Microsoft to auto-enable Windows 11 memory integrity, may slow some games
Microsoft will start turning on the memory integrity security feature of Windows 11 for eligible PCs next month, a change that could reduce frame rates on certain older hardware.
Microsoft plans to roll out its memory integrity protection for Windows 11 to more computers during next month’s quality-update cycle, according to group program manager Peter Waxman. The feature, part of Virtualization-based Security, restricts kernel-mode code to trusted drivers, enhancing system security. However, the added safeguard can lower gaming performance on older processors, with newer CPUs seeing a smaller impact.
The update will not re-activate memory integrity on machines where users have previously turned it off, but the setting remains accessible through the Core Isolation menu in Windows Security. Microsoft recommends users switch the feature back on after they finish playing to maintain protection. Gamers concerned about frame-rate loss can manually disable the option, though doing so reduces the security posture of their PC.
Why it matters
Enabling a stronger security layer may affect gaming performance for many Windows 11 users.
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