The Windows 11 24H2 update, set to roll out in the near future, continues to push the boundaries of system security, but it seems that the enhancements come with a trade-off in performance. Microsoft has long emphasized the security features of Windows 11, with a focus on memory integrity checks and virtualization-based security (VBS).
The Security Focus: Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)
VBS is a technology that allows for a higher level of system security by leveraging virtualization. It was introduced in Windows 10 and 11 and provides a layer of protection against certain types of malware by ensuring that the code running in memory is not tampered with.
While VBS can enhance system security by preventing malicious software from accessing memory and stealing data, it does come at the cost of potentially reducing performance. Microsoft has acknowledged this trade-off and has provided instructions on how to disable memory integrity for better gaming performance.
Windows 11 24H2: Performance Impact
According to tests conducted by German tech website ComputerBase using an AMD Ryzen 5800X3D processor, the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update will still impact performance when memory integrity is enabled. The tests revealed that frame rates dropped by approximately 8% with memory integrity enabled, although the specific impact can vary depending on the hardware used.
Despite the performance hit, Microsoft views this as an acceptable trade-off for the increased security it provides. The company has not shied away from discussing the performance impact, as evidenced by previous support documents that suggested disabling memory integrity for better gaming performance.
AMD’s Optimizations and Future Patches
To address the performance issues, AMD has been working on optimizing branch prediction functionality in Windows 11 24H2. The company has also resolved performance degradation issues when not using an Administrator account and has ported these optimizations to Windows 11 23H2.
For AMD users, installing the upcoming patches, which are expected to be released next week, should help improve performance. These patches are part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to balance security and performance in Windows 11.
Conclusion
The Windows 11 24H2 update continues to demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing system security. While the trade-off in performance may be a concern for some users, the company seems to believe that the increased security is worth the cost. With AMD’s optimizations and future patches, users can expect a more secure and efficient Windows 11 experience.
As technology continues to evolve, balancing security and performance will remain a challenge for both software developers and hardware manufacturers. The Windows 11 24H2 update serves as a reminder that while security is crucial, it must be achieved without compromising the user experience.
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