Microsoft has implemented Hyper-V to be enabled by default on Windows 11, stirring discussions among users regarding its impact on system performance. Hyper-V, a virtualization technology that creates virtual machines on a physical server, is designed to enhance security by isolating different computing environments. However, Windows Report shows that users on platforms such as Reddit have reported a noticeable decline in CPU performance, as evidenced by AIDA64 benchmarks. It’s crucial to recognize that for Hyper-V to function, it must be activated in the BIOS settings, affecting both gaming and benchmark performance.
The Debate: Performance vs. Security
Central to the discussion is Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), a feature that, despite its benefits, has been reported to inadvertently affect gaming and benchmarking performance. VBS operates by running a portion of the operating system in a virtualized environment, thereby increasing security against malware and rootkit attacks. To disable VBS, users can either turn off Memory Integrity in the Core Isolation settings within Windows Defender or uninstall the Virtual Machine Platform from Windows Features. While disabling VBS may offer slight improvements in gaming performance, the consensus among experts is that for non-gaming purposes, the security benefits of VBS far outweigh the minor performance drawbacks. In gaming contexts, the performance impact is quantified as a 2-5% drop in frames per second (FPS), a marginal decrease that underscores the value of maintaining VBS for its security advantages.
The Broader Context: Windows 11 Updates and Security
As Microsoft continues to promote Windows 11 upgrades to all users, including those with systems not meeting the hardware requirements, the company also rolls out updates to enhance the operating system’s functionality and security. Among these, the Moment 5 brings notable new features, though users are advised to approach with caution due to reported bugs in the KB5036893 update. This ongoing development reflects Microsoft’s commitment to balancing security enhancements with system performance, ensuring that users benefit from both robust protection and an optimal computing experience.
In related Hyper-V news on the Windows ecosystem, Microsoft this week announced scalability enhancements for Hyper-V on Windows Server 2025. The forthcoming version of Windows Server will enable virtual machines (VMs) to operate with up to 2,048 virtual CPUs (vCPUs) and 240 TB of memory, marking a substantial increase in capacity and performance potential for users.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 8:59 pm CET
