Microsoft Enables Memory Integrity on Windows 11, Potentially Affecting Gaming Performance

Microsoft is set to enable Memory Integrity on more Windows 11 PCs starting in October as part of regular updates. This security feature, designed to protect systems from malicious code by checking kernel-mode code and drivers, may impact gaming performance on some hardware. Previous testing in 2022 showed minor improvements (up to 4.5%) in games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Gears Tactics when the feature was disabled, though other titles saw negligible changes. However, older processors without advanced virtualization support could experience more significant performance drops. Microsoft emphasizes that hardware capabilities, driver compatibility, and performance will be evaluated before enabling the feature. Users who previously disabled Memory Integrity will retain their settings, but the option remains available through Windows Security. While disabling the setting may improve gaming performance slightly, Microsoft recommends keeping it enabled for enhanced security. Gamers experiencing noticeable performance issues after the October update should consider checking Memory Integrity settings, though turning it off may not resolve all problems.