DEP or Data Execution Prevention is one of the most special features of Windows. It protects the memory locations of Windows. That’s why full device or memory is saved. Despite these features, it can sometimes cause problems in Windows OS. Sometimes we need to turn off the process of DEP in our device. But how to turn off DEP in Windows 10? Let’s get deep into it.

Table of Contents
What is DEP?
The full form of DEP is Data Execution Prevention. From the name, we can tell that it prevents the data execution process. It is one of the special features of Windows which is started from the Windows XP version. It works by scanning all the non-executable memory locations. When it finds some problems, it prevents all the applications to execute the codes in memory. Basically, we can say that it is a set of hardware and software that always checks memory to prevent any abnormal code to run in the system.
When do we need to turn off DEP?
Though DEP is a very useful feature of Windows, it creates problems in our work. Sometimes DEP prevents good programs to execute properly. They also close the whole program and all your work can be ruined. For that reason, you should sometimes turn off DEP on your PC.
How can I know if I should turn off DEP?
If you want to know whether you should turn off DEP or not, you have to troubleshoot your PC. In that case, you can see some errors related to the attempted execution of non-execute memory and violation of status access.
Method to turn off DEP
You can stop DEP for a particular program or also for the entire device. Two methods are described in this section.
1. Method to turn off DEP for specific program
- At first you have to Data Execution Window in your device. You can click on Start which is left side bottom of the display.
- Then in search box you have to type control panel and Select Control Panel option.

- After that you can select System and Security from the new screen.

- Then you can select System.

- In System there is an option called Advanced system settings.

- After that, the screen of System Properties will appear.
- Then you have to select Advanced and click on the upper Settings.

- You can click on Turn on DEP for all programs except those that I select the option which Data prevention tab
- You can tap on Add button that can help you to go to the location of the all programs.
- You can select the programs that you want to turn the DEP off for.
- Then you can click on Open.
- After that, you can select the programs.
- Lastly, you can tap on Apply option.
- These programs you selected will be excluded from DEP.
- You can restart the PC then.
2. Method to turn off DEP for the whole system
- At first you have to press Windows + R on the keyboard.
- Then a pop up screen will be appeared. You have to type cmd in this.

- You can press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on your keyboard. That will open the Command Prompt Windows 10

- In command window you have to Type a command line. The command line is “BCDEDIT /SET {CURRENT} NX ALWAYSOFF”.
- Then you can press Enter.
- At last, you have to restart your device. That’s how you can turn off DEP from the whole system of the device.
Conclusion
DEP is one of the special features of Windows 10. It works as a protective shield for the entire device. So it is not safe to turn off DEP from the entire device and all programs. But sometimes we need to do this. You should do this with the proper method. This article covers the method easily. You can choose one of the methods according to your need to turn off DEP in Windows 10.