Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a security feature in Windows 11 that helps protect your computer from malware and other attacks. VBS does this by creating a secure environment for critical system processes and isolating them from the rest of the operating system.
While VBS is a valuable security feature, it can also cause performance issues in some cases. If you are experiencing performance problems, you may want to disable VBS.
What is Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)?
VBS is a security feature in Windows 11 that uses virtualization technology to protect sensitive parts of the operating system from threats. It provides a secure execution environment for critical tasks, enhancing the overall security of your system.
When to Consider Disabling VBS?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s consider when it’s appropriate to disable VBS. While it’s an essential security feature, there are scenarios where you might need to turn it off.
Is It Safe to Disable VBS?
Disabling VBS can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it might solve specific issues or compatibility problems. On the other, it could potentially leave your system less secure. So, you must weigh the risks and benefits carefully.
How to Disable VBS in Windows 11?
There are two ways to disable VBS in Windows 11:
- Using the Windows Security app
- Using the Group Policy Editor
Let’s check out the step-by-step process to carry out the disabling process.
To disable VBS using the Windows Security app:
- Open the Windows Security app.
- Click on Device Security.
- Next, click on Core isolation details.
- Under Memory integrity, toggle the switch to Off.
- Finally, restart your computer.
To disable VBS u₹sing the Group Policy Editor:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Then, type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following location: Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard
- Double-click on the Turn on Virtualization Based Security policy setting.
- Select the Disabled option and click OK.
- Finally, restart your computer.
Once you have disabled VBS, you can check that it is disabled by opening the System Information app and looking for the Virtualization-based security setting. If VBS is disabled, the setting will say Not enabled.
Important Tip
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when disabling VBS:
- If you are using a virtual machine, you will need to disable VBS on the virtual machine as well as the host machine.
- If you are using a Hyper-V virtual machine, you will need to remove the Secure Boot requirement for the virtual machine.
- If you are using a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distribution, you will need to disable VBS on the WSL distribution as well as the host machine.
If you are experiencing performance problems after disabling VBS, you can try enabling it again to see if that resolves the problem. However, if the performance problems persist, you may need to troubleshoot the issue further.
Conclusion
Disabling VBS can make your computer more vulnerable to malware and other attacks. Only disable VBS if you are experiencing performance problems or if you need to do so for a specific reason.