Microsoft has decided to phase out a notable security feature, Virtualization-based Security (VBS) enclaves, from older versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022. This decision is included in the upcoming updates for Windows 11 23H2 and suggests a shift in the direction of Microsoft’s security protocols.
Originally introduced in July 2024, VBS enclaves were heralded as a significant advancement in securing Windows environments. The feature operates by using Virtualization-Based Security to run the operating system within a protected virtual machine, leveraging Microsoft’s Hyper-V hypervisor. This allowed developers to create secure environments within host applications, offering a higher level of protection than traditional operating systems.
Despite its touted benefits for security, Microsoft is now removing VBS enclaves from Windows 11 23H2. While the company usually retains deprecated features until they are completely removed from development, the phased-out feature will only continue to receive support in upcoming releases, like Windows Server 2025.
This move appears to be part of Microsoft’s strategy to streamline its development process amidst an aggressive update cycle, which now includes annual major releases and frequent smaller updates. Such a fast-paced environment necessitates careful management of features to maintain compatibility and performance across various Windows builds.
Although support for Windows 11 23H2 will conclude in November 2025, the expectation is that the majority of users will have upgraded by that point. Nevertheless, those in enterprise settings who rely on VBS enclaves may encounter significant changes with the removal of this security feature.
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