How to Disable Core Isolation in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 comes with several built-in security features designed to protect your system from modern threats. One of these features is Core Isolation, which uses virtualization-based security (VBS) to isolate sensitive parts of your computer’s memory.

While Core Isolation improves system security, it can sometimes reduce performance, cause compatibility issues with drivers or apps, or interfere with virtualization and gaming.

If you’re facing sluggish performance or certain software refuses to run properly, you may want to temporarily disable Core Isolation.

Table of Contents

What Is Core Isolation in Windows 11?

Core Isolation is a virtualization-based security (VBS) feature in Windows 11 that protects critical system processes from malware and other attacks.

Think of it as a digital vault: your system’s sensitive code runs inside a secure, isolated memory region, shielded from malicious access.

One of its most known components is Memory Integrity, which ensures that kernel-level drivers and code are verified before running.

In simple terms:

Core Isolation = Secure vault
Memory Integrity = Guard checking what gets inside the vault

2. How Does Core Isolation Work?

Core Isolation uses your computer’s hardware virtualization capabilities (like Intel VT-x or AMD-V) to create a virtual security layer that separates essential processes from the main OS.

When Memory Integrity is active:

Windows checks all kernel-mode drivers for digital signatures.
Unsigned or modified drivers can’t load.
Malware is prevented from tampering with protected memory areas.

It’s a robust defense mechanism, but it comes at a cost — increased CPU overhead and compatibility problems with older drivers.

3. Why You Might Want to Disable Core Isolation

Here are the most common reasons people turn off Core Isolation:

Performance drops: On older CPUs, enabling Core Isolation can slow down gaming, rendering, or virtualization tasks.
Driver issues: Some hardware or software uses unsigned drivers that Core Isolation blocks.
Virtualization conflicts: Advanced users running virtual machines (VMware, VirtualBox, WSL2) sometimes experience instability.
System tuning: Enthusiasts optimizing for maximum performance (e.g., in gaming PCs) may prefer to disable it.

If you notice lag after updates, or your GPU driver refuses to load, Core Isolation could be the culprit.

4. Is It Safe to Disable Core Isolation?

Yes — temporarily disabling Core Isolation is generally safe if you know what you’re doing and your PC isn’t exposed to untrusted apps or networks.

However, keep in mind:

You’ll lose an additional layer of defense against low-level attacks.
It’s not recommended for business PCs or systems handling sensitive data.
You can always turn it back on later.

In other words, disable it if you need compatibility or performance, but reactivate it once the issue is resolved.

5. How to Check If Core Isolation Is Enabled

Before disabling anything, check the current status.

Method 1: Using Windows Security

Click Start → Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Open Windows Security.
Choose Device Security.
Under Core Isolation, click Core isolation details.
If “Memory Integrity” is turned On, then Core Isolation is active.

Method 2: Using System Information

Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
In the System Summary window, look for Device Guard properties.
If you see entries like “Virtualization-based security: Running,” Core Isolation is enabled.

6. Step-by-Step: How to Disable Core Isolation in Windows 11

Let’s get to the main part — turning it off safely.

Step 1: Open Windows Security

Click the Start menu and type “Windows Security.”
Select the app from the search results.

Step 2: Navigate to Device Security

In the left sidebar, click Device Security.
You’ll see options related to your device’s hardware protection.

Step 3: Open Core Isolation Settings

Under Core Isolation, click Core isolation details.

Step 4: Turn Off Memory Integrity

Toggle the switch Off under “Memory Integrity.”
You’ll see a warning message explaining that your system may be less secure — confirm it.

Step 5: Restart Your PC

Once disabled, restart your computer to apply changes.
When the PC restarts, Core Isolation will be off, and any blocked drivers should now work.

7. Alternate Method: Disable Core Isolation Using Registry Editor

If the Windows Security toggle is greyed out, you can disable it via the Windows Registry.

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Proceed carefully.

Steps:

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity
On the right pane, double-click Enabled.
Change the Value data from 1 to 0.
Click OK and close Registry Editor.
Restart your PC.

After reboot, Core Isolation (Memory Integrity) will be disabled.

8. Alternate Method: Disable Core Isolation Using Group Policy

This option is best for system administrators or advanced users.

Steps:

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Navigate to:

Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Device Guard
Double-click Turn On Virtualization Based Security.
Select Disabled.
Click Apply → OK.
Restart your computer.

9. How to Verify Core Isolation Is Turned Off

Once your PC reboots:

Open Windows Security again.
Go to Device Security → Core Isolation Details.
Ensure Memory Integrity shows as Off.

You can also recheck with System Information (msinfo32) — “Virtualization-based security” should now say Not enabled.

10. How to Fix Greyed-Out Core Isolation Settings

Sometimes the toggle under Windows Security is locked or unresponsive. Here’s how to fix that:

Update Windows: Make sure you’re running the latest Windows 11 updates.
Update drivers: Outdated or unsigned drivers can interfere with Core Isolation controls.
Use Registry Editor: If still greyed out, disable it manually through the registry (as shown above).
Check Group Policy: A system policy may enforce Core Isolation; disable it there.

If you’re using a work or school PC, your IT administrator may have locked this setting.

11. Should You Re-enable Core Isolation Later?

Yes — if you disabled it for troubleshooting or performance testing, re-enable it once everything works properly.

Why? Because Core Isolation helps defend against sophisticated attacks that target low-level processes. Leaving it off long-term slightly increases your risk of system compromise.

When you’re done testing or updating drivers, simply go back and toggle it on again.

12. How to Re-enable Core Isolation in Windows 11

Open Windows Security.
Select Device Security → Core Isolation Details.
Toggle Memory Integrity to On.
Restart your PC to apply changes.

Note: If you get an error saying “Can’t turn on Memory Integrity,” you likely have incompatible drivers installed. Remove or update them first.

13. Performance Impact: Before vs After Disabling

Turning off Core Isolation can noticeably improve performance in some cases.

Task	With Core Isolation	Without Core Isolation
Boot Time	Slightly slower	Faster
Gaming FPS	3–8% lower	Normal or improved
Virtual Machine startup	Slower	Faster
Driver installation	Restricted	Unrestricted

For most users with modern hardware, the difference is minor. But for older CPUs or heavy workloads, you may feel smoother performance once it’s off.

14. Troubleshooting: When Core Isolation Won’t Turn Off

If you can’t disable it:

Restart into Safe Mode and try toggling it again.
Disable virtualization in BIOS (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
Run as administrator — make sure you have full privileges.
Remove conflicting security software (like third-party antivirus).
Check for updates — a recent patch may fix the issue.

In extreme cases, reinstalling Windows may be required, but that’s rare.

15. Key Tips for Safe Configuration

Always backup your data before editing the registry or system settings.
Disable Core Isolation only when necessary.
Keep Windows and drivers up to date to minimize vulnerabilities.
Re-enable Core Isolation once your issue is resolved.
Avoid downloading unsigned drivers or unknown software.

These best practices keep your system stable and secure, even with Core Isolation temporarily turned off.

16. Conclusion

Disabling Core Isolation in Windows 11 can help fix performance issues, improve gaming speeds, or resolve driver compatibility problems.

While it’s a useful troubleshooting step, remember that it reduces your device’s protection level. The key is balance — disable it only when necessary and re-enable it once you’re done.

By following the steps above — whether through Windows Security, Registry Editor, or Group Policy — you can easily manage this feature without compromising system stability.

17. FAQs

1. What is Core Isolation used for?
Core Isolation protects critical memory areas from malware using virtualization-based security.

2. Will disabling Core Isolation make my computer faster?
It can slightly improve performance, especially on older CPUs or systems with limited resources.

3. Can I disable only Memory Integrity?
Yes. Memory Integrity is the main component of Core Isolation, and turning it off disables most of the feature’s effects.

4. Why is the Core Isolation toggle greyed out?
This happens if a system policy, outdated driver, or administrator restriction prevents editing. Use the Registry or Group Policy methods to unlock it.

5. Should I leave Core Isolation disabled permanently?
No. It’s best to turn it off temporarily for troubleshooting or performance testing and re-enable it later for security.

18. Summary: Key Takeaways

Core Isolation protects Windows 11 using virtualization-based security.
It can cause performance issues or driver conflicts on some systems.
To disable it:
1. Open Windows Security → Device Security → Core Isolation Details.
2. Turn off Memory Integrity.
3. Restart your PC.
If the toggle is greyed out, use Registry Editor or Group Policy.
Re-enable it once issues are fixed to maintain security.

Final Word:
Core Isolation is like a seatbelt — it keeps you safe but can feel restrictive sometimes. Turn it off only when needed, and put it back on once you’ve solved your issue. Your PC (and your peace of mind) will thank you.