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How to recognize whether a driver is a user mode driver or it is a kernel mode driver?

I am a layman to the world of drivers, please explain.

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Answers (1)

Posted by: dedenker 9 years ago
3rd Degree Black Belt
0
In basic, the function of the hardware, how direct/fast does it need to talk with OS or User. But real details; just start with Wikipedia then try Windows Driver Frameworks, User-mode vs. Kernel-mode Drivers, User mode and kernel mode. After this you should not be a layman anymore.

But why this question on a deployment website?

Comments:
  • Aside from learning the difference between the two, I believe he also wants to know how to tell if a specific driver is kernel mode or user mode driver. I'm not sure of the answer to that, though. Driver Verifier tool available from Microsoft may be able to give you that info. - BHC-Austin 9 years ago
    • I dont believe the Driver tool will say like "Mode = User (of Kernel). It only does some routine security checks. So it might help with pointing in the right direction. But user or kernel mode is set when compiling the driver, so based on purpose of the driver. (example: video card is always kernel-mode) - dedenker 9 years ago

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