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

By / September 7, 2025

Windows 11 comes with a security feature called Virtualization-Based Security (VBS). While VBS is great for protecting your system from malware and attacks, it can sometimes cause performance issues, especially in gaming or resource-heavy applications. If you’re noticing reduced performance or just don’t need this feature, turning it off can help. This guide will show you exactly how to turn off VBS in Windows 11 safely and efficiently.

What is VBS (Virtualization-Based Security)?

VBS uses hardware virtualization features to create an isolated environment for critical system processes. Essentially, it keeps sensitive operations separate from the rest of Windows, protecting your PC from malware and exploits.

Key Features of VBS

  • Credential Guard: Protects login credentials from being stolen.

  • Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI): Ensures drivers are secure.

  • Secure Kernel Isolation: Separates Windows kernel from regular processes.

While VBS enhances security, it can reduce gaming FPS and slow down certain applications.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off VBS

  • Improved Gaming Performance: High-demand games run smoother without VBS overhead.

  • Software Compatibility: Some apps or drivers may not work correctly with VBS enabled.

  • Faster Boot Times: Disabling VBS can slightly speed up system startup.

⚠️ Note: Disabling VBS reduces some security protections, so only turn it off if you understand the risks.

Step 1: Check If VBS is Enabled

Before turning it off, let’s check if VBS is active.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.

  2. In System Information, look for Virtualization-based Security Services Running.

    • If it says Running, VBS is enabled.

    • If it says Not Running, no further action is needed.

Step 2: Turn Off VBS Using Group Policy

This method works for Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor

  • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to Device Guard Settings

Go to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard

Step 3: Disable Virtualization-Based Security

  • Double-click Turn On Virtualization Based Security.

  • Select Disabled and click Apply, then OK.

Step 4: Restart Your PC

  • VBS will be disabled after a system restart.

Step 3: Turn Off VBS Using Registry Editor (All Editions)

If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you can use the Registry Editor.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

  • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to Device Guard Key

Go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard

Step 3: Modify or Create Value

  • Look for EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity.

  • Double-click it and set the value to 0.

  • If it doesn’t exist, right-click → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value → Name it EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity → Set value to 0.

Step 4: Restart Your PC

  • VBS will be disabled after rebooting.

Step 4: Disable Core Isolation Memory Integrity

VBS often relies on Core Isolation, specifically Memory Integrity. Turning this off can help:

  1. Open Windows Security by pressing Windows + I → Privacy & Security > Windows Security → Device Security.

  2. Click Core Isolation Details.

  3. Toggle Memory Integrity to Off.

  4. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Step 5: Verify VBS is Turned Off

  1. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.

  2. Check Virtualization-based Security Services Running again.

    • It should now say Not Running.

Optional: Turn Off VBS Using Command Prompt

Advanced users can also use PowerShell or CMD:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Enter the command:

bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

  1. Restart your PC.

This disables Hyper-V, which is required for VBS, effectively turning off VBS completely.

Benefits After Disabling VBS

  • Smoother Gaming: FPS improvements in high-demand games.

  • Better Driver Compatibility: Older software or drivers work without issues.

  • Slightly Faster Boot Times: Less overhead during startup.

Important Notes and Risks

  • Turning off VBS reduces security, leaving your system more vulnerable to certain attacks.

  • Avoid downloading untrusted software or visiting suspicious websites.

  • Consider using other security tools like Windows Defender or third-party antivirus for added protection.

Conclusion

Turning off VBS in Windows 11 can boost performance and improve software compatibility, but it comes at the cost of reduced security. Whether you use Group Policy, Registry Editor, or Core Isolation settings, following these step-by-step instructions ensures you can disable VBS safely and verify the change. For gamers or users running resource-heavy applications, this tweak can make a noticeable difference in system responsiveness.

FAQs

1. What is VBS in Windows 11?
VBS (Virtualization-Based Security) uses hardware virtualization to isolate critical processes, protecting your PC from malware and attacks.

2. Will turning off VBS improve gaming performance?
Yes, disabling VBS can reduce system overhead, improving FPS in games and performance in demanding applications.

3. Is it safe to turn off VBS?
It’s safe for trusted environments, but it reduces certain security protections, making your PC slightly more vulnerable.

4. Can I turn off VBS on Windows 11 Home?
Yes, you can disable VBS via Registry Editor or Core Isolation settings.

5. How do I check if VBS is disabled?
Open System Information (msinfo32) and check Virtualization-based Security Services Running. It should display Not Running.

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