Disabling Credential Guard in Windows 11 can help if you need to run certain applications that are not compatible. To do this, you’ll need to access and alter specific settings through Group Policy and the Command Prompt. It’s a straightforward process, but make sure you follow each step to avoid potential issues.
How to Disable Credential Guard in Windows 11
In the following steps, you’ll learn how to disable Credential Guard on Windows 11 using a combination of Group Policy Editor and Command Prompt. This will help you run applications that require its deactivation for proper functioning.
Note that the Group Policy Editor is only available in the Professional and Enterprise versions of Windows 11. If you have the Home version of Windows 11, then you will not be able to make this change.
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
First, press Win + R, type “gpedit.msc,” and hit Enter.
Opening the Group Policy Editor allows you to change various system settings that aren’t directly accessible through the usual settings menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Device Guard
Next, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard.
Here, you can find the settings related to Credential Guard, which is a part of Device Guard.
Step 3: Edit the “Turn On Virtualization Based Security” Setting
Find and double-click on “Turn on Virtualization Based Security.” Set it to “Disabled” and click OK.
This step disables the core security feature that supports Credential Guard, making it inactive.
Step 4: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Press Win + X, then select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Administrative access is needed to run commands that affect system-level settings.
Step 5: Disable Hyper-V
In the Command Prompt, type bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off and press Enter.
By turning off Hyper-V, you prevent the hypervisor from running, which is necessary to fully disable Credential Guard.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer to apply the changes.
A restart is crucial for the settings to take effect, ensuring Credential Guard is completely disabled.
Once you’ve followed these steps, Credential Guard will be disabled, allowing you to run applications that were previously incompatible. You should notice that those applications now function without issues.
Tips for Disabling Credential Guard in Windows 11
- Always back up your system before making any changes.
- Ensure your applications truly require Credential Guard to be disabled.
- Consider the security implications of disabling this feature.
- Use these changes only on systems where absolutely necessary.
- Re-enable Credential Guard if you no longer need it disabled for specific applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Credential Guard?
Credential Guard is a security feature in Windows 11 designed to protect credentials from being stolen by malware.
Why disable Credential Guard?
Some applications are not compatible with Credential Guard and require it to be disabled to function properly.
Is it safe to disable Credential Guard?
Disabling Credential Guard lowers your system’s security, so only do it if absolutely necessary and understand the risks.
Can I re-enable Credential Guard?
Yes, you can re-enable Credential Guard by reversing the steps outlined in this guide.
Do I need administrative privileges to disable Credential Guard?
Yes, you need administrative privileges to access Group Policy Editor and run commands in Command Prompt.
Summary
- Open Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to Device Guard.
- Edit the “Turn On Virtualization Based Security” setting.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Disable Hyper-V.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Disabling Credential Guard in Windows 11 can be a lifesaver when dealing with specific application compatibility issues. However, it’s crucial to understand the security trade-offs involved. By following the steps to disable Credential Guard, you ensure your applications run smoothly, but remember to re-enable it if it’s no longer necessary.
Always back up your system before making these changes, and consider the potential security risks. For further reading, check Microsoft’s official documentation on Credential Guard and related security features. If you encounter any issues or have more questions, feel free to consult additional online resources or seek professional advice.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.