How to Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11 to Improve Gaming 2024

As a passionate gamer, I understand the importance of optimizing your system for the best gaming experience. Windows 11 introduces Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) as a security feature to protect the system. However, for some gamers, this feature may lead to performance issues. In this guide, I will walk you through the process of disabling VBS in Windows 11 to enhance your gaming experience without compromising security.

What is Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11?

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a feature in Windows 11 that uses the hypervisor to create and isolate a secure region of memory from the normal operating system. This secure environment, known as the Virtual Secure Mode (VSM), is designed to enhance the security of the system by isolating sensitive data and processes. VBS helps protect against advanced malware and other security threats by providing a secure execution environment.

Pros and Cons of Disabling VBS on Your Windows 11 PC

Before proceeding with disabling VBS, it’s essential to consider the potential implications. Disabling VBS can lead to improved gaming performance, as it reduces the system overhead caused by the security feature. However, it’s important to note that by disabling VBS, you may expose your system to certain security risks, as the protective measures provided by VBS will no longer be active. Therefore, it’s crucial to weigh the trade-offs between improved gaming performance and security implications before making a decision.

Check Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Status in Windows 11

Before disabling VBS, it’s important to verify whether the feature is currently enabled on your Windows 11 PC. To check the status of VBS, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type “Windows Security” in the search bar.
2. Select “Windows Security” from the search results to open the Windows Security app.
3. In the Windows Security app, click on “Device security” in the left-hand menu.
4. Under “Core isolation,” check the status of “Virtualization-based security” to see if it’s currently enabled or disabled.

Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11

Now that you’ve confirmed the status of VBS on your Windows 11 PC, you can proceed with disabling the feature to enhance your gaming performance. There are several methods to disable VBS, and I will guide you through each of them.

Method 1: Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) from Settings

The first method to disable VBS involves utilizing the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC. Follow these steps to disable VBS using the Settings app:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon, which resembles a gear.
2. In the Settings app, select “Update & Security.”
3. From the left-hand menu, choose “Windows Security.”
4. Select “Device security” and click on “Core isolation details.”
5. Under “Virtualization-based security,” toggle the switch to turn off the feature.

Method 2: Remove Windows Components to Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)

Another method to disable VBS involves removing certain Windows components. This method requires careful attention, as it involves modifying system components. Here’s how you can proceed:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User menu.
2. Select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” to open the Windows Terminal with administrative privileges.
3. In the Windows Terminal, type the command “dism /online /disable-feature /featurename:HypervisorPlatform” and press Enter to execute the command.
4. Wait for the process to complete, and then restart your PC to apply the changes.

Method 3: Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) from Registry Editor

You can also disable VBS by making changes in the Registry Editor. However, it’s important to note that modifying the registry can have significant implications, so proceed with caution. Follow these steps to disable VBS using the Registry Editor:

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
2. Type “regedit” in the Run dialog and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodeIntegrity.
4. Double-click on the “Enabled” DWORD value and change its data to “0” to disable VBS.
5. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Method 4: Disable Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) from Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor provides another method to disable VBS on your Windows 11 PC. Here’s how you can utilize the Group Policy Editor to disable VBS:

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” in the Run dialog and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.
4. Double-click on the “Turn on Virtualization Based Security” policy.
5. Select the “Disabled” option and click “OK” to apply the changes.