According to a new report published in MSI_Gaming subreddit, A recent Windows 11 update has stopped enabling overvoltage and undervoltage software on MSI motherboards with Intel CPUs. This means that users using software-based overclocking utilities such as XTU on affected systems will no longer be able to undervoltage or overvoltage the CPU using software tools in Windows.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure which specific Windows update caused this mess in the first place. However, installing this update will automatically enable Microsoft’s Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) on your Windows 11 system. Microsoft calls this feature “Memory Integrity” in the Windows 10 and 11 Security app.
Having VBS enabled in Windows is the real cause of this problem. VBS blocks access to certain registers within the operating system, including the OC mailbox required to support software-based overclocking features. This registry lockout can even block monitoring apps like CPU-Z.
Note that VBS is automatically disabled on Windows 10. So only 11 OS are affected. VBS is automatically enabled only if you have a clean install of Windows 11 on your system, or upgrade Windows 10 to 11 if you have this new Windows update installed.
Thankfully, MSI is working on this issue and a new BIOS is coming out soon, and the company says it will fix the issue, allowing users to leave VBS on without affecting older Intel systems. Yes, Intel systems with 600 series chipsets already have this fix. Apparently the VBS lockout can be disabled, and many other companies have already done this with their motherboards.
However, it is very easy for affected users to turn off this feature. All you need to do is find the Device Security category in the Windows Security app in Windows 11, go to Core Isolation, disable Memory Integrity and disable VBS.
