Turning off Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) in Windows 11 can really give your system a performance boost, especially if you’re into gaming or run heavy-duty apps that seem to lag more than they should. It’s one of those features that, honestly, makes some things slower because of the extra security layers, so if you’re troubleshooting or just want a bit more juice, disabling it can help. But yeah, it’s a bit of a process, and Windows isn’t exactly eager to let you turn it off easily — because of course, security has to be complicated. Still, it’s doable, and once you get it off, you might notice that your CPU-heavy tasks run a bit smoother. Just keep in mind that removing this security layer might make your system more vulnerable, so don’t leave it that way forever unless you’re okay with that risk.
How to Turn Off VBS in Windows 11
Accessing Windows Security and Core Isolation Settings
First up, open the Windows Security app. You can do this quickly by clicking the search bar next to the Start menu and typing “Windows Security,” then clicking on it—it’s usually quick enough. From there, head over to Device Security. If you’re not seeing it right away, make sure you’re in the correct section—sometimes Windows updates mess with the UI, which is annoying.
Once inside Device Security, scroll down a bit and look for Core Isolation Details. Click on that—this is where the magic (or the security feature) really happens. Not gonna lie, on some setups, this part can be flaky or slow to load, so don’t panic if it takes a second or two to become responsive.
Disabling Memory Integrity (VBS Feature)
Inside the Core Isolation window, you’ll find a toggle switch for Memory Integrity. This is the main component of VBS that you want to turn off. Flip that switch off. It might ask for admin rights, so accept any prompts. The reason this helps is that Memory Integrity uses hardware virtualization — turning it off just frees up some CPU cycles and RAM, which can give your system a fighting chance under load. But, of course, it’s this very feature that protects important system parts, so be aware of the trade-off.
On some machines, this toggle might be greyed out if your system’s managed by enterprise policies or certain BIOS settings. If that’s the case, you might need to go into BIOS to disable virtualization features entirely — and that’s a bit more complex, involving rebooting and digging through BIOS menus (usually under CPU or Security settings). Not always worth it, unless you’re super comfortable with BIOS tweaks. But for most, the Windows steps should suffice.
Apply Changes and Reboot
Once you’ve turned off Memory Integrity, reboot your PC. It’s essential — Windows needs to restart to actually disable the feature. Sometimes, after rebooting, the toggle might switch back on or show as enabled again, which can be frustrating. If that happens, double-check your BIOS settings: turn off virtualization options like Intel VT-x or AMD-V, save changes, and reboot again.
After the restart, performance should improve a bit—especially noticeable in games or apps that are resource-hungry. Just keep in mind, doing this might open up some security gaps, so only do it if you’re okay with that or for a temporary fix. You can always turn it back on by following these steps again and flipping the toggle back on.
Tips for Turning Off VBS in Windows 11
- Make sure you’re doing this for a reason — VBS is there for a reason, but sometimes performance wins out.
- Back up your data first, just in case something weird happens during these system tweaks.
- Check your BIOS Settings if the toggle isn’t sticking — look for things like “Virtualization Technology” and disable them there.
- Keep Windows updated because sometimes these features become more flexible or harder to disable after updates.
- If you’re not super confident, it’s worth asking someone who knows a bit about BIOS or system settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is VBS?
VBS, or Virtualization-Based Security, is Windows’ way of isolating sensitive parts of the OS using hardware virtualizations — adding extra security to keep malware out. But it can also slow things down a little.
Will turning off VBS make my PC less secure?
Yeah, for sure. Disabling it drops some of those security protections. If you’re doing it just for better gaming or performance testing, that’s fine, but keep in mind the risks.
Can I turn VBS back on later?
Absolutely. Just go back to the same settings and flip the switch on again. You might need to re-enable virtualization from BIOS if you disabled it there.
Does turning off VBS help gaming?
Usually yes. It can free up resources, so performance in games might get a little boost. Not guaranteed, but definitely worth trying if things are lagging.
Do I have to restart after turning off Memory Integrity?
Yeah, you do. Windows needs to reboot to apply the change. Sometimes, a second reboot is necessary if it seems like the toggle resets or re-enables itself.
Summary
- Open Windows Security from search
- Navigate to Device Security
- Click on Core Isolation Details
- Turn off Memory Integrity
- Restart your PC to apply changes
Wrap-up
Disabling VBS isn’t exactly sleek or perfect — Windows makes it a bit of a hassle. But on the flip side, if you’re after max performance for gaming or heavy apps, it can make a real difference. Just keep in mind that you’re lowering some security defenses, so weigh that against what you need. In the end, it’s about balancing safety with performance, and sometimes, that means taking a few shortcuts. Hope this gets one setup moving a tad faster — fingers crossed this helps someone avoid a lot of headaches.