Have you ever wondered about the security feature "Memory Integrity" in Windows 10 or Windows 11? What exactly is it? Is it okay to turn it off?
To sum up, we generally recommend leaving it on, but if a particular game is heavy or you're using older peripherals, there are cases where it's okay to leave it off.
This page explains the role of memory integrity in balancing PC performance and security, and provides a detailed explanation that is easy to understand even for beginners, explaining the advantages and disadvantages that switching it on and off has on the system.
If the setting item is grayed out or an error occurs and you cannot turn it on, the article below explains the steps to resolve the issue.
メモリ整合性とは
What is "Memory Integrity" in Windows 10/11?Core Isolation Sub-FeaturesIt is also known as Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI). Windows security features.
Core Isolation isolates critical system processes in memory in the Windows OS to protect them from malicious software such as malware and ransomware.
Core isolation is achieved using hardware virtualization technology, and turning "Memory Integrity" "On" helps prevent malicious code from unauthorized access to or tampering with critical system processes.
Benefits of turning memory integrity "on"
In Windows 10/11, "Memory Integrity" is "On" by default.
By turning on "Memory Integrity", malicious programs (incompatible drivers) will be blocked, protecting your PC from attacks.
A driver is a computerdeviceDrivers are special programs (software) that allow devices to communicate with each other. Simply put, without a driver, no device can function properly.
To put it simply, the function of "memory integrity" is like having a security guard in a locked warehouse. Even if an attacker tries to tamper with the contents of the warehouse, the extremely skilled security guard will prevent the tampering.
If "Memory Integrity" is "Off", anyone who cracks the lock can tamper with it as they please.
The guard (memory integrity function) checks the attacker (program) and prevents the code from being executed if it is deemed to be dangerous, or allows it to run if it is deemed safe (usually this exchange occurs very quickly).
We recommend leaving it "On" for corporate PCs or those who want to strengthen security even a little.
Disadvantages of turning on memory integrity
Turning Memory Integrity "On" provides additional security, but may result in reduced performance on lower spec PCs.
- With many applicationsConflictThere is a possibility that
- High memory usage
- Overall system performance is degraded
- Some incompatible drivers will not be able to be installed
This can cause a significant drop in performance, especially in gaming environments.
Also, if you turn on Memory Integrity, incompatible drivers will be blocked, which may prevent some applications or older devices from working.
Is it okay to turn off memory integrity?
In conclusion, to maximize the security of your PC,We strongly recommend that you keep memory integrity "on" at all times.
Turning off Memory Integrity does nothing to prevent malicious code or outdated drivers with vulnerabilities from loading, increasing the risk of your PC being taken over or becoming unstable.
In simple terms, your PC may be at risk if:
- Downloaded from an untrusted sourcesignatureIt has beenNo driverIf you installed
- If you install an incompatible driver
- If you have installed some software, including drivers
Typically, drivers installed with Windows are digitally signed by Microsoft, which certifies that the driver has not been tampered with and is trustworthy. An unsigned driver is one that does not have this digital signature.
For the reasons above, we strongly recommend leaving memory integrity "on."
Minimum self-protection measures if you have to turn it off:
However, there may be times when you absolutely need to turn off Memory Integrity to use certain older games or peripherals.
In that case,All conditionsPlease make sure that you meet the above criteria and carefully consider whether you are willing to take the risks. If any of these criteria are not met, it is best to leave it "On."
- Always keep your security software up to date(It is standard equipment Windows Security(including
- Keep your OS up to date(Latest cumulative updates applied)
- Only get software from official websites and trusted stores(Do not download mods from suspicious sites)
- Never open suspicious files, such as those sent via email
- Do not share your PC or USB memory with untrusted third parties.
How to turn off memory integrity
As mentioned above, we recommend leaving memory integrity "on."
However, if you are concerned about not being able to use some applications or devices, try turning it off using the following steps.
*The explanation will be given using the Windows 11 screen, but the operation method is the same for Windows 10.
1.Task tray (notification area)Click the Windows Security icon.
2. Click "Device Security" on the left or right side.
3. Under "Core Isolation", click "Core Isolation Details".
4. Under "Core Isolation", "Memory Integrity" is set to "On". Click it to turn it "Off".
5. When the "User Account Control" message appears, click "Yes".
6.Then, you will see the message "Restart your device to apply these changes." Please restart your PC.
7. When your PC boots, Memory Integrity will be "OFF".
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