Microsoft says Windows quality updates will begin turning on memory integrity (a Core Isolation / HVCI-style kernel protection) on eligible Windows 11 PCs next month if users have not already disabled it. The same pass can enable Virtualization-based Security where needed. Memory integrity blocks untrusted kernel-mode code and drivers, which is good for ransomware-style kernel attacks — and historically painful for some games and older anti-cheat or GPU stacks.
The Verge notes modern CPUs take less of a hit, while older machines can see clearer frame-time drops. Microsoft will not force the feature on every unsupported configuration; users can still open Windows Security → Core Isolation and toggle it. Competitive players who turned it off for FPS now need a plan before the October-ish quality wave flips it back on.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/988056/microsoft-windows-11-memory-integrity-rollout-october-2026