We have already seen how Data Execution Prevention, a security feature can help prevent damage to your computer from viruses and other security threats. Harmful programs who try to attack Windows by attempting to execute code from system memory locations reserved for Windows and other authorized programs, are stopped. These types of attacks can harm your programs and files. DEP can help protect your computer by monitoring your programs to make sure that they use system memory safely. If DEP notices a program on your computer using memory incorrectly, it closes the program and notifies you. It is as such a security feature.
While it is not recommended, you may have your reasons for wanting to disable Data Execution Prevention on your Windows computer. Lets us see how to disable DEP in Windows 10/8/7 using the bcdedit.exe tool.
Disable Data Execution Prevention
In Windows 7, type cmd in Start Search. Right click on search results ‘cmd’ and click on Run as Administrator. Windows 10/8 users can also open an elevated command prompt window via the WinX menu.
Then, copy paste the following and hit Enter:
bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff
Reboot.
You will find that Data Execution Prevention has been disable on your Windows computer. You may then, if you wish, verify the status of Data Execution Prevention feature on your system.
Enable Data Execution Prevention
To enable back DEP, type the following in an elevated command prompt and hit Enter:
bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOn
This will enable back Data Execution Prevention.
See this if you receive The boot configuration data could not be opened message.
- Enable or Disable Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for Internet Explorer only
- Turn Off or On Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for Individual Programs.
