How a Driver Loads at Startup
The identity, service, dependency, and policy concepts involved when a platform makes driver code available.
Loading is a policy decision
A host environment does not choose code from a filename alone. It considers package metadata, device identity, service configuration, architecture, dependency relationships, and trust policy as part of making a driver available.
Startup has several meanings
A boot-start driver, a system-start service, a device-triggered function driver, and a user-mode service can enter the system at different lifecycle points. “Loads at startup” should therefore name which startup boundary is intended.
The device relationship follows
Making code available does not by itself mean a device interface is started. Discovery, resource assignment, stack creation, and device start are related but distinct phases.
Metadata explains the choice
Service entries, INF directives, hardware IDs, dependencies, and signing evidence provide the vocabulary for describing why a component is eligible. A reference can explain these roles without giving a platform walkthrough.
Reference facts
- Selection evidence
- Identity, package metadata, service configuration, dependencies, and trust policy.
- Important distinction
- Code availability and device-interface start are separate lifecycle phases.
Questions and answers
Does a driver always load during boot?
No. Load timing depends on its role, service classification, device discovery, dependencies, and platform policy.
Why is a package identity involved in loading?
The platform needs to associate declared files and services with the matching device or system role rather than selecting an arbitrary executable.