AMD reinstates memory encryption (“Memory Guard”) on certain consumer Ryzen desktop processors after user backlash over its removal in a recent BIOS/firmware update. Multiple outlets report that the option had previously been available on some non-PRO Ryzen 9000-series desktop CPUs, but AMD removed the BIOS setting without prior notice. After the change was discovered, social media users criticized the decision and called on AMD to reverse it. AMD says the removal stemmed from a firmware update rather than any hardware or silicon change. In a statement shared with outlets, AMD says it will bring back a BIOS option to enable Memory Guard in an upcoming BIOS release scheduled for July, citing “valuable community feedback.”
The outlets also note that AMD has not publicly explained why Memory Guard was disabled initially. Commentators and users speculate about possible motivations, including steering customers toward more expensive chips or potential performance trade-offs, since encrypting and decrypting memory can add latency. Other explanations discussed include the practical challenges of maintaining the feature as chip designs evolve. Overall, the reported action is a firmware-level reversal of the removed setting.
