Windows 11 is available for download, but there appear to be issues with gaming performance. This seems largely due to Microsoft's implementation of security based on virtualization (VBS). At least, this has been suggested by UL Benchmarks based on its tests.
See also: Windows 11 File Explorer: High memory usage bug fixed?
VBS uses hardware virtualization capabilities to create and isolate a secure memory area from the regular operating system. The operating system can use it to host a number of security solutions and protect them from other vulnerabilities affecting the system. You can learn more about it in support document . According to UL Benchmarks, VBS negatively affects game performance. They have confirmed that future versions of their benchmarks will come with VBS detection to help you better understand. In the meantime, here is a quick tutorial on how you can check if VBS is enabled on your computer.
See also: Windows 11: More secure but at a performance cost!
How to check if VBS is enabled in Windows 11
- Press the «Win» key to display the Start Menu or simply press the «Search» button in Windows to display the search bar.
- Now, type ‘MSInfo32’ and press enter.
- Once you scroll to the “System Information” application, you will see if VBS is enabled on your computer.
- You can use the same procedure to see if VBS is enabled on Windows 10 as well.
From what we understand, VBS will not be enabled if you have never played with this setting before. This happens because VBS is not enabled by default on Windows 10. In fact, it will not be enabled by default on Windows 11 if you upgrade from Windows 10 or install a copy manually. However, this does not apply when you purchase a new laptop or a pre‑built desktop. As noted by PCGamer, Microsoft confirmed that it is working with partners to enable VBS and HVCI on most new computers next year.
See also: Microsoft: Windows 11 issues with VirtualBox & Intel Killer
If VBS has a negative impact on game performance, then we would prefer it to be disabled by default. But for now, it appears as an additional step we need to take before confirming that game performance is not significantly affected.
Information source: xda-developers.com
