Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a crucial feature in Windows that leverages hardware virtualization to create and isolate a secure region of memory from the normal operating system. This enhances the security of the system by protecting against various types of malware and exploits. Enabling VBS can significantly improve the security posture of your Windows environment, making it an essential practice for systems engineers and administrators.

Examples:

1. Check System Compatibility

   Before enabling VBS, it's essential to ensure that your system supports the necessary hardware features. You can do this via PowerShell:

   Get-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All

   If Hyper-V is not enabled, you can enable it using the following command:

   Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All

2. Enable Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI

   VBS requires hardware virtualization support, which must be enabled in your system's BIOS/UEFI settings. Look for options like "Intel VT-x" or "AMD-V" and ensure they are enabled.

3. Enable VBS via Group Policy

   You can enable VBS using Group Policy Editor:

   • Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.
   • Enable the following policies:
     • "Turn On Virtualization Based Security"
     • "Virtualization Based Protection of Code Integrity"

4. Enable VBS via PowerShell

   Alternatively, you can enable VBS using PowerShell commands:

   Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard" -Name "EnableVirtualizationBasedSecurity" -Value 1
   Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\DeviceGuard" -Name "RequirePlatformSecurityFeatures" -Value 1

5. Verify VBS Status

   To verify that VBS is enabled and running, you can use the System Information tool:

   • Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
   • Look for "Virtualization-based security" in the System Summary. It should indicate that VBS is running.