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How to Fix Virtualization-Based Security Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a crucial feature in Windows 11 that enhances your system’s protection by isolating critical parts of the operating system. Sometimes, VBS might not work as expected, causing security features to be less effective. Fortunately, fixing this issue is usually straightforward.

This guide will walk you through simple and clear steps to troubleshoot and fix VBS problems on your Windows 11 PC. Whether you are a beginner or have some technical knowledge, each step is explained in detail to help you understand what to do and why.

By following this guide, you can ensure that VBS runs smoothly, helping to keep your computer safer from malware and other threats. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.

Read through the entire article for tips, alternative methods, and answers to common questions about virtualization issues.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before troubleshooting VBS, make sure your system meets the basic requirements and settings needed for this security feature to work properly:

  • Windows 11 Version: Ensure your PC is running a supported version of Windows 11. VBS requires recent updates and builds.
  • Hardware Support: Your processor must support virtualization technology, such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V.
  • BIOS/UEFI Settings: Virtualization must be enabled in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware.
  • Secure Boot Enabled: VBS often requires Secure Boot to be turned on for enhanced security.

Confirming these points will save time and help avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

Step 1: Check If Virtualization Is Enabled in BIOS/UEFI

Virtualization technology is usually turned off by default in many systems. You need to enable it manually in your BIOS or UEFI settings because VBS depends on it.

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI. This usually involves pressing a key like F2, Delete, or Esc immediately when your computer starts.
  2. Look for settings named Intel VT-x, Intel Virtualization Technology, or AMD-V inside the Advanced, CPU Configuration, or Security tab.
  3. Enable the virtualization setting if it is disabled.
  4. Save your changes and exit BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F10).

Why is this important? VBS uses virtualization features to create a secure environment apart from the main operating system. Without enabling virtualization, VBS cannot function.

Step 2: Enable Virtualization-Based Security in Windows Features

Windows 11 allows you to turn on or off certain security features through the Windows Features settings. Make sure VBS and its related components are enabled.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type optionalfeatures and press Enter to open Windows Features.
  3. Look for options like Hyper-V, Virtual Machine Platform, and Windows Hypervisor Platform.
  4. Check these boxes if they are unchecked, then click OK.
  5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

These features support virtualization and security isolation, which are necessary for VBS to work properly.

Step 3: Enable Core Isolation and Memory Integrity

Core Isolation is a Windows 11 security feature that uses virtualization to protect system processes. Memory Integrity is a key part of Core Isolation that prevents attacks from inserting malicious code.

  1. Click the Start button, then open Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Device Security.
  3. Under Core Isolation, click on Core Isolation Details.
  4. Toggle Memory Integrity to On.
  5. Restart your PC to make sure the changes take effect.

Memory Integrity uses VBS technology and is a good way to confirm that VBS is enabled and functioning.

Step 4: Verify VBS Status Using System Information

After enabling virtualization and security features, you can check if VBS is running correctly.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
  2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter to open the System Information window.
  3. Scroll down to the Virtualization-based Security Services Running or Virtualization-based Security Status entry.
  4. If it says Running or True, VBS is active.
  5. If it says Off or False, revisit the previous steps.

This is a quick way to confirm whether your efforts to fix VBS were successful.

Step 5: Use Command Prompt to Enable VBS Features Manually

If Windows Features or Settings don’t seem to enable VBS properly, you can try using command-line tools.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Hyper-V-All /all
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all
dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:WindowsHypervisorPlatform /all

After running these commands, restart your PC.

This method ensures that all necessary virtualization features are installed and active.

Step 6: Update Your Windows and Drivers

Sometimes, outdated system files or drivers can cause VBS to malfunction. Keeping everything up to date can resolve many issues.

  1. Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.
  3. Restart your PC after updates are installed.
  4. Also, update your device drivers, especially chipset and CPU drivers, from your PC manufacturer’s website or Device Manager.

New updates often improve compatibility and fix bugs affecting security features like VBS.

Alternative Method: Enable VBS Using Group Policy Editor

If you are comfortable using advanced tools, Group Policy Editor can help manage VBS settings system-wide.

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.
  3. Double-click on Turn On Virtualization Based Security.
  4. Select Enabled, then under Options, choose the appropriate security options like Secure Boot and DMA Protection.
  5. Click Apply and OK.
  6. Restart your PC.

This method is useful in enterprise environments or advanced user setups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)?

VBS is a Windows security feature that uses hardware virtualization to create a protected environment, isolating sensitive parts of the OS from malware and attacks.

Why is VBS not working even after enabling virtualization in BIOS?

Besides BIOS settings, VBS requires Windows features like Hyper-V, Core Isolation, and Secure Boot to be enabled. All these must work together.

Does enabling VBS affect system performance?

VBS may slightly affect performance on older hardware, but on most modern PCs, the impact is minimal and worth the security benefits.

Can I use VBS on any Windows 11 edition?

VBS is available on most Windows 11 editions, but some features like Hyper-V require Windows 11 Pro or higher.

How do I know if my CPU supports virtualization?

You can check CPU virtualization support using tools like Task Manager (Performance tab) or third-party utilities like CPU-Z.

When Nothing Works: Final Steps and Resources

If you have followed all steps and VBS still does not work, consider the following:

  • Reset BIOS to Defaults: Sometimes incorrect BIOS settings interfere with virtualization.
  • Check for Firmware Updates: Visit your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s site to update BIOS/UEFI firmware.
  • Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters and run relevant tools.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for personalized help.

Sometimes hardware limitations or specific system configurations prevent VBS from working correctly.

Conclusion

Virtualization-Based Security is an important feature that enhances your Windows 11 system’s safety by leveraging hardware virtualization. If VBS is not working, start by verifying that virtualization is enabled in BIOS and that all necessary Windows features are turned on.

Enabling Core Isolation and Memory Integrity, updating your system, and checking security settings help ensure VBS functions properly. For advanced users, Group Policy Editor and command-line tools offer additional control.

By following these steps patiently and methodically, you should be able to fix most issues preventing VBS from working. Remember to keep your system updated and consult official resources if problems persist.

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