● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
Microsoft to Enable Memory Integrity Security Feature on More Windows 11 Devices
Key points
- Memory integrity will be enabled on more Windows 11 devices next month.
- The feature is a kernel-level protection against malicious code.
- It can reduce PC gaming performance, especially on older CPUs.
- Users can disable the feature via Core Isolation settings.
- Memory integrity will be enabled starting in October 2026.
- PCs with Memory Integrity deliberately disabled will retain their configuration.
- Windows will assess device readiness using hardware capabilities, compatibility, and performance.
- Virtualization-based Security (VBS) will also be enabled where required.
Upcoming Security Rollout
Microsoft is preparing to activate its memory integrity security feature on a wider range of Windows 11 devices starting next month. This kernel-level protection is intended to block malicious code and drivers from running on a Windows 11 machine. The rollout will also enable Virtualization-based Security (VBS) on eligible devices, according to Peter Waxman, group program manager at Microsoft.
Potential Performance Impact
While memory integrity enhances security by allowing only trusted kernel-mode code and drivers, Microsoft has previously indicated it can affect PC gaming performance. The impact is less significant on modern CPUs, but users with older processors might experience a more noticeable drop in framerates in certain games. If the feature has been previously disabled by a user, Microsoft will not re-enable it automatically.
User Control and Recommendations
Users can check and manage the memory integrity setting by searching for 'Core Isolation' in Windows and accessing the Windows security app. Microsoft suggests re-enabling memory integrity after gaming sessions if users choose to disable it for performance reasons.
Updates
- Memory integrity will be enabled starting in October 2026.
- PCs with Memory Integrity deliberately disabled will retain their configuration.
- Windows will assess device readiness using hardware capabilities, compatibility, and performance.
- Virtualization-based Security (VBS) will also be enabled where required.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Microsoft will automatically enable its Memory Integrity security feature on a wider range of existing Windows PCs through quality updates starting in October 2026. This expansion aims to provide stronger kernel-level protection against attacks, though the feature can impact gaming performance on some systems.
Microsoft will enable the memory integrity security feature on additional Windows 11 devices next month, a kernel-level protection designed to prevent malicious code. This change may impact PC gaming performance, particularly on older processors, as it restricts untrusted kernel-mode code and drivers.