Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of VC as a grain growth inhibitor on the in-situ generation of WC-reinforced nickel-based coatings, WC-reinforced nickel-based coatings with VC contents of 0.1%, 1.5% and 2% were prepared on the surface of H13 steel. After cutting, grinding and polishing, and corrosion treatment, the molten specimens were analysed and tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy spectrometer (EDS), micro hardness tester, and friction wear tester for the analysis of tissue, physical phase, hardness, and friction wear properties, respectively. The results show that VC inhibits the growth of WC particles significantly. As the VC content increased, the WC particles were gradually refined and the coating was homogeneous and dense; the VC inhibitor slowed down the dissolution-precipitation process of WC and reduced the surface energy of WC, which were important reasons for the inhibition of WC grain growth. With the addition of VC, the production of WC hard phases is inhibited and the vanadium containing material increases. The hardness of WC-enhanced nickel-based coatings increases with the increase in VC content, but when the VC content is greater than 1.5%, the impurity phase of the coating increases and the WC content decreases, resulting in a decrease in the hardness of the coating. When the VC content is 1.5%, it can effectively refine the grain and improve the hardness of the coating. The friction wear performance of WC-enhanced nickel-based coatings with VC inhibitor is better, and the wear mechanism is mainly adhesive wear, brittle spalling and abrasive wear.