.dll file information
The process known as Windows NT BASE API Client DLL or Win32 Kernel çekirdek bileþeni belongs to software Microsoft Windows Operating System or Microsoft Windows Ýþletim Sistemi by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com).
Description: Kernel32.dll is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. Kernel32.dll is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder or sometimes in the Windows folder for temporary files.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 983,552 bytes (19% of all occurrences), 1,114,112 bytes and 15 more variants. 
The file is a Windows system file. The program is not visible. The file is a Microsoft signed file.
Kernel32.dll is able to monitor applications, manipulate other programs, record keyboard and mouse inputs and connect to the Internet.
Therefore the technical security rating is 2% dangerous; but you should also compare this rating with the user reviews.
Recommended: Identify kernel32.dll related errors
If kernel32.dll is located in the C:\Windows folder, the security rating is 32% dangerous. The file size is 1,114,112 bytes (33% of all occurrences), 983,552 bytes or 1,208,832 bytes.
The program is not visible. The kernel32.dll file is not a Windows core file.
Kernel32.dll is able to monitor applications, record keyboard and mouse inputs, manipulate other programs and connect to the Internet.
Important: Some malware disguises itself as kernel32.dll, particularly when not located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the kernel32.dll process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.
Best practices for resolving kernel32 issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with kernel32. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows' 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To get your computer running as fast as it did on day one, you can 8reset your PC. Your personal files will remain intact, but any programs you installed will need to be reinstalled.
To help you analyze the kernel32.dll process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. A good Bantivirus software detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Other processes
ucbrowser.exe cpuz157_x64.sys gtfidoservice.exe kernel32.dll decacopy.exe profileru.exe hotfixinstaller.exe rzinstallerdeletion.vbs vm332sti.exe tdata.exe infoatomsclientie.dll [all]
Score
User Comments
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Summary: Average user rating of kernel32.dll: based on 135 votes with 9 user comments. 78 users think kernel32.dll is essential for Windows or an installed application. 5 users think it's probably harmless. 21 users think it's neither essential nor dangerous. 2 users suspect danger. 29 users think kernel32.dll is dangerous and recommend removing it. 20 users don't grade kernel32.dll ("not sure about it").