Kernel streaming (KS) services support kernel-mode processing of data streams for audio and for other types of continuous media. Conceptually, a stream undergoes processing as it flows along a data path containing some number of processing nodes.

A set of related nodes is grouped together to form a KS filter, which represents a more-or-less independent block of stream-processing functionality.

More complex functions can be constructed in a modular way by cascading several filters together to form a filter graph.

KS filters are connected together through their pins.

A Microsoft Windows Driver Model (WDM) audio driver provides the following functionality:
1. The driver exposes all the types of input and output streams
2. The driver supports one or more property sets
3. The driver optionally supports a hardware clock
4. The driver optionally supports other media interfaces