A kernel panic is a safety measure taken by an operating system's kernel when it encounters a critical error that it cannot recover from. This error can occur due to hardware failures, corrupted files, or bugs in the system software. When a kernel panic happens, the system halts, displaying an error message, and requires a restart to regain functionality. During a kernel panic, the operating system stops all processes to prevent further damage or data loss. Users may see a screen with technical information, which can help developers diagnose the issue. Common operating systems that can experience kernel panics include Linux, macOS, and Unix.