Microsoft is preparing to roll out its "memory integrity" security feature more widely on Windows 11 devices from next month, though the kernel-level protection can reduce PC gaming performance on some hardware. The feature, which forms part of Virtualization-based Security (VBS), blocks untrusted kernel-mode code and drivers from running, helping guard against malicious software, but Microsoft has acknowledged the trade-off in performance and is proceeding regardless as part of a push to make Windows "secure by default".

According to Peter Waxman, group program manager at Microsoft, forthcoming Windows quality updates will enable memory integrity, and VBS alongside it, on eligible devices. The performance impact is expected to be smaller on newer processors but more noticeable in certain games on older CPUs. Users who have already switched the feature off will not have it re-enabled automatically, and anyone wanting to check or adjust the setting can search "Core Isolation" in Windows and toggle memory integrity via the Windows Security app; Microsoft suggests re-enabling it after gaming sessions if disabled for performance reasons.