How to Turn Off VBS in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve noticed slower performance or compatibility issues on your Windows 11 PC, Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) might be the culprit. VBS is a security feature designed to isolate critical parts of Windows from malware, but it can sometimes reduce system performance, especially in gaming or resource-heavy applications.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn off VBS in Windows 11 safely and effectively, step by step.

Table of Contents

What is VBS (Virtualization-Based Security)?

VBS uses hardware virtualization features to create a secure area of memory for Windows, protecting sensitive information like credentials and system processes.

Key Features of VBS

Credential Guard – Protects login information.
Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) – Prevents malware from modifying system files.
Kernel Isolation – Isolates the Windows kernel for added security.

While VBS enhances security, it can sometimes cause slower boot times, reduced FPS in games, and compatibility issues with certain software.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off VBS

Some scenarios where disabling VBS can improve performance include:

Gaming or high-performance applications are running slower than expected.
Virtual machines or certain software fail to work properly.
You want to troubleshoot performance issues on older PCs.

Step 1: Check if VBS is Enabled

Before turning off VBS, you need to confirm it’s active:

Press Windows + R and type msinfo32, then hit Enter.
Look for Device Guard Properties.
If it shows Virtualization-based security running, VBS is enabled.

Step 2: Disable VBS via Group Policy

For Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use Group Policy Editor:

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Navigate to:

Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Device Guard
Double-click Turn On Virtualization Based Security.
Set it to Disabled.
Click Apply, then OK.
Restart your PC to apply changes.

Step 3: Disable VBS via Registry Editor (Windows 11 Home)

If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you’ll need to use the Registry Editor:

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard
Set the EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity value to 0.
Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity
Set Enabled to 0.
Restart your PC.

Tip: Always back up the registry before making changes to avoid accidental issues.

Step 4: Disable Core Isolation Memory Integrity

Memory Integrity is a VBS feature that can cause compatibility issues.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Device Security → Core Isolation Details.
Toggle Memory Integrity to Off.
Restart your PC.

Step 5: Verify VBS is Disabled

After restarting:

Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
Check Virtualization-based security running. It should now say No.

This confirms VBS is successfully turned off.

Potential Risks of Turning Off VBS

While disabling VBS improves performance, it reduces certain layers of security:

Credential Guard protection is lost.
Kernel-level attacks are easier for malware.
Device Guard features are disabled.

If you handle sensitive data, weigh the performance gains against security risks.

Tips to Maximize Performance After Disabling VBS

Enable High Performance power mode in Windows 11.
Keep drivers updated, especially GPU and chipset drivers.
Disable unnecessary startup programs to free resources.
Use SSD storage for faster boot and load times.

Common Issues When Disabling VBS

Some applications may refuse to run without VBS.
Virtual machines may need additional configuration.
Certain Windows security features like HVCI are no longer active.

Conclusion

Turning off VBS in Windows 11 can significantly improve system performance, especially for gaming and resource-heavy applications. However, it comes with security trade-offs, so make sure you understand the risks. By following the steps above—checking VBS status, disabling it through Group Policy or Registry Editor, turning off Memory Integrity, and verifying the changes—you can safely optimize your Windows 11 PC.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to turn off VBS in Windows 11?
Yes, for most users, but it reduces certain security protections like Credential Guard and HVCI.

2. Will turning off VBS improve gaming performance?
Yes, it can reduce stuttering and increase FPS in some games.

3. How can I check if VBS is disabled?
Use msinfo32 and check “Virtualization-based security running.” It should display No.

4. Can Windows 11 Home users turn off VBS?
Yes, using the Registry Editor method, since Group Policy Editor is unavailable in Home edition.

5. Do I need to restart after disabling VBS?
Yes, a restart is required to apply all changes.