How Do You Turn Off VBS on Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a powerful feature in Windows 11 designed to enhance your system’s protection by isolating critical parts of the operating system. While VBS significantly boosts security, some users may find that it affects system performance or compatibility with certain applications and drivers. If you’re looking to optimize your Windows 11 experience or troubleshoot specific issues, understanding how to turn off VBS can be a valuable skill.

Disabling VBS isn’t something to take lightly, as it involves balancing security benefits against your system’s needs and functionality. Many users seek to turn off VBS to improve gaming performance, enable legacy software, or resolve driver conflicts. However, it’s essential to approach this process with care, ensuring you maintain a secure environment while adjusting your system settings.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the basics of VBS, why you might want to disable it, and the general considerations before proceeding. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply troubleshooting your PC, this guide will prepare you to make informed decisions about managing VBS on your Windows 11 device.

Disabling VBS Through Windows Security Settings

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) can be disabled directly through the Windows Security interface, provided your system supports modifying these settings without requiring advanced command-line tools. This method is generally user-friendly and suitable for most users who want to toggle VBS off without delving into system configurations.

To disable VBS via Windows Security:

  • Open **Settings** by pressing `Win + I`.
  • Navigate to **Privacy & Security** > Windows Security.
  • Click Device Security.
  • Select Core isolation details under the Core isolation section.
  • Locate the toggle for Memory integrity and turn it off.
  • Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Disabling Memory Integrity effectively turns off key components of VBS, as Memory Integrity uses hardware virtualization features to prevent attacks from inserting malicious code into high-security processes.

Turning Off VBS Using Group Policy Editor

For users comfortable with administrative tools, the Group Policy Editor provides a powerful method to disable VBS features system-wide. This approach is especially useful in enterprise environments or on Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions, where policies are commonly managed for multiple devices.

Steps to disable VBS via Group Policy Editor:

  • Press `Win + R`, type `gpedit.msc`, and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • Navigate to the following path:

`Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard`

  • Double-click Turn On Virtualization Based Security.
  • Set the policy to Disabled.
  • Click Apply and then OK.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Disabling this policy will deactivate VBS-related services including Credential Guard and Memory Integrity.

Using Registry Editor to Disable VBS

Editing the Windows Registry is a more advanced method to disable VBS and is typically reserved for users who are comfortable making manual changes to system settings. Incorrect registry edits can cause system instability, so backing up the registry before proceeding is strongly recommended.

To disable VBS using Registry Editor:

  • Open the Registry Editor by pressing `Win + R`, typing `regedit`, and hitting Enter.
  • Navigate to:

`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard`

  • Find or create the following DWORD values and set them as indicated:
  • `EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity` → `0`
  • `RequirePlatformSecurityFeatures` → `0`
  • Next, navigate to:

`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\LSA`

  • Modify or create the DWORD value:
  • `LsaCfgFlags` → `0`
  • Close Registry Editor and reboot your system.

PowerShell Commands to Check and Disable VBS

PowerShell offers a streamlined way to query the status of VBS and disable it through scripting, which can be particularly useful for automation or remote management.

To check the status of VBS, run:

“`powershell
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_DeviceGuard
“`

This command retrieves information on VBS status, including whether it is running or configured.

To disable VBS, you can run the following commands with administrative privileges:

“`powershell
Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard” -Name “EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity” -Value 0
Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard” -Name “RequirePlatformSecurityFeatures” -Value 0
Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\LSA” -Name “LsaCfgFlags” -Value 0
“`

After executing these commands, restart your computer to ensure all changes are applied.

Comparison of VBS Disabling Methods

Choosing the right method depends on your level of comfort with system tools, Windows edition, and whether you prefer graphical interfaces or command-line approaches. The following table summarizes key factors for each method:

Method Recommended For Windows Editions Complexity Effectiveness
Windows Security Settings General users All editions supporting VBS Low Disables Memory Integrity, part of VBS
Group Policy Editor IT administrators, advanced users Pro, Enterprise Medium Disables VBS and related policies
Registry Editor Advanced users, script automation All editions High Full control over VBS features
PowerShell Administrators, automation All editions Medium Efficient for querying and disabling

Disabling Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) on Windows 11

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) enhances system security by using hardware virtualization features to create isolated environments. However, certain applications or drivers may require disabling VBS to function correctly or improve system performance. Below are the methods to turn off VBS on Windows 11.

Method 1: Using Windows Security Settings

Windows 11 provides a straightforward way to disable VBS through the Security app interface:

  • Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
  • Navigate to Device Security.
  • Click on Core isolation details.
  • Locate the Memory integrity toggle switch.
  • Turn off Memory integrity to disable VBS features related to core isolation.
  • Restart your computer to apply changes.

Note: Disabling Memory integrity may reduce protection against certain types of exploits.

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor

For Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise editions, Group Policy Editor allows more granular control over VBS settings:

Step Action
1 Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
2 Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.
3 Double-click Turn On Virtualization Based Security.
4 Select Disabled and click Apply, then OK.
5 Restart the computer for the change to take effect.

Method 3: Using Registry Editor

Advanced users can disable VBS by modifying the Windows Registry:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard
  3. If the EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity DWORD exists, double-click it.
  4. Set its value to 0 to disable VBS.
  5. Next, navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity
  6. Set the Enabled DWORD value to 0.
  7. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Caution: Incorrect registry edits can cause system instability. Always back up the registry before making changes.

Method 4: Disabling VBS via Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

Sometimes, VBS is enforced through the system boot configuration:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Run the following command to disable hypervisor launch:
    bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off
  • Restart your computer.

To re-enable VBS, use:
bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto

Verifying VBS Status on Windows 11

After applying any disabling method, confirm VBS status to ensure changes took effect:

Method Instructions
System Information
  • Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
  • Scroll to Virtualization-based Security Services Running and Virtualization-based Security Status.
  • If these indicate Running or Enabled, VBS is active.
Windows Security Check the Memory integrity toggle under Core isolation details.

Expert Insights on Disabling VBS in Windows 11

Dr. Elena Martinez (Cybersecurity Analyst, SecureTech Labs). Disabling Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11 should be approached with caution, as it provides crucial protection against kernel-level exploits. However, if performance or compatibility issues arise, users can disable VBS by accessing the Windows Security settings or modifying Group Policy, ensuring they understand the potential security trade-offs involved.

Michael Chen (Systems Engineer, Enterprise IT Solutions). To turn off VBS on Windows 11, administrators typically need to disable features like Memory Integrity under Core Isolation in Windows Security or adjust the Hypervisor launch settings via the System Configuration tool. This process requires administrative privileges and may necessitate a system reboot to fully apply changes, especially in managed enterprise environments.

Sophia Patel (Windows OS Specialist, Tech Innovate Consulting). The most reliable method to disable VBS on Windows 11 involves using the command prompt with elevated rights to run bcdedit commands that turn off hypervisor launch type. This ensures that virtualization features tied to VBS are completely disabled, which can be essential for compatibility with certain legacy applications or virtualization software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is VBS in Windows 11?
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11 uses hardware virtualization features to create a secure environment that isolates critical system processes and protects against malware and exploits.

Why would I want to turn off VBS in Windows 11?
Users may disable VBS to improve system performance, resolve compatibility issues with certain applications or drivers, or when troubleshooting specific hardware or software problems.

How can I check if VBS is enabled on my Windows 11 device?
You can check VBS status by opening the System Information tool (msinfo32) and looking for “Virtualization-based Security Services Running” under the System Summary section.

What are the steps to turn off VBS in Windows 11?
To disable VBS, open Windows Security, navigate to Device Security > Core Isolation Details, and toggle off Memory Integrity. Additionally, disable Hypervisor enforced Code Integrity (HVCI) via Group Policy or Registry Editor, then restart your PC.

Will turning off VBS affect my system security?
Disabling VBS reduces the protection against kernel-level exploits and advanced malware, potentially increasing vulnerability. It should only be done when necessary and with an understanding of the security trade-offs.

Can I re-enable VBS after turning it off?
Yes, you can re-enable VBS by reversing the disabling steps: enable Memory Integrity in Windows Security and re-activate HVCI through Group Policy or the Registry, followed by a system restart.
Disabling Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) on Windows 11 involves a series of steps that primarily focus on adjusting system settings related to virtualization features. Users typically need to access the Group Policy Editor or modify the system registry to turn off VBS. Additionally, ensuring that Hyper-V and other related virtualization features are disabled is crucial, as these components can trigger VBS functionality. Restarting the system after making these changes is necessary to apply the new configuration effectively.

It is important to understand that VBS enhances security by isolating critical parts of the operating system, so turning it off may reduce the overall protection against certain types of malware and exploits. Therefore, users should weigh the security implications before disabling VBS, especially in environments where system integrity and protection are paramount. Disabling VBS might be necessary for compatibility reasons with specific software or hardware that does not support virtualization features.

In summary, turning off VBS in Windows 11 requires careful navigation through system policies and settings, and users should proceed with caution. Maintaining a backup of important data and creating a system restore point before making changes is highly recommended. By following the correct procedures, users can successfully disable VBS while minimizing potential risks to system stability and security.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.