GoKawiilMicrosoft to auto-enable Windows 11 memory integrity security feature next month
Microsoft will start rolling out updates that automatically turn on memory integrity and Virtualization-based Security on eligible Windows 11 devices, aiming to make the OS secure by default. The kernel-level protection blocks untrusted drivers and code but can reduce gaming frame rates, especially on older CPUs. Devices where users previously disabled the feature will not have it re-enabled automatically.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This shift reflects Microsoft's broader push to prioritize baseline security over raw performance, even at the cost of user customization. Gamers with older hardware may see noticeable frame-rate drops, forcing a tradeoff between protection and performance that many users may not realize is happening until they investigate settings like Core Isolation.
- Memory integrity and VBS will be auto-enabled via quality updates on eligible PCs next month.
- Older CPUs may see bigger gaming performance hits than newer processors.
- Users can manually toggle the feature via Core Isolation settings if previously disabled by them.
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Desktop Processor — Since Windows 11's memory integrity protection hits older CPUs hardest, a modern gaming chip like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D lets you keep the security feature on without babysitting your frame rates. Its 3D V-Cache design is built specifically for high-FPS gaming, making it a natural upgrade if you've been disabling VBS to claw back performance.
See AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Desktop Processor on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Tom Warren, 2026-09-02
Published there as: “Microsoft is enabling a Windows 11 security feature that can hurt gaming performance”
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