Windows 11 is now force-enabling Memory Integrity, a feature Microsoft admitted can hurt gaming performance, and here’s how to turn it off
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Microsoft’s November 2026 Windows 11 update is automatically enabling Memory Integrity, also known as Hypervisor‑Protected Code Integrity (HVCI), on a broader set of PCs. The feature, which isolates driver verification within a virtualized security environment, was previously active only on new devices, clean installs, or Secured‑core systems. The rollout began with the optional October KB5127936 update and is now included in the mandatory November Patch Tuesday KB5132061 for Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2 builds. Before activation, Windows checks hardware compatibility and may also enable Virtualization‑Based Security (VBS), required for Memory Integrity to function. Enterprise policies can override the auto‑enablement, and users can manually disable the toggle via Windows Security → Device security → Core isolation. The change follows Microsoft’s stance that security should be built‑in rather than added later, despite earlier guidance advising gamers to turn the feature off to avoid performance hits.
💡 Why It Matters
- · Enabling Memory Integrity by default forces a large, previously unprotected user base into a higher‑security posture, potentially reshaping the balance between system safety and gaming performance.
