How to Enable or Disable Data Execution Prevention

Use the CMD or Control Panel to enable data execution prevention

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

The Windows OS is user-friendly, though it comprises various features for advanced and professional users. The Data Execution Prevention (DEP) feature in Windows versions from XP Service Pack 2 to Windows 11 is one of them.

However, different people have been concerned about knowing what the data execution prevention feature is and whether to turn it on or off. Therefore, we will discuss DEP and how to enable or disable Data Execution Prevention on Windows PCs.

What is data execution prevention?

Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a built-in security feature in Windows designed to protect your PC against malicious code execution. It divides your computer memory into two categories: executable and non-executable. Therefore, restricting specific memory areas from being executed as code.

The key features of DEP are:

Having discussed DEP and its key features, we will walk you through explicit steps to turn it on or off.

How do I enable data execution prevention?

1. Use Command Prompt

Check our detailed guide on howCMD is not workingin Windows 11.

2. Via Windows Settings

Note that the Data Execution Prevention will to DEP Default (ON) on your PC. You can read our complete guide about ways to fixWindows Settings not openingon your computer.

3. Use the Control Panel

The above steps allow you to turn on and off the Data Execution Prevention feature.

We have a detailed guide onwhat Control Panel isand how to use it on your computer. You may also check out our article on resolvingStandard Hardware Security not supportedon Windows 11.

Should you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.

How to Enable or Disable Data Execution Prevention#

What is data execution prevention?#

How do I enable data execution prevention?#

1. Use Command Prompt#

2. Via Windows Settings#

3. Use the Control Panel#