City's Portuguese international was the first to react in the 12th minute, turning the ball home from close range after Nick Pope had denied Phil Foden at full stretch.
The Clarets fashioned a golden opportunity to equalise when Dwight McNeil released Maxwel Cornet, but the Ivorian was denied with just Zack Steffen to beat.
The visitors missed another gilt-edged opportunity later in the half when Jack Cork interrupted City's plans to play out from the back and, as the ball broke, Josh Brownhill fired just wide of the upright.
Pep Guardiola's side wrapped up the points with 20 minutes remaining when Riyad Mahrez bundled Ashley Westwood off the ball inside the area and De Bruyne finished into the far corner.
Chris Wood could have pulled a goal back late on, when the impressive Nathan Collins helped on McNeil's set-piece, but the New Zealander lifted the ball over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.
Burnley are now without a win in eight Premier League games this term.
Here are the ratings.
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Burnley's English manager Sean Dyche gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Burnley at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on October 16, 2021. Photo: Oli Scarff
. Nick Pope 6
Did well to get down to Foden's strike at full stretch, but a tad unfortunate to see the ball fall at the feet of goal-scorer Silva. Saved well to keep out Cancelo's first-time effort, got a fingertip to de Bruyne's looping cross with Stones lurking, and had no chance with the Belgian's finish. Photo: Oli Scarff
. Matt Lowton 6
Challenged Foden in the foot race when the young Englishman provided the overlap, largely untroubled by Sterling and fared relatively well overall. However, failed to deliver from wide areas in rare forays forward. Photo: Oli Scarff
5. James Tarkowski 7
Showed great resilience and resolve in defending Burnley's penalty area, which limited City's ability to play through the middle or get shots away. Physically too strong for some of City's stars and many crosses were met by the defender's boot. Photo: Alex Livesey
6. Dwight McNeil 7
Offered glimpses of his brilliant best at times. Culpable for City's opener when not doing enough to stop the pass or the runner, but majestic in possession. Produced the best pass of the game when shrugging off Ake and playing Cornet in on the blindside of Cancelo. Photo: Jan Kruger
7. Maxwel Cornet 6.5
Burnley lost that element of surprise following his departure as the Ivorian exploited City's high defensive line. Used his pace, when timing his runs to perfection, to get in behind a number of times, but should have made life more difficult for Steffen when played through by McNeil. Photo: Oli Scarff
8. Josh Brownhill 6
The midfielder is still awaiting his first goal for the Clarets in the Premier League and he might not get a better chance. Should have hit the target, at least, when dragging a shot wide late in the first half. Pressed the man in possession well and cut off passing lanes. Photo: Alex Livesey