What Happens When You Enable Windows 11 Virtualization Based Security

What Is Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)?

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a Windows 11 security feature that creates a secure, isolated region of memory using hardware virtualization. This setup protects core operating system parts from malware by making sure unauthorized code cannot run or tamper with your system memory.

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 critical Windows 11 protection features like Memory Integrity (also called Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity or HVCI) and Credential Guard. These tools use the secure virtual environment to block malicious drivers and stop hackers from stealing your account passwords.

• 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 can cause a small performance drop of a few percentage points in games and heavy applications. While everyday tasks like web browsing remain unaffected, the processor overhead required to run the secure memory space means demanding software might run slightly slower.

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

Because legacy software often does not know how to work alongside strict memory protection tools, you may need to check for developer updates before you turn Virtualization-based Security on.

How to Check If VBS Is Already Enabled

System Information is the built-in Windows 11 tool you use to check if Virtualization-Based Security is running. Open it by typing msinfo32 into the Start menu search bar, then scroll down the summary list to look for Virtualization-Based Security running.

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

Windows Security is the settings app you use to turn on Virtualization-Based Security and Memory Integrity. Open Settings, go to Privacy & security, select Device security, open Core isolation details, and turn on the 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

Registry Editor lets advanced users manually turn on Virtualization-Based Security by changing system keys. Open the tool by typing regedit in the Start menu, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard, and modify the correct values.

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

Clearing persistent Virtualization-Based Security settings requires checking your computer BIOS firmware if the feature refuses to turn off in Windows. Hardware virtualization locks can force VBS to stay active until you disable related security options in your motherboard settings.

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.