Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Turning on Memory integrity—the main Core isolation setting many people mean—adds a virtualization-based check on kernel code and can block vulnerable or incompatible drivers. Most users should leave it on if their devices and apps work normally; if Windows reports a driver problem, look for a compatible update before switching the protection off.
What Core isolation does when you enable Memory integrity
Core isolation is a Windows Security area, not one universal on/off switch. The controls shown there can vary by Windows version and hardware. The setting commonly meant by “turn on Core isolation” is Memory integrity, also called Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI).
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Memory integrity uses hardware virtualization to run kernel-mode code-integrity checks in an isolated environment. This makes it harder for malicious software to tamper with the checks or abuse low-level drivers to compromise Windows. Microsoft says the protection also restricts kernel memory allocations that could be used in an attack. Microsoft’s HVCI documentation explains the mechanism.
Enabling it also enables the vulnerable driver blocklist. That list targets drivers with known vulnerabilities, malware-signing certificates, or behavior that circumvents the Windows Security Model. A driver being blocked does not, by itself, mean it is malware: Microsoft notes that a minor vulnerability can be enough to prevent loading, and the driver is most likely not malicious. Microsoft’s Core isolation guidance describes the related controls.
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What may stop working
Memory integrity applies compatibility restrictions to kernel-mode drivers. If a required driver is incompatible or on the blocklist, the related device or application may not work correctly. Microsoft says incompatible software can rarely cause a boot failure. Its troubleshooting guidance covers driver warnings and remediation.
That risk is a reason to check a warning, not a reason to assume every driver will fail. If your hardware and apps continue to work after enabling the setting, there may be no visible change in everyday use.
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How performance depends on the PC
The performance impact depends partly on processor capabilities. Microsoft says newer processors support features that make Memory integrity work better: Intel Kabylake and later with Mode-Based Execution Control, or AMD Zen 2 and later with Guest Mode Execute Trap capabilities. Older processors rely on Restricted User Mode emulation, which Microsoft says “will have a bigger impact on performance.” The processor-specific guidance is in Microsoft Learn.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsMicrosoft’s guidance does not give a representative percentage for the impact across current Windows 11 PCs. There is no sound universal slowdown figure to apply to every PC or game. If you notice a change, assess your own system and the apps or workloads you use rather than treating one machine’s result as a prediction for all others.
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Check requirements and turn the setting on
Hardware virtualization must be enabled in UEFI/BIOS. It is enabled on many Windows devices, but firmware menus and names vary by manufacturer and model. To find the control in Windows, open Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details > Memory integrity, then follow the prompt to enable it. Restart if Windows asks you to.
If Windows reports that virtualization is unavailable, check the firmware setting using the PC maker’s instructions. Microsoft documents a route to firmware settings through Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup; the screens and options after that can differ by device. Microsoft’s Core isolation page links the setting and related requirements, while its advanced startup guidance explains the Windows route.
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What to do if Windows flags an incompatible driver
- Record the driver name and company shown in the warning. Microsoft cautions that these may be the only reliable details in its notification.
- Look for a compatible driver update. Check Windows Update, Device Manager, or the device maker’s support pages. Microsoft recommends trying an update first.
- If no update exists, consider whether you can remove the dependent app or device. Do this only if it is practical for your needs.
- Use disabling Memory integrity only as a workaround if you accept losing this kernel protection. Follow Windows’ prompt and restart for the change to take effect. Microsoft warns that disabling it on a Secured-core PC removes the device’s Secured-core state. See Microsoft’s driver-warning and disable-setting guidance.
Other controls on the Core isolation page
Core isolation can show options beyond Memory integrity, and availability depends on Windows version and hardware. Hardware-enforced stack protection is separate: Microsoft says it requires Memory integrity and a CPU that supports Intel Control-flow Enforcement Technology or AMD Shadow Stack. The vulnerable driver blocklist is related and is enabled when Memory integrity is on. Microsoft’s overview describes these options.
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