Microsoft is gradually phasing out support for VBS enclaves technology in Windows 11 23H2 and earlier versions, leaving it only in the current Windows 11 24H2. As XDA Developers emphasizes, Microsoft is thus stimulating the transition to the new OS version not by adding features, but, on the contrary, by removing them from older releases.
Image source: xda-developers.com
The company has officially announced on its Microsoft Learn website that support for VBS enclaves in Windows 11 23H2 and older versions is ending. At the same time, Windows 11 24H2 and future updates will retain this feature, which allows you to isolate critical data such as passwords and personal information from other applications and even the system itself.
However, for ordinary users, this change will not be a disaster. The first to face problems are developers who use VBS enclaves in their applications, since without support for this function, protected program elements may stop working correctly. As noted by the company, when creating applications using VBS, at least Windows 11 24H2 will now be required for testing.
As a reminder, VBS enclaves are a virtualization mechanism that creates isolated zones for executing code and storing sensitive data. Without it, vulnerabilities in the system or malware could potentially gain access to protected information. Although Microsoft continues to release security updates for Windows 11 23H2, the lack of this feature makes the system less secure than the 24H2 version.
Microsoft also reminds that support for Windows 11 23H2 will end completely on November 11, 2025. After that date, computers running this version will no longer receive even basic vulnerability fixes.