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Windows 11 has two settings worth testing when a CPU-limited game stutters or delivers inconsistent frame times: Memory integrity (Microsoft’s name for Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity, or HVCI) and Virtual Machine Platform (VMP). Disabling them can improve performance on some PCs, but there is no universal FPS gain. Memory integrity removes a kernel-driver security layer, while VMP can affect WSL2, Docker, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox and similar software. Measure your own system, change one setting at a time, and restore both when testing is finished.
The two Windows 11 options to check
Memory integrity (HVCI)
Memory integrity is the Windows Security interface name for Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity, a feature within the broader Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) architecture. It uses an isolated, virtualization-based environment to validate kernel-mode code and helps block malicious or untrusted drivers from taking control of Windows. Microsoft documents the feature in Device security in the Windows Security app. Hardware virtualization must be enabled in UEFI/BIOS for it to operate.
Virtual Machine Platform (VMP)
Virtual Machine Platform is a separate Windows optional feature that supplies virtualization infrastructure. It is used by Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2), Docker Desktop and similar container tools, Hyper-V-related workflows, Windows Sandbox, and some other virtualized application environments. Microsoft describes the feature and its virtualization context at Enable virtualization on Windows.
VBS, HVCI, Memory integrity and VMP are related, but they are not interchangeable names. Turning off VMP does not turn off Intel VT-x, AMD-V or AMD SVM in firmware, and the normal gaming test should leave BIOS virtualization enabled.
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How much performance can you gain?
Results depend on the game, processor, graphics card, Windows configuration and whether the workload is CPU-limited. The largest differences are more likely with a fast GPU at 1080p, demanding frame-time targets, older or power-limited CPUs, laptops and handhelds. GPU-limited games may barely change.
Tom’s Hardware’s earlier testing found approximately a 1% loss in Grand Theft Auto V, about 5% in Far Cry 5 and about 6% in Project Cars 3 with VBS enabled on its test systems. A later RTX 4090 test found selected games losing as much as 10%, while several others showed modest or negligible differences. These are specific benchmark results, not a promise for every PC: earlier processor and game testing and later RTX 4090 testing.
Microsoft previously documented Memory integrity and VMP as settings gamers could temporarily turn off when prioritizing gaming performance. The associated support URL now redirects to the general Support homepage, so treat that as historical Microsoft guidance rather than an active, directly verifiable recommendation: Tom’s Hardware’s report and the original URL Microsoft support link.
Check whether the settings are enabled
Check Memory integrity
- Open Start and search for Windows Security.
- Open it, select Device security, then Core isolation details.
- Read the Memory integrity switch.
Check Virtual Machine Platform
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type
optionalfeaturesand press Enter. - Find Virtual Machine Platform and note whether its box is checked.
Do not confuse VMP with Windows Hypervisor Platform, Hyper-V or BIOS/UEFI virtualization. They can work together, but each is a separate control.
Disable Memory integrity safely
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Device security → Core isolation details.
- Set Memory integrity to Off.
- Restart Windows if prompted. After restart, return to the same page and confirm that it is disabled.
If Windows reports an incompatible driver, record its name. Update or uninstall that driver or the associated reputable software if you no longer need it. Old motherboard utilities, RGB tools, anti-cheat components, storage drivers and hardware-monitoring tools can be involved. Do not force the change with a registry edit as a first step. Microsoft’s current explanation of the feature and driver warnings is in Device security in the Windows Security app.
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Disable Virtual Machine Platform
- Press Windows key + R, enter
optionalfeatures, and press Enter. - Clear Virtual Machine Platform.
- Select OK and restart Windows.
Change only this checkbox for the initial test. Do not disable Secure Boot, TPM, Hyper-V, Windows Hypervisor Platform or firmware virtualization unless you are solving a separate, documented compatibility problem.
PowerShell alternative
Experienced users can run the following in an elevated PowerShell window, then restart:
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform
Restart-ComputerTo restore VMP later:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName VirtualMachinePlatform -AllThe Optional Features dialog is preferable because feature dependencies vary by Windows edition and configuration.
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- With both settings enabled, record a baseline.
- Disable Memory integrity, restart, and repeat the same test.
- If there is no repeatable improvement, restore it.
- Test VMP separately if needed.
- Only after those tests, try both disabled together if you want to measure the combined effect.
For an apples-to-apples comparison, use the same game build, save point or repeatable benchmark, resolution, upscaling mode, graphics settings, drivers, Windows updates, overlays and background applications. Run at least three passes where practical. Record average FPS, 1% lows and frame-time behavior; a smoother 1% low can matter even when average FPS barely changes. A 2–3% difference may be normal run-to-run variation, so look for a repeatable pattern rather than a single result.
When leaving the settings enabled is the better choice
Keep Memory integrity on when:
- The PC is used for work, banking, school or sensitive data.
- You regularly install third-party drivers or use unknown downloads, mods, cheats or cracks.
- Other people use the computer.
- The device is managed by an organization.
- Your measurements show little or no benefit.
Turning it off removes a defense against malicious kernel-level drivers; Windows remains usable, but its security posture is weaker.
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Keep VMP on when:
- You use WSL2.
- You run Docker Desktop or another container platform that requires it.
- You use Hyper-V virtual machines or Windows Sandbox.
- Other virtualization-dependent software is installed.
Those applications may stop launching or use a different backend when VMP is disabled.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Try these safer checks before changing security features
- Install current graphics drivers from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel, and update Windows and the game.
- Check CPU and GPU utilization, temperatures and clock speeds for throttling.
- Use the laptop’s performance mode and AC power.
- Close unnecessary overlays, capture tools and background applications.
- Confirm whether the game is CPU- or GPU-limited.
- For compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 windowed or borderless games, try Settings → System → Display → Graphics → Optimizations for windowed games. Microsoft says it can reduce frame latency and expose Auto HDR or variable refresh rate on supported displays: Microsoft’s guide.
- On a multi-GPU system, choose the game under Settings → System → Display → Graphics and set it to High performance, using the same Microsoft guide.
Troubleshooting and recovery
Memory integrity is missing or grayed out
Organization policy, Group Policy or registry configuration, incompatible drivers, security software or Windows configuration can hide or lock the switch. Check the incompatible-driver notice, update Windows and device drivers, and contact an administrator on a managed PC. Do not bypass management controls.
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VMP will not turn off
- Restart Windows and try the Optional Features dialog again.
- Install pending Windows updates.
- If the feature still will not change, use Windows’ built-in component-repair procedures in an advanced support workflow rather than deleting unrelated features.
- Re-enable VMP if dependent software stops working.
There is no performance improvement
That is a normal result, not a failure. The game may be GPU-limited, virtualization overhead may be negligible on your hardware, one setting may already have been off, or the apparent difference may be benchmark variation. Investigate drivers, shader compilation, thermals, power mode and background software instead of disabling additional security systems.
Turn the settings back on
Restore Memory integrity
Open Windows Security → Device security → Core isolation details, set Memory integrity to On, and restart if prompted.
Restore VMP
- Press Windows key + R, enter
optionalfeatures, and press Enter. - Check Virtual Machine Platform.
- Select OK and restart Windows.
Restore both after testing or when the PC returns to normal work, unless you have a specific, understood reason to keep one disabled.
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