How to Turn off DEP in Windows 10 | Easy Methods

One morning you woke up and find out that some of your old software is not working properly. To find out what is creating the issue, you navigate into Event viewer and find out the Event ID 1000 DEP error. This means a particular program is conflicting with DEP or Data Execution Prevention. 

Basically, it happens when you are using 32-bit old software on your Windows OS. When this software misuses the allocated memory on the computer, that time DEP shut them down.

Undoubtedly, it’s a great feature of Windows but when you are willing to run an old 32-bit program you will need to turn it off. Turning off DEP is a very easy task to do. If you have no idea about how you can do it, then go through this entire article and find out how you can do that.

What is DEP?

The full form of DEP is Data Execution Prevention. Basically, it prevents malware from running in your computer’s memory or you can say it provides your system with an extra layer of security. 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 to Disable Data Execution Prevention (DEP) on Windows

You can stop DEP for a particular program or also for the entire device. Two methods are described in this section.

Method 1: Disable DEP for a Particular Program by Using Control Panel

If you are willing to disable DEP for a specific program, then you will be able to do it by using control panel. To do so, follow the steps below.

• Step 1: Press Windows + S button and the search option will appear.
• Step 2: Then in search box you have to type control panel and click on Control Panel option.

•  Step 3: After that click on System and Security from the new screen.

•  Step 4: Then click on System.

• Step 5: Now, look for Advanced system settings. Now, click on it.

• Step 6: After that, the screen of System Properties will appear.
• Step 7: Then click on Advanced tab and click on the Settings in the Performance box.

• Step 8: Then go to Data Execution Prevention tab and click on Turn on DEP for all programs except those that I select the option.
• Step 9: Now, click tap on Add button that you to the location of the all programs.
• Step 10: Now, select the programs that you want to turn the DEP off for.
• Step 11: Then you can click on Open.
• Step 12: After that, you can select the programs for which you want to turn off DEP.
• Step 13: Lastly, tap on Apply option.
• Step 14: These programs you selected will be excluded from DEP.
• Step 15: Now, restart the PC.

Method 2: Disable DEP for Whole System Using Command Prompt

•  Step 1: At first you have to  press Windows + R on the keyboard.
• Step 2: Then a pop up screen will be appeared. You have to type cmd in this.

•  Step 3: Now press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on your keyboard to run Command prompt as administrative.

• 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.

Bonus Tip: While disabling DEP for the entire system then if you encounter with an error named The Value is protected by Secure Boot Policy and cannot be modified or deleted then you will need to disable Secure Boot from your BIOS/UEFI. Disable it and follow the aforementioned method to turn off DEP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I disable DEP in BIOS?

No, you can’t. You will need to do it from the control panel or Command prompt.

Is it okay to disable DEP?

No. Turning off DEP may affect your Windows protection. According to the experts, it’s better not to disable DEP on your Windows.

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.