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Turning on Memory integrity—the Core isolation setting most people mean—adds protection for Windows kernel code by running code-integrity checks in a hardware-virtualized environment. It can block vulnerable or incompatible drivers, so a device or app that depends on one may stop working. Whether you notice a performance change depends partly on your processor; Microsoft warns that older processors can have a bigger impact, but does not give a general slowdown percentage.
What Core isolation does when you enable Memory integrity
Core isolation is a Windows Security area for protections that help safeguard core Windows processes and the kernel. It is not necessarily one universal on/off switch: the controls shown can vary with Windows version and hardware. The setting commonly meant by “turn on Core isolation” is Memory integrity, also called Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI).
HVCI uses hardware virtualization to run kernel-mode code-integrity checks in an isolated environment, separate from the ordinary Windows kernel. This makes it harder for malicious software to tamper with those checks or abuse low-level drivers. Microsoft also says the feature restricts kernel memory allocations that could be used to compromise the system. Microsoft’s HVCI overview explains the protection and hardware considerations.
What may stop working
Memory integrity applies compatibility restrictions to drivers. If Windows identifies a driver as incompatible, it may prevent that driver from loading; a device or app that relies on it may then fail or behave incorrectly. In rare cases, Microsoft says incompatible software can cause a boot failure. The vulnerable driver blocklist is also enabled with Memory integrity; it targets drivers with known vulnerabilities, malware-signing certificates, or behavior that circumvents the Windows Security Model. A blocked driver is not, by itself, proof that the driver is malware: Microsoft notes that a minor vulnerability can be enough to prevent loading, and the driver is most likely not malicious.
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How to handle an incompatible driver warning
- Read the warning and note the driver and company names. Microsoft cautions that these may be the only reliable details the notification provides.
- Look for a compatible update through Windows Update, Device Manager, or the device manufacturer. Microsoft recommends trying an updated driver first.
- If no compatible update is available, consider removing the app or device that depends on the driver, if that is practical.
- If you need a workaround, you can turn Memory integrity off in Windows Security. This gives up its kernel protection; on a Secured-core PC, Microsoft warns that disabling it removes the device’s Secured-core state. Follow the Windows restart prompt for the change to take effect.
Microsoft’s Windows Security device-security guidance describes the setting and incompatible-driver warning.
Does Memory integrity slow down a PC or games?
There is no single performance result that applies to every Windows 11 PC. Microsoft says the feature works better with newer processor capabilities: Intel Kaby Lake and later processors with Mode-Based Execution Control, or AMD Zen 2 and later processors with Guest Mode Execute Trap. Older processors rely on an emulation called Restricted User Mode, which Microsoft says “will have a bigger impact on performance.” Microsoft Learn’s processor guidance does not provide a representative percentage or benchmark for current Windows 11 systems.
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If you suspect a change, compare your own PC’s responsiveness with the same apps and workload rather than assuming a universal gaming or system-wide slowdown. Processor capabilities, driver compatibility, and the tasks you run all matter.
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Where to find the setting and what it requires
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Device security > Core isolation details > Memory integrity.
- Switch Memory integrity on and follow any prompt, including a restart if Windows requests one.
Memory integrity requires hardware virtualization to be enabled in UEFI/BIOS; it is already enabled on many Windows devices. If Windows reports that virtualization is unavailable, check the firmware setting and consult the PC manufacturer’s model-specific instructions. Microsoft documents a route to firmware setup through Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup, but the subsequent screens and setting names differ by device maker. See Microsoft’s virtualization instructions.
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Beginning with Windows 11 version 22H2, Windows Security displays a warning when Memory integrity is off. Microsoft also documents enterprise deployment through Intune/CSP, Group Policy, Registry, and App Control; those methods are for managed configuration rather than the ordinary Windows Security toggle. The Microsoft deployment guidance covers those options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Other protections shown under Core isolation
Other controls may appear depending on Windows version and hardware. Hardware-enforced stack protection is separate from Memory integrity: Microsoft says it requires Memory integrity and a processor supporting Intel Control-flow Enforcement Technology or AMD Shadow Stack. The vulnerable driver blocklist is related but distinct; it is enabled when Memory integrity is on. Check the descriptions on your own Core isolation details page rather than assuming every PC exposes the same set of switches. Microsoft’s device security overview describes these protections.
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