As the latest iteration of Microsoft’s operating system, Windows 11 has been praised for its enhanced security features. One of these features is the Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), which includes the memory integrity check (HVCI). While this feature is designed to improve system security, it may come at the cost of reduced performance, particularly on the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 version.
Emphasizing Security with Memory Integrity
Microsoft has always been committed to providing a secure operating environment. With the release of Windows 11, the company highlighted the system’s improved security capabilities. This includes requiring devices to have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and secure boot. Additionally, Microsoft focused on memory security by introducing memory integrity checks and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI).
The VBS feature, in particular, is designed to enhance system security by preventing malicious software from accessing memory and stealing data. However, this comes with a trade-off: it may impact performance.
Performance Impact Acknowledged by Microsoft
Microsoft has not been shy about the potential performance impact of the memory integrity feature. In a previous support document, the company mentioned that disabling memory integrity can improve gaming performance. This suggests that while the feature is beneficial for security, it may not be ideal for all use cases.
AMD Ryzen 5800X3D Performance Test
To assess the impact of memory integrity on the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 version, German technology website ComputerBase conducted a performance test using the AMD Ryzen 5800X3D processor. The results revealed that enabling memory integrity in the new version would still result in a performance decrease.
The test found that with memory integrity enabled, frame rates dropped by approximately 8%. This decrease in performance may vary depending on the hardware configuration. Despite this, Microsoft appears to consider this level of performance impact acceptable, given the increased security benefits.
AMD’s Optimization Efforts
Recognizing the potential impact of memory integrity on performance, AMD has been working to optimize the branch prediction feature in Windows 11 24H2. This optimization aims to resolve performance issues for users without an Administrator account. AMD has also plans to port these optimizations to Windows 11 23H2.
Upcoming Performance Enhancements
For AMD users, the upcoming September patch is expected to help improve performance. These patches are scheduled for release next week, offering a glimmer of hope for those affected by the performance impact of the memory integrity feature.
Conclusion
While the memory integrity feature in Windows 11 24H2 is designed to enhance system security, it may come at the cost of reduced performance. However, AMD’s ongoing optimization efforts and the upcoming patches offer some hope for improved performance. As users prepare for the release of Windows 11 24H2, it will be interesting to see how the balance between security and performance is maintained.
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