Some Windows 11 23H2 users reported lower CPU benchmark scores and stuttering in games in late 2023, but the reports do not show that the update slowed every PC. One user said a procedure attributed to Microsoft Support restored performance; the available coverage did not establish it as a general, Microsoft-confirmed fix. Because Windows 11 Home and Pro version 23H2 reached end of updates on November 11, 2025, check your edition and support status before trying advice from 2023.
What users reported about 23H2 gaming performance
In a November 2023 Reddit post, a user with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D and GeForce RTX 4080 reported CPU benchmark results 5–8% lower on Windows 11 23H2 than on 22H2, along with random game stuttering. Those figures describe one person’s system and tests, not a controlled study or a result that can be applied to other PCs. Read the user’s Reddit post.
The user later said that CPU benchmark performance was broadly back near 22H2 levels after following steps they attributed to Microsoft Support, and reported improvement in some GPU and game results. PCWorld’s December 4, 2023 coverage also relayed a user’s report of about an 8% gaming-performance drop. Neither account establishes that all systems running 23H2 were affected.
What the reported workaround involved
The Reddit user said Microsoft Support recommended resetting Windows Security, enabling CPU virtualization in BIOS or UEFI, and turning on Memory Integrity under Windows Security. PC Gamer described the same procedure, while noting it had sought Microsoft’s confirmation and warning that the steps change Windows security and firmware settings. PC Gamer’s December 2023 report.
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The historical account included these PowerShell commands:
Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackageThis is not a current, generally confirmed Microsoft procedure. In particular, Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted changes PowerShell’s execution policy; it should not be run casually or without understanding the security implications. The 2023 reporting does not provide a public Microsoft support article documenting this specific advice. Check current Microsoft guidance or contact your device maker’s support before changing execution policy, firmware options, or Windows security settings.
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Security settings and firmware vary by PC
BIOS/UEFI menus and the names used for CPU virtualization vary by manufacturer. The reported procedure enabled virtualization and Memory Integrity; it was not advice to leave protections disabled for better gaming performance. Memory Integrity is found under Windows Security > Device Security > Core isolation on supported Windows configurations, but available controls can vary.
The original user later mentioned other Group Policy and registry changes that they said allowed Core Isolation or VBS to be disabled without losing performance. The post does not give those instructions, so they cannot be safely reconstructed here.
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How to check whether old 23H2 advice applies to your PC
- Confirm your Windows version and edition. Check Settings > System > About, including the Windows specifications. A report about 23H2 is not a reason to apply changes if your PC runs a different release.
- Check support status before troubleshooting an old release. Microsoft’s lifecycle notice says Windows 11 Home and Pro version 23H2 reached end of updates on November 11, 2025. That date is specific to Home and Pro; verify the support status for your own edition rather than assuming the same lifecycle applies to every edition. Microsoft’s 23H2 Home and Pro lifecycle notice.
- Check Microsoft’s current release information. Microsoft says 22H2 and 23H2 share a common core operating system and identical system files, and directs users to Windows release health for known issues. Its 23H2 update-history page also notes that installing the latest update includes prior updates and security fixes. Microsoft’s Windows 11 version 23H2 update history.
- Establish a repeatable baseline. If the system remains supported and you are investigating a slowdown, record performance in the same game or benchmark under the same conditions before changing settings. A result that cannot be reproduced is weak evidence that a Windows setting caused the problem.
- Review security settings with an authoritative source. Check whether virtualization and Memory Integrity are enabled, but do not change them solely to imitate an old anecdotal fix. Follow current Microsoft or device-maker guidance for your specific PC.
Was this a confirmed Microsoft fix?
No broad confirmation is established by the contemporary coverage. The workaround was relayed by a user who attributed it to Microsoft Support; PC Gamer said it had sought confirmation from Microsoft. That is different from a published Microsoft advisory or an official fix note tying 23H2 to a general gaming regression. The episode is best understood as a specific user’s report of lower benchmarks and stuttering, followed by a reported improvement after support-attributed steps—not proof of a universal Windows 11 23H2 gaming-performance bug.
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