How to Turn Off Virtualisation-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11
Turning off Virtualisation-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11 isn’t complicated, but it can feel a bit of a hassle, especially when you’re trying to get the most out of your machine. VBS is designed to keep your system safe by locking down key processes, but sometimes it just gets in the way — like when you’re running demanding apps or games. Disabling it can give your system a noticeable boost.
Finding Your Way to the Core Isolation Settings
First up, press the Windows key or click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner. Type “Core Isolation” into the search bar. It should show up pretty quickly, but if not, you can navigate through the menus:
Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details.
> If you prefer a shortcut, pressing Windows + I opens Settings directly. From there, follow the path.
Diving Into Core Isolation
Once you’re in the Core Isolation section, click on “Core Isolation Details.” Here, you’ll see what’s turned on. Find the “Memory Integrity” toggle. Turning this off is key to disabling VBS. Remember, you might need to restart your PC for changes to take full effect.
Pro tip: You can also run this command in an admin Command Prompt to disable Hyper-V (which is closely tied to VBS):
DISM /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:Microsoft-Hyper-V-All.
> It’s a bit of a strange loop — disabling one thing sometimes leads to needing to disable another — but that’s Windows for you.
Reboot Time
After flipping the toggle, your PC will need a restart. Click the power icon in the Start menu and select Restart. Doesn’t sound too bad, but it can feel like waiting for the kettle to boil! Once your system’s back up, open Command Prompt and run systeminfo — it’ll tell you if Hyper-V is still active.
Before You Dive In: Things to Keep in Mind
- Back up your files: Seriously, do it. Better safe than sorry if something doesn’t go to plan.
- Potential security risks: Disabling VBS can make your system more vulnerable to malware. Consider bolstering your other security measures if you choose this path.
- Compatibility issues: Not all hardware setups will respond well after disabling VBS. It’s worth checking your specs beforehand.
- Admin privileges: You’ll need to be logged in as an administrator to make these changes.
- Keep Windows up to date: Even if VBS is off, don’t forget to install regular security updates to keep your system safe.
Quick FAQ on VBS Troubles
What exactly is VBS?
VBS is a Windows security feature that creates a protected environment for essential processes, using hardware virtualisation. It helps keep malicious software at bay, but sometimes those extra layers can slow things down.
Why would I want to turn this off?
The main reason is performance. If you’re gaming or running heavy applications, the security features might cause lag. Sometimes, you just want your PC to run as smoothly as possible without extra checks.
Will my PC actually run faster after disabling VBS?
For many users, yes. Cutting back on security layers can free up resources and speed things up — just make sure you’ve got memory integrity off first.
Is it a bad idea to disable VBS?
There’s a bit of a trade-off — turning VBS off can leave your system more exposed. If you decide to do it, make sure your antivirus is up to scratch to help cover your bases.
How can I check if VBS is on?
You can run msinfo32 from the Run dialog (Windows + R) and look for “Virtualisation-Based Security Services Running”. If it says Yes, VBS is active; if No, it’s off.
In the end, adjusting VBS is a bit of a balancing act between speed and security. If disabling it makes your system more responsive for specific tasks, it might be worth the hassle. Keep in mind, every setup is different, and what works well for one person might not for another. Gotta love how every update can turn into a little adventure!
Weigh up the pros and cons, take your time, and hopefully this guide helps you get Windows 11 running more to your liking without too much fuss.