What Happens When You Enable Windows 11 Virtualization Based Security

What Is Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)?

Virtualization-based Security (VBS) is a safety feature in Windows 11 that uses hardware built into your computer to create a secure, isolated workspace in your system memory. This hidden area protects core system files and stops harmful programs from accessing your most sensitive data.

Virtualization-based Security changes how your computer works by using hardware built directly into your computer’s processor to build a secure, locked room inside the building. The Virtualization-based Security system is completely separated from the rest of the Windows 11 operating system. Even if a malicious program manages to break into your normal Windows environment, the malicious program cannot reach the locked room. Critical security features run safely inside this isolated space, far out of reach from hackers and dangerous software.

The Main Features Powered by VBS

Virtualization-based Security powers several advanced safety tools in Windows 11 that protect your system from modern threats. When VBS is turned on, it runs essential features like Memory Integrity and Credential Guard to check every piece of software before it touches your memory.

• Memory Integrity: Also known as HVCI (Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity). This feature checks every piece of software trying to run on your computer to make sure it is safe and trusted before it touches your memory.
• Credential Guard: This tool protects your network login details and passwords so malicious software cannot steal them and use them to log into other computers on a network.
• Secure Boot Integration: It helps ensure your computer only starts up using software trusted by the computer manufacturer.

What Happens to Your Computer When You Enable VBS?

Turning on VBS changes how your system handles everyday tasks. Here is a look at the positive benefits and the potential drawbacks you might notice.

Enhanced Protection Against Advanced Threats

Virtualization-based Security provides a major boost to your digital safety by protecting your computer's core system architecture from modern attacks. Unlike traditional antivirus software that only scans files, VBS stops malicious code from hiding deep inside your computer memory.

Potential Impact on System Performance

Virtualization-based Security uses a small amount of processing power and memory to run its secure virtual environment on your computer. While everyday tasks like browsing the web will not feel any slower, you might notice a slight performance dip if you run heavy video games or use intense professional software.

Players running heavy video games or professionals using intensive rendering software might notice a slight drop in frame rates or processing speed when you turn on Windows 11 Virtualization Based Security. This performance drop happens because your computer dedicates up to five percent of its processor power to maintaining that secure, isolated memory space.

Compatibility and Software Issues

How to Check If VBS Is Already Enabled

Checking if Virtualization-based Security is already turned on in Windows 11 takes just a few seconds using the built-in System Information tool. You can open this tool by typing msinfo32 into the Windows Start menu search box and pressing Enter on your keyboard.

1. Click the Windows Start button on your taskbar.
2. Type msinfo32 into the search box and press the Enter key on your keyboard to open the System Information tool.
3. In the window that opens, look at the items listed in the right-hand column.
4. Scroll down near the bottom of the list until you find Virtualization-based Security.
5. Check the status next to it. It will say either Running, Enabled, or Not enabled.

How to Enable Memory Integrity and VBS

Enabling Virtualization-based Security and Memory Integrity on Windows 11 is easy through the built-in Windows Security settings app. You just need to open your privacy and security settings, go to device security, and turn on the core isolation memory integrity switch.

1. Click the Windows Start button and open the Settings app.
2. Click on Privacy & security in the left menu.

   

3. Click on Windows Security.
4. Click the button that says Open Windows Security.
5. In the security window, click on Device security.
6. Look for the section titled Core isolation and click on Core isolation details.
7. Find the switch for Memory integrity and click it to turn it On.
8. Restart your computer when Windows prompts you to finish the setup process.

How to Enable VBS Using the Registry Editor

Managing Virtualization-based Security through the Registry Editor allows advanced Windows 11 users to turn the feature on manually. You can access this tool by typing regedit into the Start menu search bar and opening the key located at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard.

1. Click the Windows Start button, type regedit, and click the Registry Editor result to open it.
2. In the Registry Editor window, use the left sidebar to navigate to the following location:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard
3. Look at the middle pane for a value named EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity.
4. If the value is not there, right-click an empty space in the right pane, select New, and then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity.
5. Double-click EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity and change its value data to 1. Click OK.
6. To enable memory integrity as well, look in the same folder for a value named RequirePlatformSecurityFeatures. Double-click it and set its value data to 1. (If it does not exist, you can create it as a DWORD (32-bit) value and set it to 1).
7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Expert Tips for Troubleshooting VBS Issues

Sometimes, turning on VBS causes unexpected behavior, or you might find that Windows refuses to turn it off when you try. Here are some expert tips for handling common snags.

Dealing with Incompatible Drivers

Fixing incompatible drivers that block Memory Integrity requires finding the exact file name listed in your Windows Security settings. Once you identify the problematic file, you can search online for the device manufacturer and download an updated version of the software.

Clearing Persistent VBS Settings

If you turn off VBS in your settings but find that it remains active on your system, your computer's underlying hardware security features or stubborn firmware settings might be locking it in place. Ensure that virtualization support is managed properly in your computer's system BIOS settings. If you need a deeper look at specific troubleshooting scenarios, you can review discussions on Virtualization-Based Security Won't Disable for peer solutions.

Summary

Virtualization-based Security creates a protected, isolated workspace inside your computer memory using hardware built into your processor. This feature defends your system against complex security threats and powers safety tools like Memory Integrity, though it can occasionally cause minor performance changes in video games.