Step-by-Step Method to Turn Off VBS in Windows 10

Understanding VBS and When Disabling It Can Help

So, VBS, or Virtualisation-Based Security, is this handy feature in Windows 10 that tries to utilise your hardware’s virtualisation tech to lock down sensitive parts of the OS. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, it can definitely help keep out some unwanted nasties, but sometimes it can get in your way — especially if your PC isn’t the newest model or if certain software just doesn’t play nice with it. If your system’s running a bit sluggish, games aren’t as smooth as they used to be, or specific apps keep crashing — turning off VBS might be just what you need. Just remember, it’s a bit of a trade-off — sacrificing some security for a bit more speed.

How to Turn Off VBS in Windows 10

Disabling VBS isn’t too tricky, but if you’re not careful, you might end up messing with your system. Usually, you’ll need to access Windows Features, tweak some security settings, and maybe use some other tools. If you follow the steps carefully, it should go smoothly.

Launching the Windows Features Panel

Start by opening the Windows Features window. You can do this by typing “Turn Windows features on or off” into the search bar, or by pressing Windows key + R and typing optionalfeatures. This opens a list of system features and options. It’s essentially a control panel for toggling functions related to virtualisation and more.

Disabling Virtual Machine Support

Look for “Virtual Machine Platform” in the list and uncheck the box next to it. Click OK. You’ll need to restart your PC afterwards. This setting is key for VBS — turning it off disables some of the extra security features. If Hyper-V is giving you grief, you can also disable it via PowerShell:

Open PowerShell as an administrator by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type and run: Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All.
Follow the prompts and restart your PC.

Adjusting Hardware Security Settings

Next, head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Device security. This area shows your system’s security features. Look for anything related to virtualisation, especially Core Isolation. Tweaking these settings can help your PC run a little more smoothly by reducing some security layers.

Turning Off Core Isolation for Better Performance

In Device Security, click on “Core isolation details”. You’ll see an option for “Memory Integrity”. Switch it off. This feature uses virtualisation to safeguard key processes, but turning it off can help older systems run faster:

Open Settings with Windows key + I.
Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Security > Device security.
Click on Core isolation details.
Switch “Memory Integrity” to Off.

Keep in mind: disabling this may reduce some security protections, but it can boost performance.

Using Group Policy for Advanced Control

If you’re running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Group Policy Editor for more control. Launch it by typing gpedit.msc in the Start menu or Run dialog (Windows key + R). Then go to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.

Look for the setting called “Turn On Virtualization Based Security” and set it to Disabled. This method is a reliable way to apply the change across your system without fiddling with the registry directly.

Editing the Registry Manually

If you prefer to get your hands dirty or can’t find the Group Policy option, you can modify the registry directly. Here’s how:

Open the Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Run dialog (Windows key + R).
Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard.
Find the DWORD called “EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity”. If it exists, change its value to 0. If it’s not there, create a new DWORD with that name and set it to 0.

Always back up your registry before making changes — go to File > Export to save a copy first. After editing, restart your PC to apply the changes.

Best Practices When Disabling VBS

Before changing anything, it’s a good idea to back up your system, including registry backups. This way, if something goes wrong, you can restore things easily. Also, check if your essential programs or games rely on VBS — turning it off might cause issues if they do. Be cautious when editing the registry or group policies — mistakes can destabilise your system. Keep an eye on how your system performs afterwards. If you notice anything odd, you can always re-enable VBS or try other adjustments. Remember, disabling VBS is reversible — it’s all about finding the right balance between performance and security.

Frequently Asked Questions About VBS

What exactly does VBS do in Windows 10?

VBS uses hardware virtualisation to create a secure space within Windows. Its goal is to protect critical data and processes from malware or unauthorised access by keeping them isolated from the main system.

Why would I want to disable VBS?

Most people turn off VBS when they experience performance issues, gaming lag, or software compatibility problems. Since VBS adds extra overhead, turning it off can free up system resources and speed things up.

Is it safe to disable VBS overall?

Turning off VBS does reduce some security protections, but many users find it acceptable if they’ve got robust antivirus software. If performance is your main concern and you understand the risks, disabling VBS can be a decent move. Just weigh the security implications carefully.

Can I turn VBS back on later?

Absolutely! The process is straightforward — just reverse the settings in the same places. Turning it back on is quick and simple whenever you want to restore that security layer.

Does disabling VBS improve gaming performance?

Quite a few gamers notice a performance boost after turning off VBS. Since virtualization can sometimes slow things down, disabling it can make games run a bit more smoothly, particularly on systems where every bit of extra speed counts.

Quick summary of how to turn off VBS

Search for “Turn Windows features on or off” and open it, or run optionalfeatures via Windows key + R.
Uncheck “Virtual Machine Platform” and click OK. Restart your PC when prompted.
Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Device security.
Click “Core isolation details” and toggle “Memory Integrity” to Off.
If running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, use gpedit.msc to disable “Turn On Virtualization Based Security”.
Or, edit the registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard, setting “EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity” to 0.

Final thoughts on disabling VBS

Turning off VBS can give your PC a bit of a breath of fresh air, and may even improve performance—especially on older hardware or if your software isn’t playing nicely with virtualisation. It might seem a bit technical at first, but breaking it down makes it manageable. Just remember the security trade-offs — disabling VBS reduces some protections, so think carefully before proceeding. If you notice issues afterwards or feel uncertain, re-enabling VBS is quick and easy. The key is finding the right balance for your setup. These changes are reversible, so don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you.