Microsoft is preparing to roll out its memory integrity security feature to more Windows 11 devices in October 2026, a move that could affect PC gaming performance on some hardware.
The feature, a kernel-level protection tool, is designed to prevent malicious code and drivers from running on Windows 11 machines. Alongside memory integrity, Microsoft will also enable Virtualization-based Security (VBS) on eligible devices where it is not already active.
“Windows quality updates will begin enabling memory integrity protection on eligible devices,” said Peter Waxman, group program manager at Microsoft. “If not already enabled, these updates will also enable Virtualization-based Security (VBS), helping make additional security capabilities available and reflecting our commitment to making Windows secure by design and secure by default.”
Microsoft has previously acknowledged that memory integrity can reduce PC gaming performance, particularly on older processors. Users with more modern CPUs are expected to see less of an impact, while those on older hardware may notice frame-rate drops in certain games.
Importantly, Microsoft will not automatically re-enable memory integrity for users who have already manually disabled the feature — meaning those who previously turned it off will not have it switched back on by the update.
For users who want to check or adjust the setting, Microsoft directs them to search for “Core Isolation” in Windows search, then toggle memory integrity on or off within the Windows Security app. For those who choose to disable the feature to improve gaming performance, Microsoft recommends re-enabling it once they have finished playing.
Source: The Verge