Microsoft deprecates "revolutionary" virtualization-based security feature in older Windows 11 versions
Published on: 2025-04-18 18:54:00
Weird OS: Microsoft regularly deprecates features in Windows, typically replacing them with improved alternatives or streamlining development. That's why its decision to drop a relatively new security feature – one it promoted less than a year ago – raises questions about how Windows is evolving and which users might be left behind.
Microsoft has quietly added another entry to its ever-growing list of deprecated Windows features. The company is phasing out Virtualization-based Security (VBS) enclaves in Windows 11 23H2 and earlier, as well as Windows Server 2022 and earlier releases. However, support will continue in Windows Server 2025 and beyond.
The Redmond tech giant introduced VBS enclaves in July 2024, touting them as a significant step forward for Windows security, turning the OS into a virtual machine of sorts, running atop Microsoft's Hyper-V hypervisor.
Thanks to VBS enclaves, developers can now create software-based trusted execution environments within host applications.
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