Microsoft to enable Windows 11 memory integrity security feature, may affect gaming performance

Microsoft announced that it will begin deploying the memory integrity security feature of Windows 11 to a broader range of devices next month. The kernel‑level protection, which blocks malicious code and unsigned drivers from executing, is part of the operating system’s broader effort to harden security. According to Peter Waxman, group program manager at Microsoft, the upcoming quality updates will automatically enable memory integrity on eligible machines and will also activate Virtualization‑based Security (VBS) where it is not already in use, expanding the platform’s defensive capabilities.

While the feature is intended to enhance system resilience, Microsoft previously cautioned that enabling memory integrity can affect PC gaming performance, as the additional security checks may introduce latency for graphics‑intensive applications. Users whose hardware meets the requirements will receive the updates without manual intervention, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to broader security adoption across its Windows 11 ecosystem.