Windows 10 Memory Integrity Can’t Be Turned On: Clearing Incompatible Drivers in Core Isolation

Windows 10 Memory Integrity Can’t Be Turned On: Clearing Incompatible Drivers in Core Isolation

Windows Security shows a yellow warning under Device security, suggesting you turn on Memory integrity. You flip the switch, and it refuses, saying incompatible drivers were found. When Windows 10 memory integrity can’t be turned on, an extra layer of protection against malicious https://puigmal2900.com/ code stays disabled.

Memory integrity, part of Core isolation, uses the processor’s virtualization features to stop untrusted drivers and code from tampering with the heart of Windows. It requires every installed driver to meet modern security rules.

Old drivers, often from long-gone printers, VPNs, game controllers, or tuning tools, frequently fail that test. Even drivers for hardware you no longer use can block the feature.

Removing or updating those drivers usually lets Memory integrity switch on.

The warning sits in Windows Security as a yellow exclamation mark, which can make the PC seem less protected than it should be, even when antivirus and firewall are working.

What Might Be Causing It

Memory integrity stays off for these reasons:

  • Incompatible drivers are installed, including leftovers from removed devices or software.
  • Virtualization is disabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings.
  • The processor or firmware does not support the required features.
  • A pending restart has not completed after a change.

The Windows Security page lists the incompatible drivers by file name, which is the key to fixing this.

First Steps to Try

Review the listed drivers.

  1. Open Windows Security > Device security and select “Core isolation details.”
  2. Select “Review incompatible drivers” and write down each listed file name, such as oem12.inf or a .sys name.
  3. Search the names online to see which program or device each belongs to.
  4. Update or uninstall the related software from Settings > Apps.
  5. Restart and try turning on Memory integrity again.

Many incompatible drivers belong to software that is no longer needed.

Drivers from old VPN clients, anti-cheat tools, and virtual audio software are among the most common names in the incompatible list.

If the Problem Continues

Remove leftover drivers carefully.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run pnputil /enum-drivers to list installed driver packages.
  2. Find the “Published Name,” such as oem12.inf, that matches a listed incompatible driver.
  3. Run pnputil /delete-driver oem12.inf /uninstall, using the correct name.
  4. Make sure virtualization is enabled in the BIOS.
  5. Restart and try again.

Protect Your Data First

Create a restore point before removing drivers. Do not remove drivers for hardware you still use unless an updated version is available. If a device stops working, reinstall its latest driver from the manufacturer.

The Bottom Line

Memory integrity cannot be turned on while incompatible drivers remain. Review the list, update or uninstall the related software, and remove leftover driver packages carefully.

If a required device has no compatible driver, you may need to choose between keeping that device and enabling Memory integrity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *