How to Enable Memory Integrity on Windows 11

Memory Integrity (also known as Core Isolation) is a security feature in Windows 11 that helps protect your system from malicious code and driver-based attacks. It works by isolating critical system processes in a virtualized environment, making it much harder for malware to tamper with Windows at a low level.

If your PC supports it, enabling Memory Integrity is a smart move—especially if you care about system security and data protection.

Enable Memory Integrity on Windows 11

The steps below walk you through enabling Memory Integrity, fixing common issues that prevent it from turning on, and verifying that it’s working correctly. We recommend following them in order and reading the notes under each section carefully.

1. Check If Your PC Supports Memory Integrity

Before enabling the feature, make sure your system meets the requirements.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & security.
3. Click Windows Security.
4. Select Device security.
5. Look for Core isolation details.

If you see Core isolation settings, your PC supports Memory Integrity. If not, your hardware may not be compatible.

2. Enable Memory Integrity from Windows Security

This is the official and recommended method.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & security > Windows Security.
3. Click Device security.
4. Select Core isolation details.
5. Turn Memory integrity On.
6. Restart your PC when prompted.

After reboot, Memory Integrity should be active.

3. Restart Your PC to Apply Changes

Memory Integrity cannot be enabled without a restart.

1. Save any open work.
2. Restart your computer.
3. After reboot, return to Core isolation details to confirm the toggle remains enabled.

If it turns off automatically, a driver issue is likely blocking it.

4. Fix Incompatible Drivers Blocking Memory Integrity

Old or incompatible drivers are the most common reason Memory Integrity won’t turn on.

1. In Core isolation details, look for a warning about incompatible drivers.
2. Click Review incompatible drivers.
3. Note the driver names listed.
4. Update those drivers from the hardware manufacturer’s website.
5. Restart your PC and try enabling Memory Integrity again.

If a driver is no longer supported, uninstalling the related software may be required.

5. Update Windows 11

System updates often improve compatibility with Memory Integrity.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Install all available updates.
3. Restart your PC.

Updates from Microsoft frequently resolve security and driver compatibility issues.

6. Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI (If Needed)

Memory Integrity depends on hardware virtualization.

1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings.
2. Look for options like Intel VT-x, Intel Virtualization Technology, or SVM Mode (AMD).
3. Make sure virtualization is Enabled.
4. Save changes and boot back into Windows.

Without virtualization, Memory Integrity cannot function.

7. Check That Memory Integrity Is Working

After enabling it, confirm everything is active.

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Go to Device security > Core isolation details.
3. Ensure Memory integrity is still turned On.

If it stays enabled after multiple restarts, it’s working correctly.

8. Understand Performance Impact (If Any)

On modern PCs, Memory Integrity has little to no noticeable performance impact. However, on older systems, you may notice slight slowdowns in very CPU-intensive tasks. If performance becomes an issue, you can always disable it temporarily.

Wrapping Up

Enabling Memory Integrity on Windows 11 adds an important layer of protection against modern threats, especially those that target drivers and system memory. While incompatible drivers can sometimes get in the way, updating or removing them usually resolves the issue quickly.

If your hardware supports it, keeping Memory Integrity enabled is strongly recommended. It’s one of the easiest ways to make Microsoft Windows more secure—without installing any extra software or changing how you use your PC.