An INF file, short for Setup Information file, is a plain text file format used by Microsoft Windows for installing software and hardware components. It contains instructions and data that the operating system uses to install drivers, configure hardware settings, and copy files to the appropriate locations on the system. The file specifies the files to be copied, the registry entries to be created or modified, and the services to be installed or started. INF files are crucial for the Plug and Play functionality of Windows, allowing the operating system to automatically detect and configure new hardware devices. They are often included with driver packages and software installation packages. The structure of an INF file is divided into sections, each containing specific information about the installation process. These sections define the source and destination locations of files, the registry keys to be modified, and the dependencies required for the software or hardware to function correctly. INF files are essential for ensuring that software and hardware are installed and configured properly on a Windows system.