Disabling Windows 10 HVCI: Here’s the Deal
Running into issues with some apps or hardware on Windows 10? You might need to disable HVCI (Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity) to get things running smoothly again. HVCI is designed to keep your system safe from malware at the kernel level. Sounds great, right? But then there’s that old software or hardware that just won’t play nice with it. So, disabling this feature can sometimes be a necessary evil. Before diving in, just remember: turning off this security feature can leave your system a bit more vulnerable.
How to Turn Off HVCI in Windows 10
Getting HVCI turned off isn’t rocket science, but it does take a few steps. Just a heads-up—this might reduce your overall security. Only proceed if you’re sure you need this done.
Accessing Windows Security
Start by hitting the Start menu and typing “Windows Security” in that search bar, then hit Enter. Or, if that’s not your thing, just punch in Windows + I to get to Settings, then find your way to Update & Security > Windows Security.
Finding Device Security
In the Windows Security window, look for “Device Security” on the sidebar. This is where the magic happens in terms of controlling your system’s protection settings.
Diving into Core Isolation
Once you’re in Device Security, click on “Core Isolation Details.” Here, you can check if “Memory Integrity” is enabled. If it is, you’re on the right path to turning off HVCI.
Turning Off Memory Integrity
You’ll see a switch for “Memory Integrity.” Go ahead and toggle that sucker off. This will deactivate HVCI and let your software breathe a bit easier. If you’re tech-savvy and prefer using the command line, you can also run:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type:
bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off- Then, reboot the system — it’s gotta take effect, right?
Quick note: If you get a message about Hypervisor not being active, that might mean HVCI’s already turned off at the BIOS level or something else is at play.
Rebooting
After switching it off, don’t forget to restart your computer. This part is key to ensuring that everything’s set just right. Once it boots back up, double-check that the feature is indeed turned off. It’s always a good idea to confirm things are working as expected.
Other Ways to Disable HVCI
Local Group Policy Editor
If you’re on Windows 10 Pro or higher, here’s another route:
- Hit Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. - Drill down to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.
- Double-click on Turn On Virtualization-Based Security and set it to Disabled.
- Don’t forget to click OK and reboot.
Registry Editor for the Brave
For those who love living on the edge, the registry option is there:
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard.
- Change the EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity value to
0. - If you’re really committed, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard\Scenarios\HypervisorEnforcedCodePolicy and set Enabled to
0. - Restart your system to lock in those changes.
Things to Consider When Turning Off HVCI
So, HVCI can go, but know that this opens up a bit of a security gap. Make sure the benefits of compatibility are worth the risk. A lot of folks disable this temporarily just to run certain apps or hardware, then flip it back on when they’re done. Keeping antivirus software up to date and your system patched can help keep things safe. Also, backing up crucial data before making changes is just smart.
Quick Recap on HVCI
- Open Windows Security settings.
- Head to Device Security.
- Click on Core Isolation Details.
- Toggle off Memory Integrity.
- Reboot your device to apply changes.
Dealing with HVCI isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but disabling it can help get things working when compatibility issues crop up. Just keep an eye on security afterwards, and remember it’s okay to toggle it back on when you don’t need that compatibility fix anymore. Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone!