How to Enable Advanced Graphics in Defender Application Guard

Richard
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Richard
Dec 27, 2022 Updated Apr 16, 2026 2 min read

You enable advanced graphics in Microsoft Defender Application Guard to improve visual performance inside its secure, isolated browser environment.

Microsoft Defender Application Guard creates a sandboxed space, like a virtual machine, to run untrusted websites and applications safely within Windows. By default, it disables features like advanced graphics to maximize security.

Enabling this setting allows for smoother video playback and a better visual experience within these isolated Edge browser windows, especially on Windows 11 systems.

This feature is particularly useful for accessing graphically demanding content or websites while maintaining the security benefits of Application Guard.

Method 1Using Windows Security Settings

Note: This method requires admin privileges.

First, you must install and enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard for the Microsoft Edge browser. Check out this guide if you haven’t done it yet: How to install and enable Microsoft Defender Application Guarde for Edge browser.

1. Open the Windows Security app. Search for “Windows Security” in your Start menu and click it.

windows security app search on start menu

2. Click on the App & browser control section.

windows 11 app and browser control section windows security app

3. Under the Isolated browsing area, click the link that says Change Application Guard settings.

windows change application guard settings

4. Look for the Advanced graphics section. Toggle the switch to On to enable it , or Off to disable it .

windows application guard for edge turn on or off advanced graphics

5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 2Using the Registry Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges and should be handled with care.

If you prefer not to use the settings menu, you can use the Windows Registry. Open the Windows Registry and go to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Hvsi

If you do not see the Hvsi folder, right-click the Microsoft folder, select New, then Key, and name it Hvsi.

windows applicaton guard for edge enable copy and paste

1. Right-click in the empty space on the right side of the Hvsi folder.

2. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

3. Name this new value EnableVirtualGPU.

4. Double-click EnableVirtualGPU and set the Value data to 1 to turn Advanced graphics on, or 0 to turn them off.

windows application guard for edge turn on or off advanced graphics registry value data updated

5. Restart your computer for the settings to take effect.

Once finished, you can open an isolated browser window by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Q or by selecting New Application Guard window from the Edge browser menu.

windows 11 new application guard window

For more details, visit this reference: Microsoft.com

Summary

Enabling Advanced graphics makes your isolated browsing experience faster and more visually smooth. You can toggle this feature easily through the Windows Security app or the Registry Editor. Always remember to restart your computer after changing these settings so they can take effect.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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