Microsoft to Enable Memory Integrity on More Windows 11 PCs in October

Microsoft announced it will begin automatically enabling its Memory Integrity security feature on a broader range of eligible Windows 11 PCs through quality updates starting in October 2026. The move extends kernel-level protection to more existing devices by default, though the company acknowledges the feature can reduce gaming performance on some systems. In a September 1 blog post, Microsoft stated that the rollout will provide stronger protection for more devices against attacks targeting the Windows kernel. The updates will also enable Virtualization-Based Security, or VBS, where required, which provides the isolated environment underlying Memory Integrity. Before making the change, Windows will automatically assess each device using readiness signals covering its hardware capabilities, compatibility, and performance. The October rollout expands Microsoft's existing default-enablement policy. Memory Integrity is already switched on by default on clean Windows 11 installations that meet hardware requirements, as well as on Secured-core PCs.