Disable Data Execution Prevention (DEP) in Windows 10: In some cases, DEP might lead to errors. Therefore, it’s important to disable it. In this post, we’ll go over how to do just that.
One security tool that might help shield your computer from viruses and other security risks is Data Execution Prevention or DEP. By attempting to run—also known as execute—code from system memory areas set out for Windows and other approved programs, harmful programs may attempt to disable Windows. These kinds of attacks may affect your files and programs.
By keeping an eye on your programs to ensure they are using system memory securely, DEP can help safeguard your computer. If DEP finds an application using memory is used incorrectly, the software closes, and you are notified.
The steps listed below make it simple to disable Data Execution Prevention for a specific program:
NOTE: While DEP can be disabled globally for the entire system, doing so is not advised since it will reduce your machine’s security.
How to Disable DEP in Windows 10
- Choose Properties with a right-click on This PC or My Computer. Next, select Advanced System Settings from the panel on the left.
- Select Performance under Settings on the Advanced tab.
- Select the Data Execution Protocol option in the Performance Options window.
As you can see, you have two options. If you select the second one, DEP will be enabled for all programs and services (not just Windows) but not those you selected. By default, DEP is enabled for key Windows programs and services.
- If a program is giving you trouble, use the second radio button to turn on DEP for all services and applications and save the ones you choose. Then, add the issue program. But since DEP is now enabled for all other Windows apps, you can find yourself back where you were at first, experiencing the same issue with other Windows programs. If so, you must manually add each problem software to the exception list.
- To remove the program’s executable from DEP protection, click the Add button and go to its location.
NOTE: If you add a 64-bit executable to the exception list, you may receive an error message stating, “You can not set DEP attributes on 64-bit executables.” That being said, since your processor already supports hardware-based DEP and your PC is 64-bit, you shouldn’t be worried.
All 64-bit processes are always protected since your computer’s processor supports hardware-based DEP; turning off DEP completely is the only way to stop DEP from protecting a 64-bit application. DEP cannot be turned off manually; the command line must be used instead.
Turn DEP Always On or Always Off using the Command Prompt.
If you always turn DEP on, it will be applied to all Windows processes, and you won’t be able to exclude any programs or processes from protection. If you always turn DEP off, all programs and Windows will be unsecured. Let’s see how to make them both available:
- Select Command Prompt (Admin) by right-clicking the Windows button.
- Enter the following commands into the command prompt (CMD) and press Enter:
- As shown above, you only need to perform one of the commands; running both is unnecessary. After making any changes to DEP, you must restart your computer. Command-line options should only be considered a last resort, as you will see that the Windows interface for changing DEP settings has been blocked after using one of those instructions.
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