Home›Technology›Operating Systems›What is Interrupt?
⚡ Technology·2 min·Updated Mar 10, 2026

What is Interrupt?

Interrupt

Quick Answer

An interrupt is a signal to the processor emitted by hardware or software indicating an event that needs immediate attention. It temporarily halts the current operations, allowing the system to respond to important tasks or events.

Overview

An interrupt is a crucial mechanism in operating systems that allows the processor to respond quickly to events. When an interrupt occurs, the current process is paused, and the system saves its state. This lets the operating system handle the interrupting event, such as a user pressing a key or a hardware device needing attention. The way interrupts work is by sending a signal to the processor, which then interrupts its current tasks. The operating system has a list of interrupt handlers, which are special routines designed to deal with specific types of interrupts. Once the interrupt is processed, the system resumes the paused process, ensuring that everything continues smoothly. Interrupts are important because they help manage multiple tasks efficiently. For example, when you print a document, your computer can still let you browse the internet or listen to music. The printer sends an interrupt signal when it needs more paper or when the printing is complete, allowing the operating system to manage these tasks without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are two main types of interrupts: hardware interrupts and software interrupts. Hardware interrupts come from external devices like keyboards or mice, while software interrupts are generated by programs when they need the processor's attention.
Operating systems prioritize interrupts based on their importance and urgency. Critical interrupts, such as those from hardware that requires immediate action, are handled first, while less urgent tasks may be queued for later processing.
Yes, if not managed properly, interrupts can lead to issues like system crashes or performance slowdowns. Too many interrupts occurring at once can overwhelm the processor, so operating systems use techniques to handle them efficiently.