Firmware vs. Operating system - What is the difference?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Windows Central Question
  • Start date Start date
W

Windows Central Question

When I use the Windows Device Recovery Tool, I see a firmware-number and a operatingsystem-number for my device. What ist the difference?
 
The OS is high-level stuff like what runs the web browser and whatnot. It's most of the software on the device.

Firmware is under-the-hood software that talks to the device's hardware and bridges the gap between the OS and hardware in a nutshell.
 
To add:
Firmware is usually on-chip and normally needs a specific utility to update or "flash"
Operating systems are usually installed on-drive and can be uninstalled by the user
 

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
338,816
Messages
2,261,835
Members
428,744
Latest member
TheJayMan