Microsoft Enables Memory Integrity by Default on Windows 11

Microsoft is rolling out an update to Windows 11 in October that will enable Memory Integrity by default. This feature uses a virtualized environment to verify kernel-mode drivers before they execute, ensuring they're safe and preventing malware from exploiting older drivers.

Memory Integrity has been available on Windows 11 since its release, but it's only now being enabled for all users who meet the minimum system requirements. These include Intel processors from the 8th generation onwards, AMD Zen 2 processors or newer, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8180 SoC or newer, at least 8GB of RAM on x64 systems, and a BIOS with virtualization enabled.

Enabling Memory Integrity may cause performance dips in older hardware, but for modern rigs common across the GCC, it shouldn't dent FPS in esports titles or big-budget games. If you rely on legacy capture cards, sound cards, or other peripherals with abandoned drivers, plan to test after the update and weigh the security risk.