Modern processors are incredibly fast, but if you recently upgraded to Windows 11 and noticed that your PC gaming frame rates have inexplicably dropped, the culprit might be a hidden security feature. Windows 11 enables “Virtualization-Based Security” (VBS) and “Memory Integrity” (Core Isolation) by default on most new PCs.
VBS essentially runs the entire Windows operating system inside a secure virtual machine. While this provides excellent protection against advanced malware for enterprise laptops, it consumes significant CPU resources. Disabling VBS and Memory Integrity can restore up to 10% of your gaming performance, particularly in CPU-heavy titles.
How to Disable Memory Integrity and VBS
You must turn off the Memory Integrity feature within the Windows Security application before the underlying Virtualization-Based Security will fully deactivate.
- Click the Start button, type Windows Security, and press Enter to open the app.
- In the left-hand sidebar of the Security app, click on Device security.
- Under the “Core isolation” section at the top, click the blue link labelled Core isolation details.
- You will see a toggle switch for Memory integrity. Click the toggle to turn it Off.
- You will be prompted by User Account Control; click Yes to confirm.
- A notification will appear telling you that a restart is required. Do not restart yet.
- Close the Windows Security app, click the Start button, type Turn Windows features on or off, and press Enter.
- Scroll down the list and find Virtual Machine Platform. Uncheck the box next to it.
- Click OK. Windows will apply the changes.
- Finally, click the Restart now button to reboot your PC.
(Warning: Disabling these features does lower your computer’s resistance to highly sophisticated malware. If you only use your PC for secure corporate banking, leave them on. If you are a dedicated PC gamer trying to maximize your framerate, turning them off is generally acceptable.)