I Gained 10% More FPS by Turning Off This Windows Security Feature

Why It Matters

For gamers, a 10% FPS boost can be decisive, but removing kernel‑level defenses raises exposure to sophisticated malware, making the configuration choice a critical security‑performance trade‑off.

Key Takeaways

• Memory Integrity adds ~10% FPS when disabled.
• Feature protects kernel from malicious drivers via virtualization.
• Disabling removes protection against kernel-level attacks.
• Simple steps: Security > Core isolation > Memory Integrity toggle.
• Other tweaks: Ultimate Power Plan, GPU scheduling boost performance.

Pulse Analysis

Memory Integrity is part of Microsoft’s Virtualization‑Based Security (VBS) framework, designed to create a hyper‑isolated environment for critical system processes. By running these processes in a secure container, the OS can prevent malicious or compromised drivers from tampering with the kernel, a threat vector that traditional antivirus solutions often miss. This extra layer, however, introduces a modest CPU overhead because each protected operation must cross the virtualization boundary, a cost that is largely invisible during everyday tasks but becomes measurable under the high‑load conditions of modern gaming.

When the feature is active, the additional context switches and memory checks can shave a few frames off a game’s output, especially in titles that push the processor to its limits. In the MakeUseOf test, turning Memory Integrity off lifted the frame rate from 125 FPS to 140 FPS—a roughly 10% improvement that can translate into smoother gameplay and a competitive edge in fast‑paced shooters. The gain is most pronounced in CPU‑bound scenarios, where the overhead of VBS competes directly with the game’s rendering pipeline. For users with high‑refresh‑rate monitors or esports ambitions, even a single digit FPS increase is worth investigating.

The decision to disable Memory Integrity hinges on risk tolerance. While most home users run reputable software and rely on conventional antivirus, the feature guards against kernel‑level exploits that can bypass those defenses. Gamers who frequently install unsigned mods, experiment with custom drivers, or download from unverified sources should weigh the security downgrade carefully. Complementary performance tweaks—such as enabling Windows’ hidden Ultimate Power Plan or activating Hardware‑Accelerated GPU Scheduling—can offer additional FPS gains without compromising the VBS protection, allowing a more balanced approach to optimizing a gaming PC.