How to Disable HVCI and KMCI in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Disabling HVCI and KMC in Windows 11 is a process that involves navigating through your computer’s settings to turn off Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity and Kernel-Mode Code Integrity. These features can be beneficial for security but might need to be turned off for compatibility reasons. This guide will walk you through disabling these settings step by step.

How to Disable HVCI and KMC in Windows 11

Disabling HVCI (Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity) and KMC (Kernel-Mode Code Integrity) on Windows 11 can help resolve certain software compatibility issues. Follow these steps to turn off both settings.

Step 1: Open Windows Security

First, you need to open Windows Security.

You can find it by searching "Windows Security" in the Start menu search bar.

Step 2: Navigate to Device Security

Next, go to the "Device security" tab.

This tab provides an overview of the security features available on your device.

Step 3: Click on Core Isolation Details

In the Device Security section, click on "Core isolation details."

This will take you to the settings where you can control HVCI.

Step 4: Turn off Memory Integrity

Find the "Memory integrity" toggle switch and turn it off.

Disabling Memory integrity will effectively turn off HVCI.

Step 5: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Now, open Command Prompt as an administrator.

You can do this by searching "cmd" in the Start menu, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting "Run as administrator."

Step 6: Disable KMC

Enter the command bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off.

This command disables Kernel-Mode Code Integrity.

Step 7: Restart Your Computer

Finally, reboot your PC to apply the changes.

Your computer will now restart with HVCI and KMC disabled.

After completing these steps, both HVCI and KMC will be turned off, which could improve compatibility with some of your applications or drivers.

Tips for Disabling HVCI and KMC in Windows 11

• Backup Your Data: Always back up your data before making changes to system settings.
• Check Compatibility: Make sure your software will benefit from disabling these features.
• Stay Secure: Understand the security implications of turning off these settings.
• Use Admin Rights: Ensure you have administrative rights to make these changes.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your software and drivers to avoid issues that might require these settings to be disabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HVCI?

HVCI stands for Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity. It helps protect your system from malicious code.

Why would I need to disable HVCI and KMC?

Disabling these features can sometimes resolve compatibility issues with certain applications or drivers.

Is it safe to disable HVCI and KMC?

While it can fix certain issues, turning off these features reduces your system’s security.

Can I re-enable HVCI and KMC later?

Yes, you can easily re-enable them by reversing these steps.

Do all Windows 11 versions have these settings?

Most Windows 11 versions include these settings, but they might not be available on all devices.

Summary

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Navigate to Device Security.
3. Click on Core Isolation Details.
4. Turn off Memory Integrity.
5. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
6. Disable KMC using the command bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off.
7. Restart your computer.

Conclusion

Disabling HVCI and KMC in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can help you resolve compatibility issues with certain applications or drivers. While these features add a layer of security to your system, turning them off can sometimes be necessary. Always remember to back up your data and understand the security implications before making these changes. If you encounter new issues, you can easily re-enable these settings by following the same steps in reverse. For further reading, you might want to explore Microsoft’s documentation on these features or community forums where users share their experiences and solutions. Happy troubleshooting!