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Enabling Memory Integrity (HVCI)

  • Updated

Memory Integrity (also called HVCI) uses virtualization-based security (VBS) to protect the Windows kernel from tampering. Enabling it provides stronger protection against cheats, rootkits, and kernel-level injections.

⚠️ Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings carries risk. If you are unfamiliar with firmware configuration, seek assistance from a professional. Incorrect settings can affect system stability.

Important: Enabling Memory Integrity may require driver updates, virtualization support, and a compatible CPU (SLAT). Unsupported drivers will prevent activation.

1. Confirm that your system supports memory integrity

  • Your CPU must support SLAT (Intel EPT / AMD RVI).
  • Your BIOS must have virtualization enabled (Intel VT-x / AMD SVM).
  • Device must be running UEFI firmware (not Legacy BIOS).
  • VBS must be allowed on your edition of Windows (Home, Pro, Enterprise all support it).

To check virtualization status:

  • Open Task Manager.
  • Go to the Performance tab.
  • Look for Virtualization: Enabled.

If it shows Disabled, enable virtualization in BIOS.

2. Enable virtualization in BIOS (If Needed)

BIOS menus vary by manufacturer, but the setting names are consistent.

  • For Intel CPUs: Enable Intel VT-x or Intel Virtualization Technology.
  • For AMD CPUs: Enable SVM Mode.

Save and exit the BIOS after enabling.

3. Enable memory integrity in Windows

  1. Open Windows Security from the Start Menu.
  2. Select Device Security.
  3. Click Core Isolation Details.
  4. Turn on Memory Integrity.
  5. Restart your PC.

If the toggle is greyed out or won’t enable: scroll to the troubleshooting section below.

4. Fix “Incompatible Drivers” Blocking Memory Integrity

When Memory Integrity cannot be enabled, Windows will list drivers that do not support HVCI.

You must remove or update all listed drivers:

  • Update the driver through Windows Update.
  • Download the latest driver from the hardware vendor.
  • Uninstall outdated software (RGB apps, old motherboard utilities, legacy audio drivers, old VPN drivers, etc.).
  • If the driver is no longer needed, delete it from C:\Windows\System32\drivers (only if you know exactly what it is).

5. Verify Memory Integrity Is Enabled

After reboot:

  • Open System Information (msinfo32).
  • Look for:
    • Virtualization-based security: Running
    • Memory Integrity: On

If both are present, HVCI is successfully active.

6. Troubleshooting

Memory Integrity toggle is greyed out

  • Virtualization is disabled → enable VT-x/SVM in BIOS.
  • PC is in Legacy BIOS mode → convert to UEFI if possible.

System crashes after enabling HVCI

  • Outdated GPU or storage drivers → update them.
  • Old anti-cheat drivers from other games → uninstall related software.

Windows reports incompatible drivers but shows none

  • Run Windows Update → Optional Updates.
  • Use Autoruns (Sysinternals) to identify legacy kernel drivers.

Performance drops after enabling HVCI

  • This is normal on older CPUs without modern virtualization extensions.
  • On modern systems (Intel 8th gen+ / Ryzen 2000+), the performance impact is minimal.

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