How To Close Hvci

HVCI, short for Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity, is a Windows security feature that helps protect important parts of the operating system from malicious or untrusted code. In Windows Security, the setting is usually called Memory integrity and appears under Core isolation. If you are searching for how to close HVCI, you likely want to turn this feature off temporarily—often to troubleshoot an incompatible driver or hardware device.

Disabling HVCI can reduce your computer’s protection against certain attacks, so it is best to try updating or removing the incompatible driver first. If you do need to switch it off, use the steps below, restart Windows, and turn it back on when you have finished troubleshooting.

What Does HVCI Do?

HVCI uses virtualization-based security to help enforce code integrity in the Windows kernel. In simpler terms, it makes it harder for untrusted or improperly signed code to interfere with critical parts of the system. Microsoft presents the user-facing control as Memory integrity, a Core isolation setting in the Windows Security app.

HVCI is not the same as antivirus software, and it does not replace Microsoft Defender or another security product. It adds another layer of protection. Turning it off does not necessarily disable antivirus protection, but it does remove this particular safeguard. The option may also be managed by your workplace or school, in which case your organization’s IT administrator controls whether you can change it.

Before You Turn Off HVCI

First, identify why you need to disable Memory integrity. Windows may report an incompatible driver in the Core isolation settings, or a device, application, or older game may stop working after an update. Whenever possible, resolve the underlying compatibility issue rather than leaving HVCI disabled.

• Check Windows Update for available system and driver updates.
• Look for an updated driver on the computer or device manufacturer’s official website.
• Uninstall a driver or device you no longer use, if it is safe to do so.
• Create a restore point or otherwise make sure important files are backed up before troubleshooting.
• If this is a work- or school-managed computer, contact your IT administrator before changing security settings.

Be cautious about downloading drivers from unfamiliar websites. An unofficial driver may expose your computer to malware or cause stability problems, even if it appears to resolve the HVCI warning.

How to Close HVCI in Windows 11

The simplest way to close HVCI in Windows 11 is to switch off Memory integrity in Windows Security. You need to be signed in with an account that has permission to change the device’s security settings.

• Open the Start menu and search for Windows Security.
• Select the Windows Security app from the results.
• Choose Device security in the left-hand menu.
• Under Core isolation, select Core isolation details.
• Find Memory integrity and switch the toggle to Off.
• Approve the User Account Control prompt if Windows displays one.
• Restart your computer when prompted, or restart it manually after saving your work.

The restart is important. HVCI is a low-level Windows security feature, so the change may not take effect until the next boot. Save open documents and close applications before restarting.

How to Turn Off HVCI in Windows 10

On supported versions of Windows 10, the setting is also available in Windows Security. The wording or layout can vary slightly depending on your Windows version and updates, but the general route is similar.

• Open Start, type Windows Security, and open the app.
• Select Device security.
• Choose Core isolation details beneath the Core isolation section.
• Set Memory integrity to Off.
• Restart the computer to apply the change.

If you cannot find Device security or Core isolation, your version of Windows may not show the feature, your device may not support it, or an administrator may have hidden or managed the setting. Check Windows Update and consult your device manufacturer’s support information before trying other changes.

How to Check Whether HVCI Is Off

After restarting, open Windows Security and return to Device security > Core isolation details. The Memory integrity toggle should show that the feature is off. If Windows still reports that it is on, restart once more and check whether a work or school policy is controlling the setting.

You can also use System Information as a supplementary check. Open Start, search for System Information, and review the security-related details. The exact fields shown can vary between Windows versions and devices, so Windows Security is generally the easiest place to confirm the Memory integrity toggle.

What to Do If the HVCI Toggle Is Missing or Won’t Change

A missing, unavailable, or automatically reset Memory integrity control does not always indicate a Windows fault. The setting can be affected by device compatibility, administrator policies, Windows edition, or the way the computer is configured. Try these checks before changing advanced system settings.

• Check for an administrator message: If Windows says the setting is managed by your organization, contact the person or team responsible for the computer.
• Install Windows updates: Updates can provide security fixes and improve compatibility with supported hardware and drivers.
• Review incompatible drivers: If Windows lists a driver, note its name and look for an updated version from the hardware manufacturer.
• Restart after making changes: The setting may not update fully until Windows has restarted.
• Check for third-party security tools: Some security or device-management software can control Windows security settings. Use the product’s documentation or ask its administrator before changing it.

A driver warning is a useful clue, but it does not mean every listed driver should be deleted. Confirm what hardware or software uses the driver before uninstalling it. Removing a driver that is needed for storage, networking, or another essential function can make the device unstable or prevent a component from working.

Should You Disable HVCI Permanently?

For most users, keeping HVCI enabled is the safer choice. The feature is designed to strengthen Windows security, and disabling it removes that layer of protection. You might choose to turn it off briefly to confirm whether it is causing a compatibility problem, but it is a good idea to restore the setting once you have updated or replaced the affected driver.

If a particular application only works when Memory integrity is off, check for a newer version of the application and contact its developer. An old application or driver may not be compatible with current Windows security features. Leaving HVCI disabled indefinitely can preserve the conflict without addressing its cause.

How to Reopen or Enable HVCI Again

To enable HVCI again, return to Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details, switch Memory integrity to On, and restart your computer. If Windows displays a driver compatibility warning, review the driver information and install a compatible update before trying again.

After the restart, revisit the same page to confirm that Memory integrity is on. If the setting will not stay enabled, avoid repeatedly changing unrelated firmware or security options. Check the listed driver, Windows updates, and any management policies first. For a managed computer, ask your administrator to review the policy and compatibility issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Closing HVCI

Is HVCI the same as Memory integrity? In the Windows Security interface, Memory integrity is the setting most users change to control HVCI. HVCI is the underlying security technology; the names are often used interchangeably in troubleshooting instructions.

Do I need to uninstall Windows Security to turn off HVCI? No. You can change the Memory integrity setting in Windows Security. Do not uninstall Windows Security or use an unfamiliar utility to switch off the feature.

Will turning HVCI off delete my files? No. Switching off Memory integrity is not intended to delete personal files. However, save your work before restarting, and back up important data as a general troubleshooting precaution.

Does turning off HVCI disable all Windows protection? No. Other security features may remain enabled, but your computer loses the protection provided by HVCI. Check Windows Security to review the status of your other protections.

Conclusion

To close HVCI on a typical Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, open Windows Security, go to Device security > Core isolation details, turn Memory integrity off, and restart. Use this as a troubleshooting step rather than a permanent fix whenever possible. Update or replace incompatible drivers, avoid untrusted downloads, and re-enable Memory integrity once the issue is resolved. If the option is controlled by an organization or will not change, ask the device administrator for help.

Disclaimer: Articles are written by Humans, AI or Both. Verify Important information.