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How to Fix Credential Guard Not Working Issues on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Credential Guard is a security feature in Windows 11 designed to protect your credentials from theft. Sometimes, users face issues where Credential Guard does not work as expected. This can leave your system vulnerable to attacks.

Fixing Credential Guard issues requires checking several system settings and configurations. The steps are straightforward and can be done even by users with basic computer knowledge.

This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to get Credential Guard working properly on your Windows 11 device.

By following these instructions, you can enhance your system’s security and prevent credential theft effectively.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting Credential Guard, ensure your device meets these basic requirements:

  • Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition: Credential Guard is not available on Windows 11 Home.
  • Hardware virtualization support: Your CPU and BIOS must support virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) and it should be enabled in BIOS.
  • TPM 2.0 chip enabled: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 must be active on your device.
  • Secure Boot enabled: Secure Boot must be activated in BIOS for Credential Guard to function.

Step 1: Check If Credential Guard Is Enabled

First, verify whether Credential Guard is currently active on your system. This helps you understand if the problem is due to it being disabled.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter. This opens the System Information window.
  3. Look for the “Device Guard” section in the System Summary.
  4. Check the Credential Guard status. It should say “Running” if it is enabled.

If it’s not running, proceed to the next step to enable it.

Step 2: Enable Virtualization in BIOS

Credential Guard depends heavily on virtualization technology. If virtualization is disabled in BIOS, Credential Guard won’t work.

  1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings. This usually involves pressing F2, Del, or Esc just as your PC starts.
  2. Look for settings named “Intel Virtualization Technology,” “VT-x,” “Intel VT-d,” or “AMD-V.”
  3. Make sure these options are enabled. If not, enable them.
  4. Save changes and exit BIOS. Your PC will restart.

Enabling virtualization allows Windows to isolate and protect credentials properly.

Step 3: Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0

Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are vital for Credential Guard’s security capabilities.

  1. Access BIOS/UEFI again during startup.
  2. Find the Secure Boot option and enable it.
  3. Locate the TPM or Trusted Platform Module setting and ensure it is enabled and set to version 2.0.
  4. Save the changes and exit BIOS.

Without Secure Boot, system integrity cannot be guaranteed. TPM provides hardware-based security for storing credentials.

Step 4: Enable Credential Guard via Group Policy

Once virtualization, Secure Boot, and TPM are enabled, you need to turn on Credential Guard using Windows Group Policy.

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.
  3. Find the policy named “Turn On Virtualization Based Security” and double-click it.
  4. Select Enabled.
  5. Under Options, check “Credential Guard Configuration” and select Enabled with UEFI lock or simply Enabled without lock.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.
  7. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

This policy activates Credential Guard and ensures Windows uses virtualization-based security.

Step 5: Verify Credential Guard Is Running

After rebooting, check again if Credential Guard is active.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator by searching for cmd, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
systeminfo.exe

Look for “Device Guard Security Services Running” or “Credential Guard” status in the output. It should show as enabled or running.

Alternative Method: Enable Credential Guard Using Registry Editor

If Group Policy Editor is not available, you can enable Credential Guard through the Windows Registry.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to:
    3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlDeviceGuard
  3. If the EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity DWORD does not exist, create it by right-clicking on the right pane, choosing New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and naming it EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity.
  4. Double-click this DWORD and set its value to 1.
  5. Next, go to:
    6. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlDeviceGuardScenariosCredentialGuard
  6. Create or modify the DWORD Enabled and set it to 1.
  7. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Editing the registry directly enables Credential Guard if Group Policy is not accessible.

FAQs

Q: Can I use Credential Guard on Windows 11 Home edition?

No, Credential Guard is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Q: How do I know if my CPU supports virtualization?

You can check this in your BIOS settings or use tools like Intel Processor Identification Utility or AMD’s equivalent. Most modern CPUs support virtualization.

Q: What if I can’t find Secure Boot or TPM options in BIOS?

Your device might not support these features, or they could be hidden under different menu names. Check your PC/motherboard manual or manufacturer’s website for guidance.

Q: Does enabling Credential Guard affect system performance?

Generally, Credential Guard has minimal impact on performance but significantly improves security by isolating sensitive information.

Q: I enabled everything, but Credential Guard still won’t run. What now?

Try running Windows Update to ensure your system is fully updated. Sometimes updates fix compatibility issues related to Credential Guard.

When Nothing Works

If you have followed all the steps carefully but Credential Guard still isn’t working, consider these final options:

  • Update your BIOS: Check your device manufacturer’s website for BIOS updates that may improve virtualization or security features.
  • Run Windows Update: Keeping Windows updated solves many security feature glitches.
  • Check event logs: Use Event Viewer to look for errors related to Device Guard or Credential Guard.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: For persistent issues, official support can provide advanced troubleshooting.
  • Refer to official documentation: Visit Microsoft’s official Credential Guard documentation for detailed guidance: Microsoft Credential Guard Docs.

Conclusion

Credential Guard is a powerful security feature in Windows 11 that protects your system from credential theft. Ensuring it works requires enabling virtualization, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and configuring Windows settings correctly.

By following this guide’s step-by-step solutions, you can enable Credential Guard safely and verify its operation. If problems persist, using alternative methods or seeking official help can resolve complex issues.

Keeping Credential Guard active helps maintain the security integrity of your Windows 11 system and protects your credentials from sophisticated attacks.

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