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Operating Systems
✓ Solution Verified by Community (0+ upvotes)
How to fix error 0x0000018b in Windows 11
Bug Check 0x0000018B: SECURE_KERNEL_ERROR — Secure kernel encountered an error.
Fix based on community reports and expert analysis. Last verified: 2026-08-12
· How we verify fixes
| Error Code | 0x0000018b |
|---|---|
| Affected System | Windows 11 (Microsoft) |
| Difficulty | High |
| Estimated Time | 45 min |
| Requires Admin Rights | ⚠️ Yes |
| Requires Reboot | 🔄 Yes |
Solution Steps
- 1 First, check if your CPU supports virtualization. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, go to the 'Performance' tab, and click 'CPU'. Look for 'Virtualization' in the bottom right. If it says 'Disabled', you need to enable it in BIOS/UEFI.
- 2 If virtualization is disabled, restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (press F2, Del, or Esc during startup). Look for 'Intel VT-x' or 'AMD-V' and enable it. Save and exit.
- 3 If virtualization is enabled but the error persists, disable Core Isolation. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, go to 'Privacy & Security' → 'Windows Security' → 'Device security' → 'Core isolation details'. Turn off 'Memory integrity' and restart.
- 4 If the error continues, disable Virtualization-Based Security. Open Command Prompt as administrator (Windows key + X → 'Terminal (Admin)') and type 'bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off'. This disables Hyper-V and VBS.
- 5 Update your drivers, especially chipset and BIOS drivers. Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers. Outdated drivers can conflict with secure kernel features.
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