Windows 11 Memory Integrity is a security shield that Windows is now switching on by itself for more PCs. If your computer qualifies and you never turned the feature off, a regular Windows update can enable it without asking. You don’t need to do anything, but it’s worth knowing what it is and how to check it.
Here are the facts you need before you get the update.
- Microsoft announced the change on September 1, and it rolls out through regular quality updates starting in October 2026.
- Only “eligible” PCs are affected, based on hardware, drivers and performance checks.
- PCs where Memory Integrity was already turned off stay as they are.
- Older chips can take a bigger performance hit, which matters most for gamers.
That list is the short version. The rest of this post covers who is really affected and what to do about it.
What Windows 11 Memory Integrity actually does
Memory Integrity (also called HVCI) uses virtualization to wall off the most sensitive part of Windows, the kernel. Drivers and other low-level code have to pass a check before they’re allowed to run in that protected space.
Why bother? Malware loves to hide inside a bad driver, because drivers run with very high privileges. Memory Integrity makes that trick much harder, so a sneaky driver can’t simply rewrite the rules of your system.
Microsoft has been pushing “secure by default” for a while, and this is another step. If you read our guide on the Secure Boot certificate expiry, you’ve seen the same theme: more protection, fewer settings for you to hunt down.
Think of it as a bouncer for your kernel. Anything unsigned, outdated or suspicious gets stopped at the door, even if it claims to be a helpful tool. Most people will never notice it working, which is exactly the point.
Which PCs get Windows 11 Memory Integrity turned on?
Windows checks each device before flipping the switch. According to Tom’s Hardware, the checks cover hardware, compatibility and performance. These are the requirements it listed.
| Requirement | What your PC needs |
|---|---|
| Intel processor | 8th Gen or newer (for Windows 11 22H2) |
| AMD processor | Zen 2 or newer |
| Memory | At least 8GB of RAM on x64 systems |
| Storage | An SSD of at least 64GB |
| Drivers | Compatible drivers only |
| Firmware | Hardware virtualization turned on |
This table is a good quick self-check. If your PC falls short on any row, Windows will most likely leave Memory Integrity alone.
The feature also appears in Windows Central’s roundup of November changes for Windows 11, so the rollout is still reaching devices gradually. Not every PC gets it on the same day.
Will Windows 11 Memory Integrity slow down your games?
It depends on your hardware. Microsoft says newer processors with built-in isolation acceleration handle the feature well, while older CPUs that rely on software emulation can lose more speed.
Tom’s Hardware notes that Microsoft’s 2022 gaming guidance even suggested turning the feature off temporarily while gaming, with a clear warning that it lowers your security. There are no official benchmark numbers, so treat any “X% slower” claim you see online with caution.
Compatibility is the other catch. Some older drivers, and some anti-cheat tools in games, don’t get along with Memory Integrity. When a driver is incompatible, Windows simply won’t enable the feature on that PC.
If you game a lot, our Windows 11 mouse stutter fix is a useful companion read before you start blaming any one setting.
How to check or turn off Memory Integrity
You can see the current state in a few clicks. Open the Windows Security app and follow these steps.
- Go to Device security, then Core isolation details.
- Find the Memory integrity toggle and check whether it is On or Off.
- If you want it off, flip the toggle and restart your PC.
Turning it off is your choice, and Microsoft says earlier user choices and administrator policies are respected. Just remember the trade-off: you lose a real layer of protection.
If Windows won’t let you turn it on, the app usually lists the incompatible driver. Updating that driver, or removing the old software that installed it, often clears the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memory Integrity the same as Core isolation?
Memory Integrity is one feature inside the Core isolation page of Windows Security. The page is the menu, and Memory Integrity is the main switch on it.
Will Windows turn it back on if I disabled it?
No. Microsoft says PCs where it was already disabled won’t be changed by this rollout, and your earlier choices and admin policies stay in place.
Do I need to install anything to get it?
No. It arrives through regular Windows quality updates, so keeping Windows Update on is enough.
Can it cause problems with my apps?
Rarely, but yes. Incompatible drivers can stop it from turning on, and Microsoft has documented trouble with some software and anti-cheat tools.
Should gamers turn it off?
Not by default. Try your games first, and only disable it if you see clear slowdowns on an older CPU that you can trace to this setting.
My take: leave Memory Integrity on if your PC is reasonably recent, because the protection is worth a small speed cost. Turn it off only if a specific driver or game breaks, and then check for updates before you give up on it. If your CPU is older and your games stutter, test with it off, but treat that as a temporary choice rather than a permanent one.
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