# What is a Driver? - Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploaded_book_covers/profile_1300767/open-graph-image.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[learn.microsoft.com]] - Full Title: What is a Driver? - Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn - Category: #articles - URL: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/gettingstarted/what-is-a-driver- ## Highlights - A *driver* is a software component that lets the operating system and a device communicate. For example, when an app needs to read data from a device, it calls a function implemented by the operating system. The operating system then calls a function implemented by the driver. The driver, usually developed by the device's manufacturer, knows how to communicate with the device hardware to get the data. Once the driver gets the data, it gives it back to the operating system, which then gives it back to the app. ![Diagram that shows the interaction between an application, operating system, and driver.](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/gettingstarted/what-is-a-driver-/images/whatisadriver01.png) ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jte4k0qne245khm9w2vxy6ka))