Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a security feature in Windows 11 that uses hardware virtualization to create an isolated environment for critical system processes. It helps protect the operating system from malware, credential theft, and other advanced attacks by isolating sensitive components from the rest of the system.
While VBS improves system security, some users choose to disable it to improve performance, especially when running high-performance applications or games. In certain cases, VBS may also interfere with virtualization tools or specific software that requires direct access to system resources.
If you want to disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11, follow the methods below.
How to Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11
Work through the following methods to turn off VBS on your system.
1. Disable Memory Integrity in Windows Security
Memory Integrity is a key component of VBS.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security.
- Click Windows Security.
- Select Device security.
- Under Core isolation, click Core isolation details.
- Turn Memory integrity Off.
- Restart your computer.
Disabling Memory Integrity may turn off VBS on many systems.
2. Disable VBS Using Windows Features
Some virtualization features can enable VBS.
- Press Windows + S and search for Turn Windows features on or off.
- Open the Windows Features panel.
- Uncheck the following options if enabled:
- Hyper-V
- Virtual Machine Platform
- Windows Hypervisor Platform
- Click OK.
- Restart your computer.
Disabling these features may disable virtualization-based security.
3. Disable VBS Using Group Policy Editor
Advanced users can disable VBS using Group Policy.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type: gpedit.msc
- Press Enter.
- Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard
- Double-click Turn On Virtualization Based Security.
- Select Disabled.
- Click Apply and OK.
- Restart your computer.
This setting disables VBS through policy configuration.
4. Disable VBS Through Registry Editor
You can also disable VBS by modifying the Windows Registry.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type: regedit
- Press Enter.
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard
- Locate EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity.
- Double-click it and change the value to 0.
- Restart your computer.
After restarting, VBS should be disabled.
5. Disable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI (Optional)
If VBS still remains enabled, you may need to disable hardware virtualization.
- Restart your computer.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (commonly F2, F10, or Delete).
- Locate Virtualization Technology or Intel VT-x / AMD-V.
- Disable the setting.
- Save the changes and restart the computer.
This completely disables hardware virtualization support.
Conclusion
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is an important Windows security feature designed to protect the system from advanced threats. However, some users disable it to improve performance or ensure compatibility with certain applications.
By following the methods above, you can disable VBS in Windows 11 through Windows Security settings, Windows Features, Group Policy, Registry Editor, or BIOS settings. Keep in mind that disabling VBS may reduce system security, so it should only be done if necessary.
