In recent years, Microsoft has made significant strides toward enhancing the security features of its Windows operating systems. One of the notable advancements in Windows 11 is the introduction of advanced technologies like Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) and Kernel-mode Code Integrity (KMCI). These features are designed to bolster the security of the operating system by leveraging virtualization-based security (VBS) to protect the kernel from malicious attacks. However, in certain scenarios, these security features can cause compatibility issues with specific applications or hardware. Therefore, understanding how to disable HVCI and KMCI in Windows 11 can be useful for users experiencing such issues.
Understanding HVCI and KMCI
What is Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI)?
HVCI is a security feature that uses hardware virtualization to help prevent the execution of malicious code. It protects the Windows kernel and its components by enforcing code integrity checks that are executed in the most secure environment available. When HVCI is enabled, Windows only allows safe code to run in kernel mode, thereby preventing potentially harmful software from taking control over the system.
What is Kernel-Mode Code Integrity (KMCI)?
KMCI is a feature that ensures that only trusted code is executed in kernel mode. This helps protect the system from kernel-mode attacks by preventing unsigned or potentially malicious drivers from being loaded. KMCI relies on code integrity policies to ensure that all kernel-mode code running on the machine has been properly signed and validated.
Benefits of HVCI and KMCI
Compatibility Issues
Despite their benefits, users may encounter compatibility issues due to HVCI and KMCI when running legacy applications or certain antivirus software. Some drivers may also be incompatible with these features, leading to system instability or application crashes. In such cases, it may be necessary to disable HVCI and KMCI.
Prerequisites Before Disabling HVCI and KMCI
Before you proceed, it is essential to consider a few prerequisites:
How to Disable HVCI and KMCI
Method 1: Using the Windows Security Settings
Open Windows Security
: Click on the Start menu and search for “Windows Security.” Click on the app to open it.
Navigate to Device Security
: In the Windows Security interface, click on the “Device security” option on the left sidebar.
Core Isolation Details
: Under “Core isolation,” click on “Core isolation details.”
Disable Memory Integrity
: Look for the “Memory integrity” toggle and turn it off. You will likely be prompted to restart your computer to apply these changes.
Restart Your Computer
: After you turn off the Memory integrity feature, you will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor (for Pro and Enterprise Editions)
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can also disable HVCI and KMCI through the Group Policy Editor.
Open the Group Policy Editor
: Press
Windows + R
to open the Run dialog. Type
gpedit.msc
and hit Enter.
Navigate to Local Computer Policy
: In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:
Edit the Codes Integrity Policy
: Double-click on “Turn On Virtualization Based Security” policy setting and set it to “Disabled.”
Confirm Changes
: Apply the changes and exit the Group Policy Editor.
Restart Your Computer
: For the changes to take effect, restart your PC.
Method 3: Using Windows Registry Editor
Using the Windows Registry Editor is another method to disable HVCI and KMCI, but this should be done with caution as incorrect changes can cause system instability.
Open Registry Editor
: Press
Windows + R
to open the Run dialog. Type
regedit
and press Enter.
Navigate to the Relevant Key
: Go to the following key:
Modify the Values
: Look for the
EnableVirtualizationSecurity
DWORD entry. Double-click it and set the value to
0
to disable HVCI.
Locate the Kernel Mode Code Integrity Value
: Also navigate to:
Modify the “KernelModeCodeIntegrity”
: Double-click on
KernelModeCodeIntegrity
and change the value to
0
.
Exit Registry Editor
: After making the necessary changes, close the Registry Editor.
Restart Your Computer
: Finally, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Method 4: Using Command Prompt with Administrative Privileges
For advanced users, command-line utilities can also assist.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
: Right-click the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or search for “Command Prompt,” then right-click and choose “Run as administrator.”
Disable HVCI
: Run the following command to disable HVCI:
Disable KMCI
: Run this command to disable KMCI:
Restart Your Computer
: Close the command prompt and restart your PC to apply changes.
Method 5: Using the System Configuration Tool (msconfig)
Another method involves using the System Configuration tool.
Open Run Dialog
: Press
Windows + R
.
Type msconfig
: Type
msconfig
and hit Enter.
Select the Boot Tab
: Click on the “Boot” tab.
Disable Hypervisor
: Uncheck the “Safe Boot” option if it is checked, and apply the changes.
Restart Your Computer
: Finally, restart your PC.
Post-Disabling Considerations
After you have successfully disabled HVCI and KMCI, keep in mind the following considerations:
Re-enable When No Longer Needed
: If you experience improved compatibility with your applications or devices, you may want to re-enable HVCI and KMCI once those issues have been resolved.
Monitor System Performance
: Pay attention to your system’s performance after disabling these features. While some applications may work better, keep an eye out for potential security vulnerabilities without these protections in place.
Stay Updated
: Continuously monitor software and device updates. Sometimes, drivers and applications might become compatible with HVCI and KMCI after updates.
Troubleshooting Issues After Disabling HVCI and KMCI
In some cases, disabling these features may lead to unexpected issues. Below are common problems and their potential solutions:
System Boot Failure
: If your machine fails to boot after the changes, restart your PC and repeatedly press
F8
or
Shift + F8
to enter Advanced Boot Options. From there, choose “Safe Mode” to revert changes via System Restore.
Driver Issues
: If you encounter driver-related issues, ensure that all device drivers are up-to-date and compatible with your current version of Windows.
Performance Problems
: If you notice performance degradation or instability, it is advisable to consult Microsoft’s technical documentation or seek help from online communities.
Conclusion
Disabling HVCI and KMCI in Windows 11 can be essential for resolving certain compatibility issues, particularly for users reliant on legacy applications or specific drivers. While these features significantly enhance security, users should weigh the trade-offs between security and functionality. Always remember to back up your system before making such changes, and consider the implications of running without these additional security measures. By following the aforementioned steps, you can effectively disable HVCI and KMCI and tailor your experience to suit specific computing needs while remaining mindful of the associated risks.