Fix “Memory Integrity Is Off” Error on Windows 11 or 10

Memory Integrity, also known as Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI), relies on hardware virtualization and driver compatibility. If anything interferes with these, Windows disables the feature.

Common causes include outdated or incompatible drivers, virtualization being disabled in BIOS, corrupted system files, or conflicts with third-party software such as older antivirus programs.

Let’s resolve this error on your Windows 11 or 10!

Fix “Memory Integrity Is Off” Error on Windows 11 or 10

To fix the “Memory Integrity is off” error in Windows 11 or 10, open Windows Security, go to Device Security, and enable Memory Integrity under Core Isolation. If it fails, remove incompatible drivers, update all system drivers, enable virtualization in BIOS, and repair system files using built-in tools like SFC and DISM.

Step 1: Turn On Memory Integrity from Windows Security

Start with the most straightforward solution, which is enabling the feature directly from Windows settings. Sometimes, it’s simply turned off and can be re-enabled without any extra steps.

Open the Start menu and type Windows Security, then press Enter. Once the app opens, click on Device Security. Under the Core Isolation section, select Core isolation details. You’ll see a toggle for Memory Integrity.

If the toggle is off, switch it on. Windows may ask you to restart your PC. Go ahead and restart to apply the changes. After rebooting, check if the feature remains enabled.

If it turns off again automatically, it usually means there’s a deeper issue, such as incompatible drivers, which you’ll fix in the next steps.

Step 2: Check and Remove Incompatible Drivers

One of the most common reasons Memory Integrity won’t stay on is due to incompatible drivers. Windows blocks the feature if it detects drivers that could compromise system security.

In Windows Security, go back to Core Isolation details. If there’s a problem, you’ll often see a message like “Review incompatible drivers.” Click on it to view the list.

Take note of the driver names shown. These are usually old or unsigned drivers. To remove them, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it. Locate the device associated with the driver, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device.

If you’re unsure which device the driver belongs to, you can search the driver name online to identify it. After uninstalling, restart your computer and try enabling Memory Integrity again.

For safety, avoid deleting drivers randomly. Only remove those specifically flagged by Windows.

Step 3: Update All Device Drivers

Outdated drivers can prevent Memory Integrity from working properly. Updating them ensures compatibility with Windows security features.

Open Device Manager and expand each category. Look for devices with warning icons or outdated entries. Right-click on a device and select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for drivers.

It’s also a good idea to visit your PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers, especially for critical components like the chipset, graphics card, and network adapter.

Keeping drivers up to date not only fixes this issue but also improves overall system stability and performance.

Step 4: Enable Virtualization in BIOS or UEFI

Memory Integrity relies on hardware virtualization. If virtualization is disabled in your BIOS or UEFI settings, the feature won’t work.

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI menu. This is usually done by pressing a key like F2, Delete, or Esc during startup.

Once inside, look for settings related to virtualization. These may be labeled as Intel VT-x, Intel Virtualization Technology, or AMD-V, depending on your processor. Enable the option and save changes.

After exiting BIOS, your system will reboot. Once back in Windows, try enabling Memory Integrity again.

This step is crucial because without virtualization, the feature cannot function at all.

Step 5: Repair System Files Using SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files can also interfere with security features. Windows provides built-in tools to repair these issues.

Open the Start menu, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

First, run the System File Checker by typing the following command and pressing Enter: sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete. If any issues are found, Windows will attempt to fix them automatically.

Next, run the DISM tool with this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This process may take some time, so be patient. Once both scans are complete, restart your computer and check if Memory Integrity can be enabled.

Step 6: Uninstall Conflicting Software

Certain third-party applications, especially older antivirus programs or system utilities, can conflict with Memory Integrity.

Open Settings, go to Apps, and review installed programs. If you see outdated antivirus software or system-level tools, consider uninstalling them.

After removal, restart your PC and try enabling Memory Integrity again. Windows Defender is usually sufficient for most users and works seamlessly with this feature.

Step 7: Perform a Windows Update

Sometimes, the issue is caused by bugs that Microsoft has already fixed in newer updates. Keeping your system updated ensures compatibility with security features.

Open Settings, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

After updating, revisit Windows Security and try turning on Memory Integrity again.

Step 8: Reset Windows Security App

If the Windows Security app itself is malfunctioning, resetting it can help.

Open Settings, go to Apps, then Installed apps. Find Windows Security, click on the three dots, and select Advanced options.

Scroll down and click Reset. This will restore the app to its default state. After resetting, restart your system and check if the issue is resolved.

FAQs

Why is Memory Integrity important?

Memory Integrity protects your system from malicious code that tries to run in high-security areas of the operating system. It’s an essential part of modern Windows security.

Can I ignore the “Memory Integrity is off” warning?

You can ignore it, but it’s not recommended. Leaving it off reduces your system’s protection against advanced threats.

Will enabling Memory Integrity slow down my PC?

On older hardware, there might be a slight performance impact. On modern systems, the difference is usually negligible.

What if no incompatible drivers are listed?

If no drivers are shown, the issue may be related to virtualization settings or system file corruption.

Does this issue affect both Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, the feature exists in both operating systems, and the troubleshooting steps are nearly identical.