How to Disable VBS on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide for Users

Windows 11 includes several built-in security features to protect your system — and one of the most powerful among them is VBS, or Virtualization-Based Security. While VBS strengthens system protection, it can also impact gaming performance, reduce frame rates, and slightly slow down your PC.

If you’re a gamer, power user, or someone who needs maximum performance, you may want to disable VBS in Windows 11.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain what VBS is, why it’s enabled, and how to safely turn it off — with clear, beginner-friendly instructions.

🔍 Summary: Key Takeaways

By the end, you’ll have a faster, optimized Windows 11 system — without compromising essential security (if done carefully).

🧠 What Is VBS in Windows 11?

VBS (Virtualization-Based Security) is a Windows security feature that uses hardware virtualization to create an isolated environment. This helps protect sensitive data and system components from malware or malicious attacks.

In simple terms:

VBS acts like a secure bubble inside your PC, running certain processes separately from the main operating system.

🧩 VBS Is Used For:

• Credential Guard: Protects passwords and credentials

• HVCI (Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity): Ensures only trusted drivers and code run

• Device Guard: Locks down system integrity

While these are great for enterprise security, most home or gaming PCs don’t benefit much — and the overhead can reduce performance slightly.

🎮 Why You Might Want to Disable VBS

While VBS enhances security, it’s known to impact gaming and system performance on some machines.

⚙️ Performance Impact Examples:

If you’re using Windows 11 for gaming, video editing, or heavy workloads, disabling VBS can make a difference.

🧩 Step 1: Check If VBS Is Enabled on Your PC

Before disabling it, first check whether VBS is currently active.

🪜 Option 1: Use System Information

1. Press Win + R, type:

   msinfo32


   and hit Enter.

2. In the System Information window, scroll down to Virtualization-based Security.

If it says:

• “Running” → VBS is enabled

• “Not enabled” → VBS is off already

🧰 Option 2: Use Windows Security App

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security.

2. Click Device Security.

3. Under Core Isolation, click Core Isolation Details.

4. Check the status of Memory Integrity.

   • If it’s On, VBS is partially enabled.

   • If it’s Off, VBS is inactive.

🔧 Step 2: Disable Memory Integrity (Core Isolation)

The easiest way to disable VBS is to turn off Memory Integrity, which is part of the Core Isolation feature.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Start → Search “Windows Security” → Open it.

2. Go to Device Security → Core Isolation Details.

3. Turn Memory Integrity to Off.

4. Restart your PC for changes to take effect.

After rebooting, check again using msinfo32 to confirm that Virtualization-based Security is no longer active.

💡 Tip: You can stop here if performance improves — in most cases, this step alone disables VBS effectively.

🧰 Step 3: Disable VBS via Group Policy Editor (Pro Editions Only)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, you can turn off VBS through the Local Group Policy Editor.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type:

   gpedit.msc


   and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Device Guard


3. Double-click Turn On Virtualization Based Security.

4. Set it to Disabled.

5. Click Apply → OK.

6. Restart your computer.

✅ This completely disables VBS and its sub-features (like Credential Guard).

🧩 Step 4: Disable VBS Using Registry Editor

If you’re running Windows 11 Home, you won’t have Group Policy Editor. Instead, you can use the Registry Editor.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Follow steps carefully.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type:

   regedit


   and press Enter.

2. Navigate to this path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard


3. Find or create a DWORD (32-bit) value named:

   EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity


4. Set its value to:

   0


5. Next, go to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity


6. Find or create Enabled DWORD and set it to:

   0


7. Restart your computer.

After reboot, VBS will be completely disabled.

🧱 Step 5: Disable Hyper-V and Other Virtualization Features

VBS relies on Hyper-V, Windows Hypervisor Platform, and other virtualization components. Disabling them ensures full deactivation.

🪜 Steps:

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.

2. In the list, uncheck the following options:

   • Hyper-V

   • Virtual Machine Platform

   • Windows Hypervisor Platform

   • Windows Sandbox

3. Click OK.

4. Restart your PC.

This will disable all related virtualization components that power VBS.

🧩 Step 6: Check VBS Status Again

Once you’ve disabled all features, confirm that VBS is truly off.

✅ Verification Steps:

1. Press Win + R → msinfo32 → Enter.

2. Look for Virtualization-based Security: It should say Not Enabled.

If it’s still showing Running, double-check:

• Core Isolation (Memory Integrity) is off.

• Hyper-V and virtualization features are disabled.

• Group Policy and Registry entries are set to 0 or Disabled.

🧠 Alternative: Disable VBS via Windows PowerShell

If you prefer using PowerShell, you can quickly disable VBS settings through a few commands.

🪜 Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

2. Type the following commands one by one:

   bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

   Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard" -Name EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity -Value 0

   Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity" -Name Enabled -Value 0


3. Restart your PC.

This method is faster for advanced users and produces the same result.

💡 Bonus Tip: Check VBS Status Using Command Prompt

You can also check if VBS is active via Command Prompt.

🪜 Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

2. Type:

   systeminfo.exe


3. Look for:

   • Virtualization-based Security: Running or Not Enabled

   • Device Guard Security Services: On or Off

This gives you a quick summary without opening the System Information panel.

⚙️ Impact: What Happens After Disabling VBS

Once VBS is off:

• Performance improves — especially in gaming and 3D rendering.

• Memory usage decreases.

• CPU virtualization load reduces.

However:

• Credential Guard and Device Guard protections are turned off.

• The system might be more vulnerable to advanced malware.

For most home or gaming PCs, the trade-off is worth it. For business or enterprise PCs, keep VBS on for security compliance.

🧩 Comparison Table: VBS Enabled vs Disabled

🧰 Step 7: Re-Enable VBS (If Needed)

If you ever need to turn VBS back on, follow these quick steps:

1. Open Windows Security → Device Security → Core Isolation Details.

2. Toggle Memory Integrity → On.

3. Restart your PC.

Alternatively:

• In Group Policy, set “Turn On Virtualization-Based Security” to Enabled.

• In Registry Editor, set EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity to 1.

VBS will resume its protective features.

⚙️ Troubleshooting: VBS Won’t Turn Off

If VBS remains active after following all steps:

🧠 FAQs About Disabling VBS on Windows 11

1. Is it safe to disable VBS?

Yes, it’s safe for most home or gaming PCs. However, business or enterprise systems should keep it on for compliance and security.

2. Does disabling VBS improve FPS?

Yes — benchmark tests show up to 20% improvement in certain games.

3. Will disabling VBS affect Windows updates?

No, you’ll still receive updates normally.

4. Can I disable VBS on Windows 11 Home?

Yes, use the Registry Editor or PowerShell method.

5. Does turning off Hyper-V automatically disable VBS?

In most cases, yes — but it’s still best to disable VBS manually for complete assurance.

🧩 Advantages and Disadvantages of Turning Off VBS

🧠 Pro Tips Before Disabling VBS

✅ Create a System Restore Point — so you can revert changes safely.
✅ Note your Registry edits — in case you want to re-enable later.
✅ Don’t disable on work or shared PCs — security matters more there.
✅ Always restart after every major change — for proper effect.

🏁 Conclusion: Optimize Windows 11 by Disabling VBS Safely

VBS is a powerful Windows 11 security feature — but it isn’t essential for everyone. If you’re a gamer, creator, or performance enthusiast, disabling VBS can unlock smoother frame rates and faster system speed.

To recap:

1. Check if VBS is enabled (msinfo32).

2. Turn off Memory Integrity in Windows Security.

3. Use Group Policy or Registry Editor to disable it completely.

4. Restart your PC to apply all changes.

Once disabled, you’ll notice a more responsive Windows 11 experience — especially in performance-heavy applications.

❓ FAQs: How to Disable VBS on Windows 11

1. What’s the easiest way to disable VBS?

Turn off Memory Integrity in Windows Security → Device Security → Core Isolation.

2. Do I need admin rights to disable VBS?

Yes, administrative privileges are required for Group Policy and Registry edits.

3. Will this affect virtualization software like VirtualBox?

Disabling VBS may improve compatibility with VirtualBox and VMware.

4. Does disabling VBS void warranty or cause issues?

No, it’s fully supported — but only do it if performance is your priority.

5. Can I re-enable VBS later?

Yes, you can easily turn it back on from Windows Security or Group Policy.

✅ Key Takeaways

• VBS (Virtualization-Based Security) isolates secure processes but can slow down gaming.

• Disabling it can significantly boost FPS and reduce CPU overhead.

• You can disable it using Windows Security, Group Policy, or Registry Editor.

• Always restart your PC after changes.

• For most home and gaming users, turning off VBS is perfectly fine.

With these steps, you can enjoy maximum performance on Windows 11 — safely and confidently.