How to Disable Memory Integrity in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 16, 2025

Windows 11 comes packed with advanced security features designed to protect your system from malware, rootkits, and unauthorized access. One such feature is Memory Integrity (also known as Core Isolation Memory Integrity).

While this feature is helpful for security, it can sometimes cause compatibility issues with drivers, apps, or games. If you’re facing errors, crashes, or performance drops, you may want to disable Memory Integrity in Windows 11.

This guide will walk you through what Memory Integrity is, why you may need to disable it, and step-by-step methods to turn it off safely.

Key Takeaways

  • Memory Integrity is part of Windows 11’s Core Isolation security settings.

  • It helps prevent malicious code from injecting into high-security processes.

  • Some older drivers or apps may not work when Memory Integrity is enabled.

  • You can disable it via Windows Security settings, Registry Editor, or Group Policy.

What Is Memory Integrity in Windows 11?

Memory Integrity (Core Isolation) is a virtualization-based security feature that prevents untrusted code from running in protected memory areas.

Think of it as an invisible security guard watching over your computer’s brain (the kernel).

✅ Benefits: Stronger defense against malware and exploits.
⚠️ Downside: Can block older or unsigned drivers, causing app/game issues.

When Should You Disable Memory Integrity?

You may want to disable it if:

  • A driver (like for printers, cameras, or GPUs) won’t install.

  • Certain apps or games crash unexpectedly.

  • Your system feels slower after enabling it.

  • You receive compatibility warnings in Windows.

👉 If security is your top concern, keep it enabled. Disable only if necessary.

Method 1: Disable Memory Integrity via Windows Security (Easiest Way)

This is the most beginner-friendly method.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S and search for Windows Security.

  2. Open Device Security.

  3. Under Core Isolation, click Core Isolation details.

  4. Toggle Memory Integrity to Off.

  5. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

✅ Done! Memory Integrity is now disabled.

Method 2: Disable Memory Integrity via Registry Editor

If the toggle in Windows Security doesn’t work, use the Registry.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity

  3. On the right, double-click Enabled.

  4. Change the value to:

    • 0 = Disabled

    • 1 = Enabled

  5. Click OK and restart your PC.

⚠️ Be careful — incorrect Registry edits can affect system stability.

Method 3: Disable Memory Integrity via Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise)

If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, use Group Policy.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard

  3. Double-click Turn on Virtualization Based Security.

  4. Select Disabled, then click Apply > OK.

  5. Restart your computer.

👉 Useful for IT admins managing multiple PCs.

Method 4: Disable Memory Integrity via Command Prompt

Advanced users can disable it using commands.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Command Prompt, right-click, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Run this command:

    bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

  3. Restart your computer.

✅ This disables virtualization, which also turns off Memory Integrity.

How to Check If Memory Integrity Is Disabled

  1. Open Windows Security > Device Security.

  2. Click Core Isolation details.

  3. If the toggle is Off, Memory Integrity is disabled.

Risks of Disabling Memory Integrity

  • Lowered protection against advanced malware.

  • Potential vulnerability to kernel-level attacks.

  • May allow unsigned or malicious drivers to run.

👉 Always ensure you have Windows Defender or a reliable antivirus running if you disable this feature.

Tips Before Disabling Memory Integrity

  • Update drivers first — many incompatibilities are caused by outdated drivers.

  • Only disable it if you absolutely need to install a critical app/driver.

  • Re-enable Memory Integrity once your issue is resolved for maximum protection.

Conclusion

Disabling Memory Integrity in Windows 11 can help fix driver and app compatibility issues.

  • Use Windows Security for the simplest method.

  • Try Registry Editor, Group Policy, or Command Prompt if the toggle doesn’t work.

  • Remember: disabling it lowers security, so use it as a temporary solution.

👉 Keep your drivers updated, and only turn it off when absolutely necessary.

FAQs About Disabling Memory Integrity in Windows 11

1. Is it safe to disable Memory Integrity?
Yes, but it reduces system security. Only disable if necessary.

2. Will disabling Memory Integrity improve performance?
In some cases, yes — especially if apps or drivers struggle with it enabled.

3. Can I re-enable Memory Integrity later?
Yes, just toggle it back on in Windows Security > Core Isolation details.

4. Why can’t I disable Memory Integrity?
Check for active virtualization or IT policies preventing changes.

5. Does disabling Memory Integrity affect gaming?
It can help if games are blocked by incompatible drivers, but security is reduced.

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