Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a powerful security feature in Windows 10 and 11 that leverages hardware virtualization to create a secure environment for sensitive operations. However, there has been ongoing debate about the potential performance impact of VBS on systems. In this article, we will delve into the details of VBS, its benefits, and its potential effects on system performance.
What is Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)?
VBS is a security feature that uses hardware virtualization to create a secure environment, known as a virtual secure mode (VSM), for sensitive operations such as Windows Defender Credential Guard and Windows Defender Application Guard. This secure environment is isolated from the rest of the system, making it difficult for malware to access sensitive data.
VBS uses the following components to create a secure environment:
- Hardware Virtualization: VBS uses hardware virtualization to create a virtual machine (VM) that runs alongside the main operating system. This VM is used to host the secure environment.
- Hypervisor: The hypervisor is responsible for managing the VM and ensuring that it remains isolated from the rest of the system.
- Secure Kernel: The secure kernel is a specialized kernel that runs in the VM and provides a secure environment for sensitive operations.
Benefits of Virtualization-Based Security
VBS provides several benefits, including:
- Improved Security: VBS provides a secure environment for sensitive operations, making it difficult for malware to access sensitive data.
- Protection against Kernel-Mode Malware: VBS protects against kernel-mode malware by isolating the secure environment from the rest of the system.
- Protection against Credential Theft: VBS protects against credential theft by storing sensitive credentials in the secure environment.
Potential Performance Impact of VBS
While VBS provides several benefits, there has been ongoing debate about its potential performance impact on systems. The performance impact of VBS can be attributed to the following factors:
- Hardware Virtualization Overhead: VBS uses hardware virtualization to create a VM, which can result in a performance overhead.
- Hypervisor Overhead: The hypervisor can also result in a performance overhead, as it needs to manage the VM and ensure that it remains isolated from the rest of the system.
- Secure Kernel Overhead: The secure kernel can also result in a performance overhead, as it needs to provide a secure environment for sensitive operations.
However, the performance impact of VBS can vary depending on the system configuration and workload. In general, the performance impact of VBS is expected to be minimal, with most users not noticing any significant difference.
Performance Impact on Gaming
One area where the performance impact of VBS has been debated is gaming. Some gamers have reported a decrease in frame rates and performance when VBS is enabled. However, this is not a universal experience, and many gamers have reported no significant difference in performance.
A study by Microsoft found that the performance impact of VBS on gaming is minimal, with most games experiencing a less than 1% decrease in frame rates. However, some games may experience a more significant decrease in performance, depending on the system configuration and workload.
Performance Impact on Productivity Applications
The performance impact of VBS on productivity applications is expected to be minimal. A study by Microsoft found that VBS has no significant impact on the performance of productivity applications such as Microsoft Office.
Measuring the Performance Impact of VBS
Measuring the performance impact of VBS can be challenging, as it depends on various factors such as system configuration, workload, and usage patterns. However, there are several tools and benchmarks that can be used to measure the performance impact of VBS.
- Windows Performance Analyzer: The Windows Performance Analyzer is a tool that can be used to measure the performance impact of VBS on Windows systems.
- Sysinternals: Sysinternals is a suite of tools that can be used to measure the performance impact of VBS on Windows systems.
- Benchmarks: Benchmarks such as Cinebench, Geekbench, and 3DMark can be used to measure the performance impact of VBS on systems.
Optimizing VBS for Performance
While the performance impact of VBS is expected to be minimal, there are several ways to optimize VBS for performance:
- Disable VBS for Gaming: If you are a gamer, you may want to consider disabling VBS when gaming to minimize any potential performance impact.
- Use a Fast Storage Device: Using a fast storage device such as an NVMe SSD can help minimize the performance impact of VBS.
- Use a High-Performance CPU: Using a high-performance CPU can help minimize the performance impact of VBS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VBS is a powerful security feature that provides a secure environment for sensitive operations. While there has been ongoing debate about the potential performance impact of VBS, the performance impact is expected to be minimal, with most users not noticing any significant difference. However, the performance impact of VBS can vary depending on the system configuration and workload, and there are several ways to optimize VBS for performance.
By understanding the benefits and potential performance impact of VBS, users can make informed decisions about whether to enable or disable VBS on their systems.
Recommendations
Based on our research, we recommend the following:
- Enable VBS for Security-Conscious Users: If you are a security-conscious user, we recommend enabling VBS to provide a secure environment for sensitive operations.
- Disable VBS for Gamers: If you are a gamer, we recommend disabling VBS when gaming to minimize any potential performance impact.
- Use a Fast Storage Device and High-Performance CPU: We recommend using a fast storage device and high-performance CPU to minimize the performance impact of VBS.
By following these recommendations, users can balance the benefits of VBS with any potential performance impact.
What is Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and how does it work?
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a Windows 10 and 11 feature that leverages hardware virtualization to create a secure environment for sensitive operations. It works by creating a virtualized container, isolated from the rest of the system, where critical processes and data can be executed and stored. This container is protected by the hypervisor, which ensures that even if the main operating system is compromised, the secure environment remains intact.
VBS uses the Windows Hypervisor to create a virtual machine (VM) that runs alongside the main operating system. This VM is used to execute sensitive code, such as Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and other security-related processes. By isolating these processes from the rest of the system, VBS provides an additional layer of protection against advanced threats, including kernel-mode malware and rootkits.
Does VBS reduce system performance, and if so, by how much?
The impact of VBS on system performance can vary depending on the specific hardware and workload. However, in general, VBS can introduce some performance overhead due to the additional virtualization layer and the need to context-switch between the main operating system and the secure VM. According to Microsoft, the performance impact of VBS is typically around 5-10% for most workloads, although this can vary depending on the specific use case.
It’s worth noting that the performance impact of VBS can be more significant for certain workloads, such as gaming and video editing, which require high-performance graphics and processing. In these cases, the performance overhead of VBS can be more noticeable. However, for most general-purpose workloads, such as web browsing and office productivity, the performance impact of VBS is typically minimal.
Can I disable VBS if I’m concerned about performance?
Yes, it is possible to disable VBS if you’re concerned about performance. However, this is not recommended, as VBS provides an additional layer of security that can help protect your system against advanced threats. Disabling VBS can leave your system more vulnerable to attacks, particularly those that target the kernel or other low-level system components.
If you still want to disable VBS, you can do so by going to the Windows Settings app, clicking on “Update & Security,” and then clicking on “Windows Security.” From there, click on “Device Security” and toggle the switch next to “Core isolation” to the “Off” position. Keep in mind that disabling VBS may also disable other security features that rely on it, such as Windows Defender ATP.
How does VBS impact gaming performance?
The impact of VBS on gaming performance can vary depending on the specific game and hardware configuration. However, in general, VBS can introduce some performance overhead due to the additional virtualization layer and the need to context-switch between the main operating system and the secure VM. According to some benchmarks, VBS can reduce gaming performance by around 5-15%, although this can vary depending on the specific game and hardware.
It’s worth noting that some games may be more affected by VBS than others, particularly those that use advanced graphics features or require high-performance processing. In these cases, the performance impact of VBS can be more noticeable. However, for most games, the performance impact of VBS is typically minimal, and the security benefits of VBS may outweigh any potential performance drawbacks.
Can I use VBS with other virtualization technologies, such as VMware or VirtualBox?
Yes, it is possible to use VBS with other virtualization technologies, such as VMware or VirtualBox. However, there are some limitations and potential conflicts to be aware of. For example, VBS may not work properly if you’re running a virtual machine (VM) that uses a different hypervisor, such as VMware or VirtualBox. In these cases, you may need to disable VBS or use a different security solution.
Additionally, using VBS with other virtualization technologies can introduce additional complexity and potential security risks. For example, if you’re running a VM that uses a different hypervisor, you may need to ensure that the VM is properly configured and secured to prevent potential attacks. It’s recommended to carefully evaluate the potential risks and benefits before using VBS with other virtualization technologies.
Is VBS compatible with all hardware configurations?
VBS requires specific hardware features to function properly, including a compatible processor, chipset, and firmware. In general, VBS is compatible with most modern hardware configurations, including those from Intel and AMD. However, there may be some older or lower-end hardware configurations that are not compatible with VBS.
To use VBS, your system must meet the following hardware requirements: a 64-bit processor, a compatible chipset, and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled. Additionally, your system must be running Windows 10 or 11, and you must have the necessary software updates installed. If you’re unsure whether your hardware is compatible with VBS, you can check the Windows Compatibility Center or contact your hardware manufacturer for more information.
How does VBS impact system compatibility and driver support?
VBS can potentially impact system compatibility and driver support, particularly if you’re using older or custom hardware configurations. For example, some older drivers may not be compatible with VBS, which can cause system crashes or other issues. Additionally, VBS may require specific firmware updates or configuration changes to function properly.
To minimize potential compatibility issues, it’s recommended to ensure that your system is running the latest software updates and drivers. Additionally, you can check the Windows Compatibility Center or contact your hardware manufacturer to ensure that your hardware is compatible with VBS. If you encounter any compatibility issues, you may need to disable VBS or use a different security solution.