If you’re having compatibility issues with certain virtualization apps or security tools on your PC, Credential Guard could be the reason. While it’s a valuable Windows 11 security feature, sometimes you may need to disable Credential Guard temporarily for troubleshooting or software installation.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to disable Credential Guard in Windows 11 safely, step by step — including multiple methods, potential risks, and best practices.
🔐 What Is Credential Guard?
Credential Guard is a Windows 11 security feature that uses virtualization-based security (VBS) to protect user credentials from being stolen by malware or unauthorized access.
It stores credentials like NTLM hashes and Kerberos tickets in a secure, isolated area of memory that even system-level malware can’t reach.
⚠️ Why You Might Want to Disable Credential Guard
Although Credential Guard strengthens your system’s security, it can also cause compatibility issues.
Here are some common reasons you might need to disable it:
- Certain virtual machines or emulators fail to start.
- Older VPN clients or single sign-on (SSO) apps don’t work properly.
- You need to use third-party authentication tools that Credential Guard blocks.
- You’re troubleshooting domain logon or Windows Hello for Business problems.
💡 Note: Only disable Credential Guard if you fully understand the risks and plan to re-enable it afterward.
🧠 Before You Begin
Before turning off Credential Guard:
- Ensure you are signed in as an administrator.
- Create a system restore point to revert changes if something goes wrong.
- Back up your registry if you plan to edit it.
🪜 Method 1: Disable Credential Guard via Group Policy Editor
This method works best for Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard - Double-click Turn On Virtualization-Based Security on the right panel.
- Select Disabled.
- Click Apply → OK.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
✅ Credential Guard should now be disabled.
🔎 If the policy was previously set to “Enabled,” this change will stop virtualization-based protection, effectively disabling Credential Guard.
🧩 Method 2: Disable Credential Guard Using Registry Editor
If you’re using Windows 11 Home, or if Group Policy isn’t available, use the Registry Editor method.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. - Go to this location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard - Right-click the DeviceGuard folder → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it:
EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity - Set its value to 0.
- Next, navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\LSA - If the key LsaCfgFlags exists, double-click it and set the value to 0.
- If it doesn’t exist, right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → name it LsaCfgFlags → set value to 0.
- Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.
✅ Credential Guard should now be turned off.
💡 Tip: If it doesn’t disable immediately, check that Core Isolation and Memory Integrity are also turned off (see below).
🧰 Method 3: Turn Off Memory Integrity and Core Isolation
Credential Guard depends on Core Isolation and Memory Integrity. Disabling these can also turn off Credential Guard.
Steps:
- Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Device Security.
- Under Core isolation, click Core isolation details.
- Toggle Memory Integrity to Off.
- Restart your computer.
✅ This disables virtualization-based security components, including Credential Guard.
⚠️ You might need to repeat the restart if prompted by Windows Defender.
🧱 Method 4: Use Windows PowerShell
If you prefer a command-line approach, PowerShell can help you disable Credential Guard easily.
Steps:
- Right-click the Start menu → select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Windows-Defender-DeviceGuard -NoRestart - Restart your computer manually.
✅ Credential Guard and Device Guard will be disabled after reboot.
🧩 Method 5: Use System Configuration (MSConfig)
You can also disable Credential Guard by turning off virtualization-based services through MSConfig.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig, and press Enter. - Go to the Boot tab.
- Click Advanced Options → uncheck Virtualization-Based Security (if available).
- Click OK, then Apply, and restart your system.
🔍 How to Check If Credential Guard Is Disabled
After performing the steps, confirm whether it’s truly disabled.
Option 1: Use System Information
- Press Windows + R, type
msinfo32, and press Enter. - Scroll down and look for Device Guard Properties.
- If you see:
- “Credential Guard: Not Running” → ✅ It’s disabled.
- “Credential Guard: Running” → ❌ It’s still enabled.
Option 2: Use PowerShell
Run this command:
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_DeviceGuard
Check the SecurityServicesRunning property. If it shows 0, Credential Guard is off.
🧾 Comparison: Different Methods to Disable Credential Guard
| Method | Difficulty | Works on | Restart Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Policy | Easy | Pro, Enterprise, Education | ✅ Yes |
| Registry Editor | Medium | All Editions | ✅ Yes |
| Windows Security | Easy | All Editions | ✅ Yes |
| PowerShell | Medium | All Editions | ✅ Yes |
| MSConfig | Simple | All Editions | ✅ Yes |
⚠️ Risks of Disabling Credential Guard
While disabling it may fix software conflicts, it does reduce system protection.
Risks include:
- Credentials stored in memory could be accessed by malware.
- Increased exposure to pass-the-hash attacks.
- Reduced protection in corporate or domain environments.
🧩 Recommendation: Only disable Credential Guard temporarily, and re-enable it once your issue is resolved.
✅ How to Re-Enable Credential Guard
When you’re done troubleshooting, follow these steps to turn it back on:
Steps:
- Open Group Policy Editor → navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard - Double-click Turn On Virtualization-Based Security.
- Set it to Enabled → Apply → OK.
- Restart your PC.
Alternatively, turn Memory Integrity back on in Windows Security settings.
📚 FAQs About Disabling Credential Guard in Windows 11
1. Is it safe to disable Credential Guard?
Yes, temporarily — but it reduces security. Only disable it when necessary for compatibility.
2. Can I disable Credential Guard in Windows 11 Home?
Yes, using the Registry Editor or PowerShell methods.
3. Does turning off Memory Integrity disable Credential Guard?
Yes. Memory Integrity is part of VBS, which powers Credential Guard.
4. Will disabling Credential Guard speed up my computer?
Not significantly. It may free minimal system resources, but the change is mostly unnoticeable.
5. How can I confirm Credential Guard is completely off?
Open System Information (msinfo32) and check if it says Credential Guard: Not Running.
🧭 Summary: Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protects login credentials via virtualization |
| Disable Methods | Group Policy, Registry, PowerShell, or Settings |
| Risk | Lowers system protection from credential theft |
| Re-enable | Through Group Policy or Windows Security |
| Best Practice | Disable only when troubleshooting |
🏁 Conclusion
And that’s it! You’ve learned how to disable Credential Guard in Windows 11 using multiple safe and effective methods. Whether you use Group Policy, Registry, or PowerShell, remember to re-enable it once your task is complete.
Disabling Credential Guard can help resolve compatibility issues — just don’t forget that your system’s protection is stronger when it’s turned back on. Stay secure and in control! 🔒💻