How to Fix Core Isolation Failed Error – Incompatible Drivers

Exploring the Powerful Security Features of Windows

Through years of evolution, the Windows operating system has become increasingly robust – especially regarding security. Microsoft has implemented cutting-edge defensive measures into the OS to protect users from various threats. One particularly intriguing security capability available in Windows 10 and 11 deserves deeper inspection: Core Isolation.

Understanding Core Isolation

Core Isolation reinforces system security by partitioning critical operating system components into isolated environments detached from regular user processes. This separation makes it extremely difficult for malware or exploits to access and tamper with sensitive kernel data.

The feature encompasses two main components: Memory Integrity and Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI). Memory Integrity leverages hardware virtualization to isolate portions of kernel memory from user mode access. HVCI utilizes virtualization-based security to guard key OS files and components.

How do I enable WD core isolation?

If not, power off your system and remove all the devices that are not essential (especially, WD storage devices). Then power on your system and check if the Core Isolation can be enabled. If the issue resurfaced, then try to remove any hidden WD devices from the Device Manager, and hopefully, you could enable the Core Isolation without any issue.

How do I fix memory integrity if a driver cannot be enabled?

Run it as administrator. Go to the Driver tab, locate the driver and delete the same. [FIX] Memory integrity due to Incompatible drivers cannot be enabled – Your Windows Guide Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not represent the views or opinions of Microsoft.

Together, these tools build a formidable barrier against low-level attacks that attempt to penetrate the inner workings of Windows. When properly configured, Core Isolation can significantly hamper the efforts of advanced persistent threats.

Examining Memory Integrity

Memory Integrity merits closer inspection, as it plays a central role in blocking unauthorized memory access. To enable this capability, users must turn on the "Memory integrity" toggle under the Core isolation tab in Windows Security.

Enabling Memory Integrity checks for the presence of incompatible drivers that could bypass isolation rules. Any problematic drivers surface through error notifications during the activation process.

If incompatible drivers exist, users need to either update the drivers or uninstall them completely. Once any outstanding driver issues resolve, Memory Integrity can activate and start shielding critical memory regions.

The utility leverages underlying virtualization-based security features – such as page table shadowing – to prevent potentially malicious kernel memory read/write operations. This protects the OS kernel against exploits like return-oriented programming attacks.

How to turn on or off core isolation virtualization-based security for memory integrity?

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off Core isolation virtualization-based security for Memory integrity in Windows 10. You must be signed in as an administrator to turn on or off Memory integrity. 4 Click/tap on Yes when prompted by UAC. The downloadable .reg files below will modify the DWORD value in the registry key below.

Does Windows 11 support core isolation memory integrity?

In new windows 11 up to date as of writing this. Core isolation memory integrity does not work and will not turn on. Every time I scan for incompatible drivers, none are listed. Checked the windows update, the system is up to date, and no errors in device drivers were found. All drivers appear up to date.

Why can’t I enable memory integration of core isolation?

Memory Integration of Core Isolation is an excellent security feature but you may fail to enable it if the WD driver is hindering the mechanism of Core Isolation. The full error message is:

Challenges with Incompatible Drivers

While incredibly helpful, Memory Integrity does come with caveats. The central limitation involves driver compatibility problems that may block activation.

Since Memory Integrity relies on virtualization, the associated drivers must conform to strict requirements. However, many existing drivers – especially those created before Memory Integrity’s release – fail to meet these standards.

As a result, users often encounter "incompatible driver" errors when attempting to switch on Memory Integrity. So far, the most problematic drivers involve certain storage controllers, I/O interfaces, and graphics processors.

Fortunately, updating to the latest available drivers directly from device vendors usually resolves the roadblock. For devices with drivers that will likely never become compliant, users may need to uninstall the drivers completely to proceed.

BIOS Settings are Also Important

Aside from incompatible drivers, incorrectly configured BIOS/UEFI firmware settings present another potential activation hurdle. Successful Memory Integrity deployment relies on enabling hardware virtualization capabilities – notably CPU and memory virtualization features.

How does core isolation work?

It does this by running those core processes in a virtualized environment. Memory integrity is one feature of core isolation which regularly verifies the integrity of the code running those core processes in an attempt to prevent any attacks from altering them. We recommend that you leave this setting on, if your system supports it.”

How do I enable Windows 10 core isolation memory integrity in Microsoft Defender?

When trying to enable Windows 10 Core Isolation Memory Integrity in Microsoft Defender, it says “Memory integrity can’t be turned on” due to incompatibilities with your drivers. The setting can be found here: [Windows Security App > Device Security > Core Isolation Details > Memory Integrity].

How to enable core isolation under virtualization?

Here you should check if Core Isolation under Virtualization is enabled on your PC. provides virtualization-based securit features to protect core parts of your device. Click on Core isolation details, and you will be offered to enable Memory Integrity.

Users should verify that settings like VT-x, AMD-V, and SRAT appear enabled within their system firmware interface. If virtualization options remain disabled, Memory Integrity may fail to start regardless of driver compatibility.

The Future of Windows Security

Core Isolation signifies Microsoft’s relentless efforts to reinforce Windows security. With the feature now enabled by default in Windows 11, customers enjoy a safer operating environment than ever before.

Yet, work remains to smooth out compatibility wrinkles and improve adoption. As hardware partners introduce updated drivers built to support isolation requirements, the technology will become more robust and ubiquitous.

For now, proactive users on Windows 10 can still activate and benefit from Core Isolation manually. The pathway to a malware-resistant ecosystem for both consumers and enterprises continues unfolding.

References

1. https://thegeekpage.com/how-to-fix-core-isolation-incompatible-driver-issue-in-windows-11-10/
2. https://driverfinderpro.com/driver-guide/core-isolation-memory-integrity-incompatible-drivers/

Why is my PC not able to use core isolation?

So if you uninstall a driver and reboot the computer and the driver is back then Windows needs this driver to function. Thus your pc does likely not meet the hardware requirements to be used with core isolation. If this didn’t solve your problem or you need further assistance please answer in this thread and i would be happy to help.

How to fix memory integrity error in Windows 11?

Fortunately, there are multiple methods to resolve this issue of incompatible drivers error associated with Memory Integrity in Windows 11. If you are not able to enable the Memory Integrity function from the settings menu because of the incompatible drivers error, you can also use the Group Policy Editor to enable the feature.

What is driver package isolation?

Driver package isolation is a requirement for Windows Drivers that makes driver packages more resilient to external changes, easier to update, and more straightforward to install. While driver package isolation is required for Windows Drivers, Windows Desktop Drivers still benefit from it through improved resiliency and serviceability.