Windows 11 Will Enable Memory Protection, Which Could Slow Games

Starting next month, Microsoft is preparing to enable memory integrity protection on more compatible devices running the Windows 11 operating system. This kernel-level feature is designed to prevent malicious code and untrusted drivers from running on the system. However, the protection could reduce gaming performance and frame rates on some computers.

Quality updates for Windows 11 will automatically enable memory integrity protection on compatible devices. If Virtualization-Based Security, or VBS, is also disabled, the update will turn it on and make additional protection features available. Microsoft says the feature will not be automatically re-enabled on devices whose users previously disabled memory integrity.

Memory integrity allows only trusted kernel code and drivers to run, increasing the level of protection. At the same time, the feature may affect game speeds on certain hardware. The difference is less noticeable on modern processors, while older processors may experience a more significant reduction in frame rates in some games.

To check whether the feature is enabled, users can type “Core Isolation” into Windows Search and open the result that appears. The memory integrity setting can be enabled or disabled through the Windows Security app. Microsoft recommends that users who temporarily disable the protection for better gaming performance re-enable it after they finish playing.