What is kernel32.dll?

kernel32.dll is part of Microsoft® Windows® Operating System and developed by Microsoft Corporation according to the kernel32.dll version information.

kernel32.dll's description is "Windows NT BASE API Client DLL"

kernel32.dll is digitally signed by Microsoft Windows Component Publisher.

kernel32.dll is usually located in the 'C:\WINDOWS\system32\' folder.

Some of the anti-virus scanners at VirusTotal detected kernel32.dll.

If you have additional information about the file, please share it with the FreeFixer users by posting a comment at the bottom of this page.

Vendor and version information [?]

The following is the available information on kernel32.dll:

PropertyValue
Product nameMicrosoft® Windows® Operating System
Company nameMicrosoft Corporation
File descriptionWindows NT BASE API Client DLL
Internal namekernel32
Original filenamekernel32
Legal copyright© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Product version5.1.2600.5512
File version5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)

Here's a screenshot of the file properties when displayed by Windows Explorer:

Product nameMicrosoft® Windows® Operating System
Company nameMicrosoft Corporation
File descriptionWindows NT BASE API Client DLL
Internal namekernel32
Original filenamekernel32
Legal copyright© Microsoft Corporation. All rights..
Product version5.1.2600.5512
File version5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)

Digital signatures [?]

kernel32.dll has a valid digital signature.

PropertyValue
Signer nameMicrosoft Windows Component Publisher
Certificate issuer nameMicrosoft Windows Verification Intermediate PCA
Certificate serial number6102307e000000000006

VirusTotal report

1 of the 50 anti-virus programs at VirusTotal detected the kernel32.dll file. That's a 2% detection rate.

ScannerDetection Name
McAfee-GW-Edition Heuristic.BehavesLike.Win32.Suspicious-BAY.K
1 of the 50 anti-virus programs detected the kernel32.dll file.

Filename variants

kernel32.dll may also use other filenames. The most common variants are listed below:

Folder name variants

kernel32.dll may also be located in other folders than C:\WINDOWS\system32\. The most common variants are listed below:

Other files also named kernel32.dll

kernel32.dll (35 votes)

Hashes [?]

PropertyValue
MD5c24b983d211c34da8fcc1ac38477971d
SHA256f4ce4ae026c4da40619ec7a846eb65747d84c5ed88a77c425f545fffd53f1973

What will you do with kernel32.dll?

To help other users, please let us know what you will do with kernel32.dll:



What did other users do?

The poll result listed below shows what users chose to do with kernel32.dll. 46% have voted for removal. Based on votes from 35 users.

User vote results: There were 16 votes to remove and 19 votes to keep

NOTE: Please do not use this poll as the only source of input to determine what you will do with kernel32.dll.

Malware or legitimate?

If you feel that you need more information to determine if your should keep this file or remove it, please read this guide.

Please select the option that best describe your thoughts on the information provided on this web page


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Comments

Please share with the other users what you think about this file. What does this file do? Is it legitimate or something that your computer is better without? Do you know how it was installed on your system? Did you install it yourself or did it come bundled with some other software? Is it running smoothly or do you get some error message? Any information that will help to document this file is welcome. Thank you for your contributions.

I'm reading all new comments so don't hesitate to post a question about the file. If I don't have the answer perhaps another user can help you.

Roger Karlsson writes

-2 thumbs

This is a legitimate file from Microsoft.

# 24 Mar 2009, 3:35

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