Microsoft is enabling a Windows 11 security feature that can hurt gaming performance

by | Sep 2, 2026 | Technology

Microsoft is enabling a Windows 11 security feature that can hurt gaming performance

Microsoft announced plans to deploy memory integrity protection more broadly across Windows 11 devices starting next month through quality updates. According to Peter Waxman, group program manager at Microsoft, the rollout will target eligible devices and will also enable Virtualization-based Security (VBS) where not already active.

Memory integrity functions as a kernel-level security measure designed to prevent unauthorized code and drivers from executing on Windows 11 systems. The feature enforces restrictions on which programs can operate at the system level, allowing only trusted and verified kernel-mode code and drivers to run.

Microsoft has previously disclosed that the security feature carries potential performance implications for PC gaming. The impact varies depending on hardware configuration, with users operating more current processors experiencing minimal performance degradation. Conversely, owners of older CPUs may encounter more noticeable frame-rate reductions in certain games when memory integrity is active.

Users who have previously disabled memory integrity will not have it automatically re-enabled through the upcoming updates. Those wishing to manage the setting can access it through the Windows security app by searching for “Core Isolation” in Windows search. Microsoft recommends that users who choose to disable memory integrity for gaming purposes re-enable the feature after gameplay concludes.

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