What it means
Memory integrity, also called hypervisor-protected code integrity, uses hardware virtualization to help protect the checks that govern low-level code. Windows exposes it under Device security → Core isolation details. Because drivers work close to the operating system, an incompatible driver may prevent the protection from turning on.
A real-world example
An older USB adapter still functions, but Windows reports its driver is incompatible with memory integrity. Deleting the driver file by hand can break the adapter and may not resolve the underlying package. A vendor-supported replacement driver is the better route.
What to do
Read the exact incompatible-driver entry, update through Windows Update or the device maker, restart and recheck the switch. On managed PCs, ask IT before changing policy or replacing hardware.
The distinction that matters
HVCI is not antivirus scanning and cannot stop every attack. Microsoft's Device security documentation explains the isolated environment and why driver compatibility matters.
Microsoft's Device security documentation
