How to Enable Core Isolation and Memory Integrity on Windows

What Causes This?

Core Isolation and Memory Integrity can stay disabled when Windows detects incompatible drivers, virtualization settings that aren’t enabled, or security features that conflict with device protection. In some cases, the option is available but won’t turn on because old hardware drivers still use unsafe memory access methods. Windows may also block the feature after an update if it finds a driver or system configuration that could cause instability.

Common Symptoms

• Memory Integrity is turned off in Windows Security
• You see a message about incompatible drivers
• The toggle turns on, then switches back off after a restart
• Device Security shows Core Isolation settings are unavailable
• Windows warns that your device may be less protected

How to Fix It Manually

1. Open the Core Isolation settings

   • Press Start, type Windows Security, and open it.
   • Click Device security.
   • Under Core isolation, click Core isolation details.
   • Try turning Memory integrity to On.

2. Restart your PC if prompted

   • If Windows asks for a restart, save your work and reboot.
   • After restarting, go back to Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details and confirm the setting stayed enabled.

3. Check for incompatible drivers

   • In Core isolation details, look for a notice about incompatible drivers.
   • If Windows lists a driver, note the published name or driver file name.
   • Press Win+X and choose Device Manager.
   • Find the related device, right-click it, and select Update driver.
   • Choose Search automatically for drivers.
   • If no update is found, visit your PC or hardware manufacturer’s website and install the latest driver manually.

4. Remove or replace blocked drivers if needed

   • If a driver is old and no newer version exists, you may need to remove the related software or device.
   • Press Win+I to open Settings, then go to Apps > Installed apps.
   • Uninstall any old hardware utility, virtualization tool, or device software linked to the blocked driver.
   • Restart your PC and try enabling Memory integrity again.

5. Make sure virtualization is enabled

   • Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
   • Click the Performance tab, then select CPU.
   • Check whether Virtualization says Enabled.
   • If it says Disabled, restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup screen.
   • Enable Intel VT-x, Intel Virtualization Technology, AMD-V, or SVM Mode, then save changes and boot back into Windows.

6. Install Windows updates

   • Open Settings > Windows Update.
   • Click Check for updates and install everything available, including optional driver updates if relevant.
   • Restart your PC after updates finish, then try enabling the setting again.

7. Check for system file issues

   • Press Start, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   • Run this command:

     sfc /scannow

   • Wait for the scan to finish, restart your PC, and check the Core Isolation setting again.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can help identify the common reasons Memory Integrity will not turn on, including outdated drivers, conflicting software, and Windows settings that weaken security. Instead of checking each issue manually, you can use Kudu to scan your system and fix blocking problems faster.

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