Final answer:
After the Windows kernel takes over the boot process, the next step is loading device drivers that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the Windows kernel takes over the boot process, the next step is loading device drivers. Device drivers are software programs that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices, such as the keyboard, mouse, and display. These drivers are essential for the proper functioning of the hardware.
During this step, the operating system identifies the connected hardware and loads the necessary driver files into memory. Once the drivers are loaded, the operating system can interact with the hardware and provide the user with a functional interface.
For example, if the laptop has a specific graphics card, the operating system will load the driver for that card, enabling the display to function properly. Similarly, if there's a sound card, the corresponding driver will be loaded to enable sound output.