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For most people, yes: leave Memory integrity on or turn it on if Windows and your devices work normally. It adds protection against attacks on kernel-mode code. If Windows flags an incompatible driver or something stops working, try an updated driver or app first; turning the feature off should be a troubleshooting tradeoff, not a default performance tweak.
What Memory integrity does
Memory integrity, also called Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI), is part of Windows virtualization-based security. It uses the Windows hypervisor to isolate code-integrity checks and helps defend against malware that tries to exploit the Windows kernel. It also restricts some kernel memory allocations that could be used to compromise the system. This is a focused layer of protection for kernel-mode code—not a malware-removal tool or a general-purpose performance feature. Microsoft explains how Memory integrity works.
Should you turn it on?
Keep it enabled, or enable it, if your PC works properly with the feature on. That is the sensible default for most users: you retain the added kernel-code protection without making an unnecessary security tradeoff.
If a particular device or application stops working, first investigate that specific compatibility problem. Only consider turning Memory integrity off if an update or other supported fix does not resolve it and you need to restore functionality. Disabling it removes the protection it provides.
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Will Memory integrity slow down your PC or lower FPS?
There is no single performance penalty that applies to every Windows 11 PC, and Microsoft’s guidance does not establish a universal frame-rate cost. The effect depends on the processor, workload, drivers, and software. Microsoft says older processors that lack relevant hardware execution controls can experience a bigger impact because they rely on emulation.
Microsoft identifies Intel Kaby Lake and later processors with Mode-Based Execution Control, and AMD Zen 2 and later processors with Guest Mode Execute Trap capabilities, as processors on which Memory integrity works better. These are hardware-level distinctions, not a guarantee of the result in a particular game or application. If you suspect a real performance problem, compare your own system with the setting on and off under the same conditions, then weigh any measured difference against the lost protection.
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How to turn Memory integrity on
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Device security.
- Open Core isolation details.
- Turn on Memory integrity. Restart if Windows asks you to.
Hardware virtualization must be enabled in your UEFI or BIOS for Memory integrity to work. The available Core isolation controls can vary by Windows version and installed hardware. On a work- or school-managed PC, an administrator may control the setting through policy. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance covers the Device security area.
What to do if Windows reports an incompatible driver
Windows may identify a driver that prevents Memory integrity from turning on. Don’t assume every device in a flagged category is incompatible; driver and application compatibility depends on the specific version and system.
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- Note the name of the driver Windows identifies.
- Check Windows Update for an updated compatible driver, then check the device manufacturer’s support page if needed. Microsoft recommends these routes. See Microsoft’s guidance for incompatible drivers.
- If no compatible driver is available, Microsoft says you may need to remove the affected device or application. Consider that only after confirming what depends on it.
- Once the compatibility issue is resolved, try enabling Memory integrity again.
Microsoft lists some anti-cheat solutions, third-party input methods, and third-party banking password-protection software among examples that may be incompatible. That does not mean these categories always fail; check the specific product and version.
What if the PC becomes unstable or will not start?
Microsoft warns that incompatible drivers or applications can malfunction and that, in rare cases, a compatibility problem can cause a boot failure. If enabling Memory integrity leaves Windows unstable or unable to start, Microsoft documents recovery through the Windows Recovery Environment. The procedure depends on how the feature was enabled; systems configured with UEFI lock have an additional recovery condition. Use Microsoft’s Memory integrity documentation for the applicable recovery guidance rather than making casual registry changes.
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Why might it already be on—or off?
Windows 11’s initial state depends on the device and how Windows was installed. Microsoft says Memory integrity is enabled by default on clean Windows 11 installs on compatible hardware and on Secured-core PCs; that default does not apply to upgrades of existing devices. Windows and IT administrators retain control over whether it is enabled.
Microsoft’s automatic-enablement guidance for compatible x64 hardware includes at least 8 GB of RAM, an SSD of at least 64 GB, compatible drivers, virtualization enabled in BIOS, and processor-generation requirements. These are criteria for automatic enablement, not a reason to upgrade a PC just to use Memory integrity. See Microsoft’s current enablement requirements.
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