How to Fix Memory Integrity is Off Error in Windows 11

If you’re a Windows 11 user and have encountered the dreaded “Memory Integrity is Off” error, you’re not alone. This error message can be quite frustrating, but the good news is that it can be fixed. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to resolve the “Memory Integrity is Off” error in Windows 11.

What is the Memory Integrity Feature?

Before we delve into the solutions, let’s understand what the Memory Integrity feature is and why it’s important.

Memory Integrity is a security feature in Windows 11 designed to protect your system from malicious attacks and unauthorized access. It works by safeguarding the integrity of your computer’s memory, making it difficult for malware and other malicious software to tamper with system processes.

When Memory Integrity is enabled, Windows 11 uses hardware virtualization to create a secure environment that isolates critical system processes and data. This helps to prevent common attacks that target the kernel and memory structures of your computer.

Why Am I Getting the “Memory Integrity is Off” Error?

If you’re seeing the “Memory Integrity is Off” error message on your Windows 11 system, it means that this critical security feature is not functioning as intended. There can be several reasons why this error occurs:

• Incompatible Hardware: Some older hardware components may not support Memory Integrity, leading to compatibility issues.
• Driver Problems: Outdated or incompatible drivers can interfere with the functioning of Memory Integrity.
• BIOS/UEFI Settings: Incorrect BIOS/UEFI settings can prevent Memory Integrity from being enabled.
• Virtualization Disabled: Memory Integrity relies on virtualization technology, so if virtualization is disabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings, you’ll encounter this error.

Now that we understand the possible causes of the “Memory Integrity is Off” error, let’s move on to the solutions.

How to Fix the “Memory Integrity is Off” Error in Windows 11

Solution 1: Check Hardware Compatibility

The first step is to ensure that your hardware supports Memory Integrity. Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter to open the System Information window.
3. Look for the “Secure Boot State” under “System Summary.” It should be set to “On.”
4. Check if “Virtualization-based security” is supported and enabled. Look for the “Virtualization-based security Services” section.

• Hypervisor Enforced Code Integrity: This should be “Running.”
• Credential Guard: This should be “Running.”

If any of these items are not as specified, it may indicate hardware compatibility issues. In this case, you may need to upgrade your hardware to a compatible system.

Solution 2: Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause issues with Memory Integrity. To update your drivers:

• Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
• In the Device Manager window, right-click on each hardware component and select Update driver.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to search for and install the latest driver updates.
• After updating all drivers, restart your computer.

Solution 3: Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

To enable Memory Integrity, you need to make sure that virtualization is enabled in your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings. Here’s how:

• Restart your computer.
• During startup, press the key to enter your BIOS/UEFI settings. The key to press varies by manufacturer but is typically one of the following: F2, F12, Del, or Esc. Consult your computer’s documentation for the exact key.
• Navigate to the virtualization settings. The location and names of these settings may vary, but you’re looking for options related to virtualization or hardware virtualization.
• Enable virtualization support. Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Restart your computer.

Solution 4: Check Windows Security Settings

Sometimes, Windows Security settings can interfere with Memory Integrity. To check and adjust these settings:

• Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings.
• Click on Privacy & Security.
• Select Windows Security from the left-hand menu.
• Click on Device Security.
• Under “Core isolation,” click on Core isolation details.
• Ensure that the following options are turned on:

• Memory integrity
• Virtualization-based security

If any of these options are off, turn them on and restart your computer.

Solution 5: Perform a Windows Update

Microsoft often releases updates to fix known issues and improve system stability. To ensure that your system is up-to-date:

• Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings.
• Click on Windows Update.
• Click on Check for updates and install any pending updates.
• Restart your computer if prompted.

Solution 6: Reset Your PC

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reset your Windows 11 installation. This should be considered as a last resort, as it will remove all your installed applications and settings. Make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.

• Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings.
• Click on System.
• Select Recovery from the left-hand menu.
• Under “Reset this PC,” click on Get started.
• Choose either “Keep my files” or “Remove everything,” depending on your preference.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
• After the reset, check if Memory Integrity is working correctly.

FAQs

Conclusion

The “Memory Integrity is Off” error in Windows 11 can be resolved by following the solutions outlined in this guide. Ensuring that your hardware is compatible, updating drivers, enabling virtualization, adjusting Windows Security settings, performing Windows updates, and, if necessary, resetting your PC can help you get Memory Integrity up and running to enhance the security of your system.