Microsoft has published a support document that confirms virtualization features in Windows 11 can negatively impact gaming performance. The company is now supplying information on how to disable those features. However, because these are security-related, the company is saying disabling them is at the user's own risk.
According to Microsoft, “continued testing and feedback from users” shows Memory Integrity and Virtual Machine Platform (VMP) can both create slower performance during gameplay.
“Gamers who want to prioritize performance have the option to turn off these features while gaming and turn them back on when finished playing,” points out Microsoft in the support document. “However, if turned off, the device may be vulnerable to threats.”
Memory Integrity is a feature that ensures drivers are secure before they are installed onto Windows 11. It is a basic protection level to stop malicious code from landing on the OS. As for VMP, it provides important security features for virtual machine services.
Both come enabled by default in Windows 11 as security features. Although, Microsoft does allow users to configure their systems to toggle these abilities off.
“Windows 11 system requirements remain the same,” says Pavan Davuluri, CVP, Windows Silicon & System Integration. “There are no changes, and our recommendation remains that for the best protection people keep features on.”
Disabling the Features
It is possible to disable Memory Integrity by searching for “Core Isolation” on the taskbar. Click the Core Isolation search result and in the Windows security app toggle off the features.
To turn off VMP, type “Windows Features” and choose the “Turn Windows Features on or off” from the search results. In the Windows Features section, search for “Virtual Machine Platform” and disable it.
Tip of the day: When using your Windows 10 laptop or convertible with a mobile hotspot you might want to limit the Internet bandwidth your PC uses. In our tutorial we are showing you how to set up a metered connection in Windows 11 or Windows 10 and how to turn it off again, if needed.
